Jōsen-ji Temple

Overview

Jōsen-ji is a temple of the Seizan Fukakusa branch of the Jōdo (Pure Land) sect, located in Akasaka-chō, Toyokawa, Aichi Prefecture. It bears the mountain name Gyokusei-zan and the cloister name Iō-in, and enshrines Amida Nyorai as its principal image. Standing beside the townscape of Akasaka, a former post town on the old Tōkaidō highway, it preserves the faith of the travelers who once passed this way. Its quiet grounds, keeping the teaching of the nembutsu, make a fine stop paired with a walk through the post town's history.

Highlights

• ●A Jōdo Seizan Fukakusa temple with the names Gyokusei-zan and Iō-in
• ●Amida Nyorai as principal image, teaching salvation through the nembutsu
• ●A setting beside the townscape of the old Tōkaidō post town of Akasaka
• ●Quiet grounds to enjoy together with a walk through post-town history

History

Jōsen-ji belongs to the Seizan Fukakusa branch of the Jōdo sect and has long taught the salvation of the nembutsu with Amida Nyorai as its principal image. Akasaka, where the temple stands, flourished in the pre-modern era as Akasaka-juku on the Tōkaidō, and the temple's faith grew alongside the lives of travelers and townsfolk. The mountain and cloister names Gyokusei-zan Iō-in suggest the temple's standing and lineage. For its founding and later history, it is best to consult official sources.

Map

34.8556, 137.3069 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Pass through the gate into the grounds of Gyokusei-zan
2. 2Offer a prayer before Amida Nyorai in the main hall
3. 3Walk the highway streets that once thrived as Akasaka-juku
4. 4Stroll the surroundings while tracing the history of the old Tōkaidō post town

Did you know?

💡 The principal image, Amida Nyorai, is the buddha said to lead those who chant the nembutsu to the Pure Land, and stands at the heart of Jōdo teaching. The cloister name Iō-in hints at prayer to a buddha who heals human suffering.

Nearby spots