Takaokayama Zuiryu-ji Temple located in Takaoka in the Toyama Prefecture is known for its beautiful Zen Buddhist style temple layout. There are lots of must see things only in the Toyama Prefecture, such as the designated national treasures and important national treasures. Here in this article, we will introduce the highlights of Takaokayama Zuiryuji Temple.
What is Takaokayama Zuiryuji Temple?
The temple was built over the course of about 20 years by Toshitsune Maeda, the third-generation feudal lord, as a memorial for Tomonaga Maeda. The temple was created in the image of medieval Chinese temple building. It was a magnificent temple that displayed the financial power of Kaga domain. It is regarded highly as a Zen Buddhist temple architecture in the early Edo period.
The Butsuden (Buddhist hall), Hatto (lecture hall) , and the temple building have been designated as national treasures while the San-mon (main gate), meditation hall, tea hall, tall corridor and the main corridor are designated as important cultural properties. Here are the highlights of the temple.
The Beautiful Temple Layout
The San-mon (main gate), the temple building, Butsuden (Buddhist hall) and Hatto (lecture hall) are laid out in a straight line in the temple that was based on the Chinese temple building that came to Japan during the Kamakura period. The Zendō (the meditation hall, used for Zen study) and the large kitchen are parallel to each other and all of the rooms are linked together by a corridor. As a Zen Buddhist style layout, it is magnificent.
Another Highlight: The Hatto (lecture hall)
Completed the in the Meireki era (1655-1657). It is the largest building in the temple grounds and is made of Japanese cypress. Look closely at the flowers drawn by Yasunobu Kano on the ceiling of the two central rooms out of the six rooms. In addition, the pressed gold leaf on the fusuma doors and walls of the inner sanctum are extremely valuable.
The Temple Building of Zuiryu-ji Temple
The temple was constructed in 1645, but was later destroyed in a fire and reconstructed in 1820. It was designed using Japanese mathematics, the eaves curve out deeply, and it can be said to be a male Zen Buddhist temple. There are Kongo Rikishi statues on either side of the gate.
The Butsuden (Buddhist hall), the Must-visit spot in Zuiryu-ji Temple
When you pass through the national treasure temple building, you will see the Butsuden (Buddhist hall) in the centre of the great temple. The roof is tiled with lead plates, which is also rare in Japan. The hall is magnificent, with its parallel pillars and elegantly curved rainbow-shaped tie beams. The three statues of Buddha, Gautama, Manjushiri and Samantabhadra, that came from China are enshrined here.
To Join the Light Up Event held at Zuiryu-ji Temple
There will be light up events at night in April and August. In April, there are not only illuminations, but also sound effects with lighting of various colours such as red, blue, green and purple that flash in time to the music. During this period, “Flavors of Etchu Market", where many stores from inside and outside the prefecture gather is held.
About Temple
- Year of construction: Year 1663 (Kanbun 3)
- Main enshrined deity: Shakanyorai (Buddha)
- Festivals: Setsubun Festival/ February 3, Toshinaga Memorial, Candlelit Noh, Commemorative Cultural Lecture / May 20, Toshinaga Public Grave Festival (in front of the grave) / September 13, etc.
Spot Information
- Spot name: Takaoka-san Zuiryuji Temple (高岡山瑞龍寺)
- Street Address: 35 Sekimotocho, Takaoka, Toyama 933-0863
- Access: About 10 minutes on foot from JR Takaoka Station
- Wi-Fi: Within 10 meters range from reception can be connected for free
- Language: The official website is available in English, Korean, Simplified Chinese and Russian. Local brochures are available in English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean, Russian
- Ticket: 500 yen
- Holidays: Open year round
- Admission time: 9: 00-16: 30 (last entry is 16:00), December 10 to January 31 is until 16:00 (last entry is 15:30)
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