The statue was built by Buddhist sculptor, Kaikei, in the Kamakura period (1203).
Having the Monju Bosatsu riding on a lion on the center, four assistants are around: the image of Yuimakoji (Saisho Rojin) and Shubodai (Butsudabari Sanzo) are on the left, and Uten-o holding the lion's reins on the right, and Zenzai Doji who is leading the group.
They are on a journey across the sea of clouds, preaching to dispel demons and bestow wisdom.
All five statues have been designated as National Treasures.
The statues are deeply worshipped for prayers for wisdom, protection from evil, and protection from misfortune.

Monju Bosatsu (Manjusri) is seated on a lion, holding in his left hand a lotus flower symbolizing compassion and love, and in his right hand a sword with the mysterious power.
According to an inscription inside the body of Monju Bosatsu, it has been revealed that the statue was produced by the great Buddhist sculptor, Kaikei, in 1203.
The carved wooden statue of Monju Bosatsu on the lion in extreme colors is approximately 7 meters high, making it the largest in Japan.

Zenzai Doji / National Treasure

Zenzai Doji is a pure and innocent child who stands to the right of Monju Bosatsu.
He appears in the "Inclusion of the Buddha Realm" chapter of the Avatamsaka Sutra.
He is known for traveling to 53 wise teachers to receive Monju Bosatsu’s teachings and achieve enlightenment.
In the group of Tokai Monju statues, he leads the group and faces forward, but he was said to have been called back by Monju Bosatsu and seen looking back at him in the original form.

The Kinkaku Ukimi-do or Reihokan is the place which enshrines Benzaiten (Yamato Seven Deities of Good Luck), statues of Abe Nakamaro and Abe Seimei, treasures related to Onmyodo (Way of Yin and Yang).
On the six walls inside the hall are displayed the scrolls depicting the Twelve Deities of Heaven (Muromachi period).
The Twelve Deities are the guardian deities of the four directions (east, west, south, and north), the eight directions of the four corners (northeast, southeast, northwest, and southwest), heaven and earth, the sun and moon.
The scrolls are open to the public during the special opening period in each season.

Statue of Benzaiten / Muromachi Period / Yamato Seven Deities of Good Luck

This is a Buddha who drives away misfortune and brings much good fortune.
It is the Benzaiten of the Yamato Seven Deities of Good Luck.
This figure of Benzaiten is called Happi Benten, as it has eight arms and is accompanied by fifteen children as Confucian priests, which is a traditional Shingon esoteric Buddhism figure.

Statue of Abe Nakamaro / Muromachi Period

Abe Nakamaro was a Japanese bureaucrat of the Nara period who is said to have been born at this temple.
He traveled to China as an envoy to the Tang Dynasty and served under the Emperor Xuanzong after passing the extremely difficult imperial examination.
It is said that Nakamaro's residence was located next to the present site of Abe Temple, and a seated statue of Abe Nakamaro, which has been enshrined since the Muromachi period, is now enshrined in the Kinkaku Ukimi-do Hall.

Statue of Abe Seimei / Muromachi Period

Abe Seimei was a Yin-Yang master who is said to have been born at this temple and made astronomical observations.
He is also known as the founder of Onmyo-do (Way of Yin-Yang).
Abe Monjuin Temple is one of the sacred places of worship of Abe Seimei as it serves as his family temple.
A statue of Abe Seimei has been enshrined as the main deity of Seimei Shrine since ancient times, and is currently enshrined in the Kinkaku Ukimi-do Hall.

Hakusan-do Hall / Muromachi Period

The architecture style is called a Nagare-zukuri which has shingled roof with a beautifully curved Kara-hafu (Chinese gable), and is designated as an Important Cultural Property.
The guardian deity of the temple enshrined here is Kukuri-hime-no Kami, the same deity as Shirayama-hime-no Kami which is enshrined at Hakusan Shrines throughout Japan.
A sub-shrine of Hakusan Shrine was constructed in the temple ground because Hakusan worship and the Yin-Yang have been deeply connected since ancient times.
According to the Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan), Kikuri-hime-no Kami is the deity who brought Izanagi-no Mikoto and Izanami-no Mikoto together.
Since her name, "kukuri" has a same sound with the word meaning "tying up," the deity has long been worshipped as the deity of good matchmaking.
Visit the hall and pray for the fulfillment of a good meeting with people that brings people together.

At Abe Seimei-do Hall, visitors can receive blessings for protection against evil directions.
It is said that Abe Seimei ascended this hill to practice astronomic observation at that time.
From the observatory, visitors can enjoy the changing seasons and a panoramic view of the three mountains of Nara (Mt. Unebi, Mt. Miminashi, and Mt. Amanokaguyama), the Fujiwara Palace Ruins, Mt. Nijo and Mt. Kongo.
In spring and autumn, the sun set view over Mt. Nijo is superb.

The West Tumulus (Nishi Kofun) was built in the Asuka Period.
It is designated as a "Special Historic Site," which is particularly important among the nationally designated historic sites.
There are only a few tumulus in Japan that have been designated as Special Historic Sites, and there are two such tumulus in the precincts of the temple along with the Ishibutai Tumulus, Kitora Tumulus and Takamatsuzuka Tumulus in the Asuka area.
The interior of the West Tumulus is preserved as it was originally made in 645.
High-quality granites are used and the masonry is symmetrical.
The ceiling rock of the chamber is a single piece of stone, 15 square meters in size, with the central part cut into an arch shape.
The interior of the burial mound has a reputation for being the most beautifully crafted in Japan.
Today, the deity which is said to have been made by Kobo Daishi is enshrined at this tumulus.
However, the tumulus is said to have originally made to be the grave of Abe Kurahashinomaro, who founded the temple and became the first Minister of the Left in 645.

About 500 Somei Yoshino cherry trees adorn the precincts of the temple in spring.
The area around Monju Pond, where the Kinkaku Ukimido Hall stands, is filled with cherry blossoms.
The reflection of the blossoms on the surface of the pond is truly a magnificent view.
Best time to visit: Late March to mid-April