Close to Kobe in Takarazuka City, Nakayama-dera (中山寺) is a well-known plum blossom spot in the region. The temple has long been known for granting child-related prayers, including safe delivery. So, it was worshipped and supported by the imperial family and power samurais, such as Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Escalators and elevators are in the temple, making it easy for expected mothers and wheelchair users.
Table of Contents
- About Nakayama-dera
- Praying for Safe Delivery at Nakayama-dera
- Gohyaku Rakan-dō (五百羅漢堂)
- The Pagodas at Nakayama-dera
- The Plum Blossoms and Other Flowers at Nakayama-dera
- Yamanaka-dera’s Opening Hours and Access Information
About Nakayama-dera
Nakayama-dera was established in 604 by Prince Shōtoku (聖徳太子) as Japan’s first temple venerates the Kannon Bodhisattva. It is now the 24th temple in the 33 Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage. The main image of the temple is an eleven-faced Kannon statue. In addition, there are two more eleven-faced Kannon statues on his side, making the three statues 33-faced. Why would the temple enshrine three eleven-faced Kannon statues? Because together, they symbolize the Kannon Bodhisattva at each of the 33 temples in the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage!
Tip: If you want to see the main image, visit Nakayama-dera on the 18th of the month.
The main worship hall was restored by Toyotomi Hideyori (Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s son) in 1603. Thus, the paintings on the walls and pillars and the carvings in the worship hall are splendid, reflecting the period’s architectural style.
The magnificent Sanmon Gate (山門) was restored in 1646 by Tokugawa Iemitsu (徳川家光), Tokugawa Ieyasu’s grandson.
You will notice many stroll sandals tied to the gate in front of the Nio Statues (仁王像). Because the Nio statues symbolize strength and health, the pilgrims would pray to him for his blessing for good health and a pair of healthy leg
Praying for Safe Delivery at Nakayama-dera
Nakayama-dera is a highly regarded temple where mothers pray for safe delivery and child-related matters. After the famous samurai, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, prayed for a son here, his lifetime wish was finally granted. The temple was also where Emperor Meiji’s mother prayed for safe delivery.
So, if you are an expected mother, you can apply to join a Special Safe Delivery Ritual (安産特別祈祷) at Nakayama-dera. Refer to HERE and translate it to English using your browser’s translation function for the timeslots available for the ritual. If interested, please apply at the main worship hall on the day. Below are more details about the ritual.
- The cost is 20,000 yen.
- Application of the Special Safe Delivery Ritual at Nakayama-dera is between 9 am and 3:30 pm.
- You and your family will be invited into the worship hall when the ritual is going to start.
- Talismans and a belly belt will be handed to you after the ritual.
- After the ritual, a talisman with the expected mother’s name written on it is placed in the worship hall. Nakayama-dera’s monks will pray on behalf of the expected mother for 10 days before mailing the talisman out to you.
- Note that you will need a Japanese address. If you don’t have it, check with the staff to see if they can mail it overseas at extra costs.
After you have safely delivered the child, remember to bring the talismans back to Nakayama-dera and pray to the Kannon Bodhisattva for your child’s health.
The Safe Delivery Ritual (安産祈祷), which costs 8,000 yen, is a cheaper option that you can apply for. However, you won’t be able to participate in the praying on the day.
The Dog’s Day (戌の日) and the Belly Belt
In Japan, dogs are the guardians of safe delivery. So, Dog’s Day has been regarded as the best day to start wearing a belly belt. The day comes once every 12 days. You can find the Dog’s Day Calendar on the temple’s website.
It is best to do the safe delivery ritual during the second trimester. On the first Dog Day of the 5th month of pregnancy, you can wear the belly band around and pray for a safe delivery.
Gohyaku Rakan-dō (五百羅漢堂)
Another spot to check out at Nakayama-dera is the Gohyaku Rakan-dō. The worship hall was renovated in 1997 as a part of the celebration of the temple’s 1,400th anniversary. Over 700 arhat statues surround the Gautama Buddha in the middle of the worship hall. As each arhat looks different, the Japanese waka poem mentioned the worship hall as a place where you can see the faces of your parents and siblings.
In addition, the facial expressions of the statues all differ. Checking out these statues can be fun!
The Pagodas at Nakayama-dera
There are two pagodas at Nakayama-dera. One is called Taigan-tō (大願塔). Both are illuminated after sunset. The pagoda with the red roof is the symbol of the temple. It was renovated in 2007. The Myōon-den (妙音殿) in the basement is a worship area dedicated to those who have passed away. The atmosphere created by the lighting and the tablets is somewhat fantastical.
The five-story pagoda was rebuilt in 2016 on the other side of the temple. It has a height of 28 meters. The pagoda’s blue color is derived from the mythical creature, Azure Dragon (青龍). The color represents wisdom in Buddhism, and the pagoda named after the dragon symbolizes that Buddhism is protected by the Azure Dragon that endowed with wisdom.
The Plum Blossoms and Other Flowers at Nakayama-dera
The plum blossom season at Nakayama Kannon Park (中山観音公園) usually peaks between late February and mid-March.
- You can see the plums’ condition via the Live Camera.
- Refer to HERE for a plum blossom calendar for prior years.
On the first Sunday in March, a Plum Festival (梅まつり) is held. It isn’t just a festival to adore the flowers. The monks also perform a ritual.
- In 2024, Nakayama-dera’s Plum Festival was held on the 3rd of March.
- The plum wine (紫雲) and plum syrup (みやすうめ) were sold on the day. The products were made using the plums harvested from the plum grove.
Besides the plum blossoms, you will also find cherry blossoms, azaleas, wisterias, hydrangeas, and lotuses (in July) from spring to summer. The fall foliage at the rear temple in autumn, Oku no In (奥之院), is amazing.
Note that it takes an hour to hike to Oku no In (including breaks). The promenade to the rear temple is next to the plum grove.
Yamanaka-dera’s Opening Hours and Access Information
- Yamanaka-dera’s office is open from 9 am to 5 pm.
- The temple is a 2-minute walk from Hankyu’s Nakayama-Kannon Station (阪急中山観音駅).
