Suma Temple

Suma Temple

Suma Temple is a Shingon sect temple that was established in 886. Its official name is Joyasan Sumadera, but local people affectionately call it "Mr. Suma's Daishi".
It is close to the site of the Ichinotani Battle between the Minamoto clan and the Taira clan in 1184. Within the temple premise is a pine tree on which Minamoto no Yoshitsune, the Minamoto clan commander, is said to have sat, and the burial mound of the head of Taira no Atsumori, a nephew of Taira no Kiyomori.
The treasure hall exhibits the Aoba flute, which is said to have belonged to Atsumori, a handsome young man who excelled in playing flutes.
In addition, visitors will find poem monuments of haiku poets Matsuo Basho, Yosa Buson, and Shiki Matsuoka to have a walk of literature.
The Koishi Doll House displays Koishi dolls created from natural stones of Suma coast. Some of the dolls are powered by electricity and move.
The temple is known for its cherry blossoms and crimson leaves, and visitors can enjoy changes of four seasons.