Sengendo Temple Site
The Sengendo Temple site, on the north ridge of Yashima, is believed to be where the Chinese Buddhist monk Jianzhen (Ganjin in Japanese; 688–763) established the predecessor of Yashimaji Temple in 754. The temple was moved to its current location on the south side of the plateau by the priest Kukai (774–835), who also converted it to a temple of the Shingon school of Buddhism.
An archaeological dig at the Sengendo Temple site in 2000 revealed the remains of foundation stones typically used as a base for pillars when building temples. Three decorative earthenware jars with multiple spouts of the kind used at Buddhist altars were also found, providing more evidence that this was once a sacred site. Archaeologists believe the foundation stones are those of a Buddhist hall. Stone ruins on the west side of the site are believed to be graves constructed in the thirteenth century.
Close to the Sengendo Temple site is Sengendo Square, a green space with restrooms and a gazebo.
