Chinkoku-ji (鎮国寺) Temple, Munakata

Next we were visiting to Chinkoku-ji, a Shingon temple located immediately close to the east of Munakata-taisha Grand Shrine, on the top of the small hill across the Tsurikawa (釣川) River.  It's a beautiful temple with many flowers such as the early flowering plum at the beginning of the year, spring cherry blossoms (sakura), azaleas, autumn leaves etc.

According to legend, it was founded by Kūkai, who went to China in 804 and 805, mastered Shingon Buddhism, and returned to Japan in 806. After he returned to Japan, he visited to the Munakata-taisha Grand Shrine first. Then he saw hanging happy signs clouds in the neighboring mountain, Byobu-yama (屏風山) when he began his training for prayer and austerities in the cave of inner temple. He listened to the revelation of this is a holy site what should be serving the foundation dojo of keeping the public society of nation in Buddhism. He was erected the Shingon temple and it named as Chinkoku-ji.

The Gomado (護摩洞) hall of Honden or the main shrine. It has been enshrined the standing Acala statue which is designated as the important cultural properties of Japan. It's said to be introduced by Kukai's work. 

Gobudo (五仏堂) or the five Buddhists hall. It has been enshrined the five Buddha images which is the original form of Munakata-daimyojin (宗像大明神) Shinto deities.