Matsuo-dera temple

It is unknown when it was built, however, old roof tiles in Hakuho period (late 7th century) were excavated in the old precinct. According to History of Matsuo-dera temple, En no Gyoja carved the statue of Nyoirin Kannon( the Bodhisttva of Compassion) and enclosed it in the temple while in training. After that in Nara period Taicho Daishi was said to prepare halls and restore this temple. This temple had been flourishing as the prayer room for the administrators each period, through the Kamakura, the southern court, and the Muromachi Shogunate however, the whole mountain was destructed by Oda Nobunaga’s Army in 1581. In 1602 the main hall was reflourished by Toyotomi Hideyori. The main hall was designated as prefectural cultural property.

The precinct designated as a prefectural historical ruin is surrounded by rich flowers and trees.

There are a lot of cultural properties, such as Kujaku-kyo mandara, the oldest image of the En no Gyoja pilgrimage and the oldest portraits of Singon Hasso, eight founders of Shingon Sect, in Osaka.

Bayberries in the precinct and the camphor tree by the Matsuo-dera bus stop have been designated as prefectural natural treasures. The camphor tree is more than 700 years old and the largest tree with 38m in height in Izumi City Cultural Asset Activation Promotion Committee.