Established in 717 AD and as the head temple of the Shingon Sector of Buddhism, the Natadera Temple is an expansive temple with hundreds of years old trees, historic buildings designated as Important Cultural Property of Ishikawa Prefecture, and magnificent scenery. Mountains, rivers, waterfall, and other nature were considered indispensable in the lives of ancient people, and were respected and worshipped — nature itself was considered a god. For over a thousand years, the ancient cedar trees, plants, and the rock formation at Natadera Temple has made it a sacred place to pray to deities. In the old days, people also believed in reincarnation. The caves at Natadera Temple were considered wombs of mothers and places of Umarekiyomaru, the cycle of death, purification, and rebirth. That is also part of the experience when you visit the temple. Natadera Temple was also destroyed after experiencing 3 wars. In 1640, the third lord of the Kaga Domain rebuilt the temple. Seven of its buildings have been designated as important cultural properties, and two locations as places of scenic beauty. The temple has…