Admission
- Adult (18+)Free
Taito, Tokyo Prefecture
At a Glance
Master carpenter Gorokichi of Matsuyama walked daily from Onotomo to Hinoichicho for 100 days to complete the gate in the late 1700s, showcasing the legendary dedication of Kesen craftsmen.
The temple secretly sheltered Takano Chōei, an Edo-period scholar fleeing persecution for criticizing the shogunate, making it a haven for political dissidents.
The magnificent two-story mountain gate nearly caused the temple's destruction when it angered feudal lord Date Masamune with its grandeur, only being spared when construction was halted mid-project.
When officials came to investigate if the gate used forbidden keyaki wood, monk Shūtei-bō endured 100 bamboo strikes while insisting 'It's not keyaki, it's tsuki wood!' to save the temple from punishment.
The divine spirits venerated at this sacred place
Peaceful
Nippori Station
日暮里駅Sendagi Station
千駄木駅Nishi-Nippori Station
西日暮里駅Sacred journeys this temple belongs to
Fascinating facts about this place
Master carpenter Gorokichi of Matsuyama walked daily from Onotomo to Hinoichicho for 100 days to complete the gate in the late 1700s, showcasing the legendary dedication of Kesen craftsmen.
The temple secretly sheltered Takano Chōei, an Edo-period scholar fleeing persecution for criticizing the shogunate, making it a haven for political dissidents.
The magnificent two-story mountain gate nearly caused the temple's destruction when it angered feudal lord Date Masamune with its grandeur, only being spared when construction was halted mid-project.
