 Designated Important Cultural Property
 Asuka Period
 Worship for Safe Birth, Prince Shotoku
| The Nakayama-dera Temple, also called "Shiunsan," is the headquarters of the Nakayama-dera school, Shingon sect of Buddhism, and it is known as the 24th of the 33 sacred places dedicated to the Kannon in the western Japan.
It is believed that this temple was erected by Prince Shotoku (574-622), the great historical leader and devote Buddhist of ancient Japan. It used to be in the mountains north of the present location. It was burnt down during civil wars. However, the temple buildings were reconstructed at the present location by Katagiri Katsumoto as ordered by Toyotomi Hideyori.
In the main building, there is a main image of the eleven-faced Kannon, which was designated a National Important Cultural Property, with two other images of the eleven-faced Kannon on either side. It is said that if you worship these images, it means you have done the same act of virtue as making a pilgrimage to the 33 sacred places dedicated to the Kannon in western Japan. The main Kannon image is said to have been copied from "Shoman," an Indian lady. The Kannon is believed to be a Buddhist saint who can save women from sufferings. Many pregnant women visit here to ask for safe birth.
It is said that on August 9th of each year all the Kannons from the 33 sacred places come down to the Nakayama-dera Temple, flying on the stars. This is the day of the "Hoshi-Kudari Matsuri," or "Descending Stars' Festival," when there is a ritual dancing by men and many people come along. This temple is also known for its beautiful ume (Japanese apricot) orchard and ritual events for the Setsubun day (February 3rd), the day before the calendric beginning of spring. There are a number of cultural properties in the treasure house here.
 Tourist Information
Source: The Takarazuka municipal government
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Historic Cultural Resources Map
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