Located at the point where the three prefectures of Osaka, Nara, and Wakayama converge, this ancient temple is believed to have been founded in the year 701 by legendary mystic En no Gyoja. It was later restored in 815 by the monk Kukai (posthumously known as the bodhisattva Kobo Daishi). It was known as "Reishinji Temple" at the time of its founding, only to be renamed Kanshinji for the principal object of worship enshrined upon its restoration: a statue of the bodhisattva Kannon sculpted by Kukai. This statue is a national treasure, and is only viewable by the public for two days each year on April 17th and 18th. Dotted with interconnecting groves of trees, the temple grounds are also home to the graves of disciples of Kobo Daishi, the 97th emperor of Japan, Kusunoki Masashige, and other prominent figures. The temple is also renowned as a beautiful location for cherry blossom, plum blossom, and autumn foliage viewing, and is one of the 25 floral holy sites of the Kansai region. It is the 13th holy site on the new Western Japan pilgrimage and the ancient Buddhist tower pilgrimage.