Saihō-ji is a Buddhist temple in the middle of the townscape preservation district of Takehara. In a gap between the rows of buildings, a flight of stone steps goes steeply up to a stone platform reminiscent of a castle, topped by the temple gate. Above this stands an eye-catching vermilion building, the Fumeikaku, said to have been built in imitation of the stage of Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyōto. From here there’s a great view over Takehara. As you head up the steps to the Fumeikaku, there’s a small cave-like niche to the left containing a statue of someone who may be En no Gyōja.

Saihō-ji was originally located lower in the town and was relocated here. The Fumeikaku was built later in 1758 to house a statue of an eleven-faced Kannon, which was the principal image of another temple that burned down.