The Birthplace of Aizu Buddhist Culture, Rooted in the Faith of Mount Bandai:
The “Enichiji” Temple Complex and the Okinashima Rock Avalanche Terrain
Along the railway line, 300 to 400 meters south of JR Bandai Station, scattered weathered andesite volcanic rock blocks can be found. These rocks were transported by the Okinashima rock avalanche, which was caused by an eruption of Mount Bandai.
This area is home to Enichiji Temple, which was founded in the early Heian period by the Buddhist monk Tokuitsu. Through the introduction of various cultural and religious artifacts, it laid the foundation for Aizu’s Buddhist culture.
Additionally, the Shugendō (mountain asceticism) routes of Mount Bandai originated from Enichiji Temple. There were two main paths: the eastern route passing through Sarashina Fudō Falls and the western route passing through Nekoma-gatake. A model of these pilgrimage routes is exhibited at the Mount Bandai Enichiji Museum.