Kiyamadera Temple

This temple is located on top of a mountain at an altitude of 430m, and the old cedar oak tree has a dense and quiet precinct that creates an emotional atmosphere. Kiyama-dera Temple was founded in the distant early winter of 815. When Kōso Kobo Daishi visited Mimasaka, an old man dressed as a woodcutter led him to this sacred mountain and explained that it was a suitable place to build a Buddhist temple. This old man was a temporary appearance of the principal image of Yakushi Nyorai, and Daishi was very pleased with this mysterious connection and built a temple here. It is said that this is the beginning of Kiyama-dera Temple. The entire surrounding area has been designated as a local nature conservation area, and is a sacred mountain with a beautiful natural environment.