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Temples & Shrines

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This temple is the oldest in Kyoto and known for its masterpiece, the Miroku-Bosatsu, the Buddha who is said to come to save those who have not yet attained enlightenment.

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"This temple is the oldest in Kyoto and known for its masterpiece, the Miroku-Bosatsu, the Buddha who is said to come to save those who have not yet attained enlightenment. This image is the first registered national treasure and said to be the oldest and most beautiful image in Japan. In 603 Hatano Kawakatsu was given the Buddhist image by Emperor Yomei's son, Prince Shotoku-Taishi, Kawakatsu built this temple enshrining the Miroku Bosatsu as its principal image. Ushi Matsuri (""Ox Festival"") is held on October 10. Continuing since the Heian era, it is one of Kyoto's humorous and unusual festivals. A masked divinity mounted on a black ox is escorted around the temple grounds by four kings with torches. The festival is to ensuea plentiful harvest and ward off evil spirits."