Hidaka

Hidaka lies on the western side of the Kii Peninsula, where the Hidaka River reaches the sea. The temple of Dōjōji is famous for the tale of the monk Anchin and Kiyohime. In the story, Kiyohime pursues the fleeing monk, takes the form of a serpent and burns the bell beneath which he hides. The legend inspired a celebrated cycle of Noh and kabuki plays, carrying the temple's name far beyond Kii.