Bannaji Temple

Bannaji Temple was founded by Ashikaga Yoshikane in 1196. The Ashikaga clan would later rule Japan from 1336 to 1573. This is the main gate which faces South.


A moat and a dike were built around the temple to fend off enemies of the Shogun! Countless samurai and ninjas died in fierce melee along this embankment. Maybe...


The fish in the moat were pretty big.


The main temple. It was built 812 years ago.


Before approaching the temple visitors used the rope to strike the gong, then bowed and proceeded up the steps. I didn't really know what the protocol was here so I just tried to wing. My first attempt to strike the gong I failed to build up enough momentum in my swing and missed it entirely. I immediately over-compensated and on my second attempt made the beast roar! Everyone at the temple immediately starred at me, more so than usual. I'm sooo good at blending in.


This stone tablet reads, "Death to the enemies of Shogun!". Or at least thats what my guess would be.


I saw a bunny!


And some ants! Everything is smaller in Japan except bugs!


A statue between the main gate and the temple. I'm guessing it is a statue of Ashikaga Yoshiyasu, the founder of the Ashikaga clan. There was no information in English at the temple and very little on the web.

Here is a panorama taken in front of Bannaji Temple. Next time I go I will video all of the buildings and hopefully take someone who can read Japanese and explain what each one is.