Climb the steps, clear your mind, and enter...
This is the approach to Zui'nenji (随念寺),[1] which was a relatively important temple back in the day. The stairs leading up to it go for some way. I can't help but feel these walls on either side are to create a sense of separation from the real world, as if you are entering somewhere special. It is a similar effect to what Shinto shrines create, the only difference being Shinto shrines typically do it with nature whereas here it is done with this impressive entrance.
Zui'nenji was built in 1563 by Ieyasu.[2] It houses the remains of his great aunt, Hisako, who raised him for a time during his childhood. The temple is overlooking the old Tokaido road, the great highway during the Edo period that connected Edo (modern day Tokyo), home of the Shogun, and Kyoto, home of the Emperor.
Zui'nenji received special protection from the Tokugawa Shogunate and was used as a defensive base to guard Okazaki castle. The remnants of some of the defensive structures can still be seen here.
Overall, it's a beautiful temple. I pass by here occasionally on my way to work and always have to fight my urge to stop and admire it.
This is just another of the many many many temples in Okazaki. Outside of Kyoto, Okazaki has the most temples of any city in Japan. I'm not sure why that is---perhaps due to Ieyasu having been born here. A lot of these temples either house remains of relatives or claim some other connection with the man.
| David LaSpina is an American photographer and translator lost in Japan, trying to capture the beauty of this country one photo at a time and searching for the perfect haiku. |
