Natadera

Natadera or Nata Temple is a Shingon Buddhist temple near Awazu Onsen and is one year older than Houshi where I'm staying. Shingon is a type of esoteric Buddhism and is said to combine Buddhist doctrine with magic. Shingon also sees Shinto deities as avatars of Buddhist deities so you see Shinto elements throughout the Temple grounds. Also their are caves which believed to purify souls before they are reborn. The main temple building is partly in a cave, the outside portion being supported by pillars. Natadera is really quite peaceful.