Dojoji temple

A legendary temple famous for its tale of love betrayed and fire breathing dragons, Dojoji is often featured in Kabuki and Bunraku plays. The story goes that a monk was unsuccessfully pursued by a princess. To escape her constant ministrations he ran away to Dojoji where he hid under a giant bell. She was so angered that she circled the bell for hours eventually turning into a fire-breathing dragon. Finally, exhausted, she left, and when they lifted the bell they found the poor monk had burned to death. A festival honoring the tale is held on April 27.

Hidaka Branch Temple

Important to the history of the city, this is a branch of Kyoto's Nishi Honganji Temple, and its establishment marked the beginnings of what is now known as Gobo. As an historical landmark, it should be on every visitor's "must" list. The temple also enjoys a perfect riverside setting that makes it particularly photogenic, as well.

Iya Shrine

A local shrine that is said to be useful for curing smallpox! This shrine's festival is held on the third weekend of October.

A small temple located in nearby Yura-cho, it is famous for its fire festival held on Aug. 15.

The giant 600 year old juniper tree, 5.6 meters in circumference and 20 meters tall is the draw of this small temple.

Shioya Oji Shrine

A very old shrine, this is particularly popular with expectant mothers because legend has it that by praying here you will be gifted with a beautiful child and have an easy delivery as well. The Shioya Oji Festival is held on the third weekend of October.

There's an interesting tale associated with this old shrine. Long ago a giant boa constrictor in the mountains here that produced havoc among the residents and animals here. This shrine was built to ward off the evil, and when its god was enshrined here, the boa left, never to be heard of again. The Oto Festival (March 10th) recreates this legend.

Tsumekaki Taishi Temple

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