Daijuji Temple
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).
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.
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. (
top)
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.
Tokugawa Iemitsu also built the impressive Sanmon Gate and the Bell tower in
1641.
How to get there:
Meitetsu Daijuji bus. 8 min. walk from the Daijuji bus stop
(tel.
21-3917). 10 minutes by car or taxi from Higashi Okazaki train station
along route 248. About 25min by bicycle from Higashi Okazaki station north along
Route 248. At the crossroads with the 5m gorilla on the roof (impossible to
miss) turn right. It's indicated.
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