O-wakudani, the Great Boiling Valley, is an area located around a crater formed 3000 years ago, at the last eruption of the Hakone Mountain.
Before 1876, the valley was known as O-jigoku - Great Hell, because of the sulfur vents and hot springs. 1000 years ago, the famous Japanese monk Kobo Daishi, the founder of the Shingon Buddhist sect, passed through this area and raised a Jizo statue, praying for the people suffering in hell…

This is how this temple was established, dedicated to Enmei Jizouson, guardian deity of longevity and child-raising.

Enmei Jizouson Temple, Owakudani, Hakone

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Yesterday’s Japan Photo: Kokeshi Dolls Collection