 |
|
|
Tourism - Daijuji Temple: (Diese Seite in Deutsch lesen)
Daijuji is one of the major historical sites of Okazaki. Founded in 1475 the temple contains many items of cultural significance and is high on the list of cultural attractions of the city. Daijuji Temple is most famous in Japanese history by its connection with Tokugawa Ieyasu (1543-1616).
Taho tower
(Click on the picture to enlarge)
Daijuji was a favored temple during the long Tokugawa rule. The temple was established by the ancestors of the Tokugawa clan, the Matsudairas. This family connection made the temple important to Tokugawa Ieyasu, but in addition to this, the temple was in fact responsible for saving Ieyasu's life. After returning to Okazaki Tokugawa Ieyasu was involved in many skirmishes with a militant Ikko sect, and with a small band of followers found himself isolated close to Daijuji Temple. Seeking refuge here, he determined to commit suicide in front of the graves of his ancestors. At this time Toyo, a priest intervened and counseled Ieyasu not to give up hope saying, from the text of a sutra: Enriedo Gongujodo. This translates to English as, "Leave the depraved land. Pursue the peaceful world." Following Toyo's advice, Ieyasu rode out of the temple and managed to safely return to the Castle.
Taho tower
(Click on the picture to enlarge)
One of the important sights on the temple grounds is the "Taho Tower". This tower was built by Ieyasu's grandfather in 1525. It consists of two different structures, one square, one circular, and is considered one of the most beautiful pagodas in the region. One interesting addition to the tower's garden is a pathway of stones set up to symbolize the path of Buddha during his life. Adjoining the tower is the Graveyard of the Matsudairas, another important place at the temple. Here you will find the tombs of the ancestors of the Tokugawas clan going back 8 generations from Ieyasu's father. These were set up by Ieyasu in 1602.
The tombs of the Tokugawa clan's ancestors
(Click on the picture to enlarge)
Another interesting sight at the temple is the screen painting by noted artist Reizei Tamechika (also called Okada Takechika, 1823-1864). Tamechika studied the ancient art of Yamato-e, a style of Japanese painting as well as Buddhist-influenced art. This type of art was important during the 12th and early 13th centuries in Japan and was inspired by Chinese T'ang paintings. Reizei Tamechika was partly responsible for a revival of the Yamato-e paintings. Many examples of Reizei Tamechika's art appear inside the temple.
The temple building
(Click on the picture to enlarge)
A sight most people would also find interesting is the hall where the "ihai" are displayed. These are memorial tablets of the generations of Tokugawa shoguns. Note the size of each tablet. The size corresponds to the height of the shogun in real life. Ieyasu's tablet is here, as well as that of another very famous shogun, Tokugawa Yoshimune (1684-1751). Yoshimune was the eighth shogun in the Tokugawa dynasty and one of Japan's greatest rulers, introducing many important reforms to the government. Most might know him from the popular television series "Abarenbo Shogun". There is also an important wooden statue of Ieyasu, carved during the reign of Tokugawa Iemitsu, Ieyasu's grandson. This statue portrays Ieyasu at the age of 73.
Tokugawa Iemitsu also built the impressive Sanmon Gate and the Bell tower in 1641. The gate enshrines three images of Buddha and wooden statues of 16 of his disciples. The calligraphy was made by Emperor Gonara (1536-57), and the gate itself is designated a cultural asset. If you look through the line of the gate from the main hall, you can see Okazaki castle in the distance, framed by the gate. Even today, the building codes of Okazaki prohibit high-rise construction that would break this viewline.
The impressive Sanmon Gate
(Click on the picture to enlarge)
How to get there:
Okazaki donjon as seen through the Sanmon gate.
(Click on the picture to enlarge)
Previous Page | Index | Search | Sitemap
