Overview
Chokaku-ji is a temple of the Tofuku-ji school of the Rinzai Zen sect, located in Shinichi, Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture. Its mountain name is Fukuden-zan, and its principal image is a standing statue of Amida Nyorai (Amitabha Buddha). Its founding priest is said to be the great monk Tetsugyu-in, and its lay founder was Lord Kuwamura Jibu-no-shoyu Toshinao. This old temple holds the quiet befitting Zen, offering a place to touch the traces of history and faith that remain in the town of Saijo.
Highlights
- ●The serene bearing unique to a Zen temple of the Rinzai Tofuku-ji school
- ●A place of faith bearing the mountain name Fukuden-zan, with a standing Amida Nyorai as its principal image
- ●Traces of history tied to the founding priest Tetsugyu-in and lay founder Lord Kuwamura Toshinao
- ●The charm of an old temple alive in Saijo, a city of fine spring water
History
Chokaku-ji belongs to the Tofuku-ji school of the Rinzai sect and bears the mountain name Fukuden-zan. Its founding priest is said to be the great monk Tetsugyu-in, who passed away in the second year of the Kanno era, a high-ranking monk bearing the name Tetsugyu. Its lay founder was Lord Kuwamura Jibu-no-shoyu Toshinao, who died in the 13th year of the Tensho era, with the posthumous Buddhist name Chokaku-ji-dono Tsuan Komyo Daikoji. The founder bearing a warrior's name in his posthumous title suggests the temple was established in deep connection with a powerful local figure. For its detailed history, please check official sources.
Access
The temple is located in Shinichi, Saijo City, near 33.93 degrees north and 133.06 degrees east. It is reached from central Saijo, with Iyo-Saijo Station on the JR Yosan Line as the nearest rail hub. Set in the town of Saijo spreading at the foot of Mount Ishizuchi, it lies in a land also known for its springs of fine water. As visiting conditions and viewing details may change, please check official information before your visit.
Best season
The quiet of a Zen temple has its own charm in every season, but the fresh greenery from spring to early summer and the autumn colors are especially beautiful times. Saijo is also a city of water famed for the spring water known as uchinuki, and within precincts wrapped in pure water and greenery, you can quietly sense the turning of the seasons.
Map
33.9365, 133.0603 · Wikidata
Suggested itinerary
- 1Head toward the Shinichi area from central Saijo, such as Iyo-Saijo Station
- 2Visit Chokaku-ji to pay respects to the standing Amida Nyorai and the Zen temple's quiet
- 3Reflect on the mountain name Fukuden-zan and the temple's history within the precincts
- 4Combine it with Saijo's famous spring-water spots and the scenery at the foot of Mount Ishizuchi
Did you know?
💡 That the principal image of Amida Nyorai is a standing statue is striking, as many principal images are seated. The fact that the posthumous name of the lay founder, Kuwamura Toshinao, directly gives the temple its Chokaku-ji-dono title also evokes the history the temple has walked alongside its founder.
Nearby spots
Traveler reviews0
No reviews yet. Be the first to share!