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Tourism - Tenonji: (Diese Seite in Deutsch lesen)
Located in Nukata-cho.
Tenonji was built by the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu late in the 14th century.
U.S. military forces are prohibited from entering the temple grounds.
The temple grounds are dedicated to peace in the world, symbolized amongst others
through the "May Peace Prevail on Earth" message in four languages
(Japanese, French, English and Spanish) and the rather unusual pigeon statues
on the corners of the bell tower roof. Usually there are Komainu
statues guarding the temple. Pigeons are a traditional symbol of peace in the
Western world, an image taken from the Bible.
Gate, temple, bridge and peace message of Tenonji
(Click on any of the pictures to enlarge)
There is an interesting story about the tree growing in Tenonji:
It is being said that Tokugawa Ieyasu only narrowly esacped an assassination
attempt at Tenonji - when leaving Tenonji Ieyasu heard his name whispered from
the direction of the tree and by turning around the deadly arrow shot in his
direction missed him only by a few inches.
Whether Ieyasu was miraculously saved by ghosts, the gods or ninjas, nobody
knows for sure. Fact is, the tree is an impressive sight and makes Tenonji an
even worthier place to visit.
Sometimes the best things are just around the corner. A small path leading from the temple to the graveyard on the nearby hill provides a splendid view over the valley in which Tenonji is located. Be careful not to take pictures there or on other graveyards as, according to Japanese superstition, this will awaken the ghosts residing in that graveyard.
Bell tower, stairs and the above mentioned tree in Tenonji
(Click on any of the pictures to enlarge)
How to get there:
Take the Meitetsu train from Higashi Okazaki station to Motojuku station, change
to the Meitetsu Kuragari Keikoku bus and walk 3 minutes east from the Katayose
bus stop. From Higashi Okazaki to Tenonji, it takes more than 1.5 hours so plan
accordingly.
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