Mantokuji Temple was established sometime before its first written mention in property records from 1265. It was originally named Gokurakuji, and then Shosoin. Though it was once a prayer temple for the Takeda clan, military governors of Wakasa Province, the temple fell into disrepair during the chaos of the Warring States period (1467–1568). In 1602, it was rebuilt at its current location and renamed Mantokuji. The principal object of worship, a seated statue of Amida Buddha, was carved in the Heian period (794–1185) and is a nationally designated Important Cultural Property. In the early Edo period (1603–1867), Mantokuji was often visited by the Sakai clan, lords of the Obama domain. At one point in time, it was also the area’s only kakekomidera, a temple where battered women could seek refuge and eventual divorce from their husbands.
The temple garden was created on orders from the Sakai clan and is a designated National Place of Scenic Beauty. The overlooking view of the garden from the thatched roof shoin hall is considered one of the best sights in the Wakasa region. The large, traditional Japanese garden has a white sand base and a surface area of about 3,000 square meters. The foot of the mountain on the south side of the temple serves as a “hill” in the garden, with a large natural stone placed on the top. Other stones of various shapes and sizes stand among neatly trimmed azalea bushes, with pines, camellias, and Japanese yew trees scattered throughout the space. The garden is particularly popular in the fall, when the Japanese maples on the temple grounds turn vibrant orange.
