Toukozan Daijoiji (Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture) Complete Guide: History, Temple Grounds, Cultural Assets, and Visiting Information
Toukozan Daijoiji (大乗寺), located in Nagasaka-cho, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture, is a renowned temple that boasts over 700 years of history as a Soto Zen training monastery. With deep connections to both Eiheiji and Sojiji, the two head temples of Soto Zen, it is known as a temple that established “Kiku Daijoiji” (規矩大乗) during the Edo period through the creation of shingi (monastic disciplinary rules). This article provides a detailed explanation of Daijoiji’s history, temple architecture, cultural assets, and visiting information.
Overview of Toukozan Daijoiji
Daijoiji takes the mountain name Toukozan (東香山), and was formerly known as Sanjurin (椙樹林) and later as Kinshiho (金獅峯). The characters “Kinshiho” remain on the plaque above the main gate to this day.
Basic Information
- Official Name: Toukozan Daijoiji
- Sect: Soto Zen Buddhism
- Mountain Name: Toukozan (Alternative names: Sanjurin, Kinshiho)
- Principal Deity: Shakyamuni Buddha
- Founder-Patriarch (Kaisan): Zen Master Tetsutsu Gikai (徹通義介禅師)
- Founder (Kaiki): Togashi Ienao (富樫家尚)
- Founded: Kocho 3 (1263) *Some sources cite Koan 6 (1283)*
- Address: 〒921-8114 Nagasaka-cho, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
- Phone: 076-241-2680
The mountain name “Toukozan” is derived from the name of an actual mountain in China. It is said that the mountain was given this name because the landscape of the mountain in China resembles the landscape of the mountain where Daijoiji is located.
History of Daijoiji
Founding and Kaisan Zen Master Tetsutsu Gikai
The founder-patriarch of Daijoiji is Zen Master Tetsutsu Gikai, who served as the third head abbot of Eiheiji, the head temple of Soto Zen. Zen Master Tetsutsu Gikai was a great monk who inherited the Dharma of Zen Master Dogen, the founder of Eiheiji, and after retiring from his position as the third abbot of Eiheiji, he founded Daijoiji in Nonoshi, Kaga Province (present-day Nonoichi City) in Koan 6 (1283).
The founder was Togashi Ienao, a Kaga Shugo (provincial military governor), and under the patronage of the Togashi clan, Daijoiji developed into a central temple of Soto Zen in Kaga. Since Zen Master Tetsutsu Gikai was a direct disciple who studied Zen Master Dogen’s teachings at Eiheiji and transmitted his dharma lineage to Daijoiji, the temple became a special institution with deep connections to both head temples of Eiheiji and Sojiji.
From the Nonoshi Period to Relocation to Kanazawa
Initially, Daijoiji was located in Nonoshi, but following the turmoil of the Sengoku period, it relocated to its present location in Nagasaka-cho, Kanazawa City in the early Edo period. This relocation was greatly influenced by the patronage of Honma, a senior retainer of the Kaga clan.
Construction of the temple grounds began in Kanbun 5 (1665) and was completed over approximately ten-plus years until the Genroku era (1688-1704). The main buildings constructed during this period, including the main gate, mountain gate, lecture hall, and abbot’s hall, are now preserved as Ishikawa Prefectural Designated Cultural Properties.
Establishment as Kiku Daijoiji
During the Edo period, at Daijoiji the shingi (清規), the monastic disciplinary rules for monks, were reconstructed. These rules were extremely strict and well-ordered, and as “Kiku Daijoiji” (規矩大乗), they came to be respected throughout Soto Zen temples nationwide.
The Kiku Daijoiji tradition has been passed down to the present day, and Daijoiji continues to function as a training monastery with a monks’ hall. Training monks from all over the country gather here to engage in rigorous Zen practice.
Daijoiji in the Modern Era
Since the Meiji period, Daijoiji has continued to exist as an important training monastery of the Soto Zen sect, producing many eminent monks. Currently, in addition to training monks, the temple has also opened its doors to general visitors and those seeking zazen meditation experiences.
Highlights of Temple Architecture
The temple grounds of Daijoiji consist of architectural structures built from the early to mid-Edo period and convey the typical layout of a Zen Buddhist temple to the present day.
Main Gate (Black Gate)
The main gate was constructed in Kanbun 5 (1665) and is designated as an Ishikawa Prefectural Cultural Property. Also called the “Black Gate,” it welcomes visitors as the entrance to Daijoiji. The plaque bears the characters “Kinshiho,” an older mountain name, telling the history of Daijoiji.
The main gate has a simple yet dignified Zen temple style, with a beautiful contrast between the black-painted pillars and white walls.
Mountain Gate (Red Gate)
After passing through the main gate, a vermillion-lacquered mountain gate (red gate) appears at the end of the approach. This gate is a symbol of Daijoiji and is the point where many visitors feel “this is the greatest climax.”
The mountain gate is also designated as an Ishikawa Prefectural Cultural Property and retains the architectural style of the Edo period. The vivid red color harmonizes with the surrounding greenery, creating beautiful scenery through all four seasons. Particularly during the autumn foliage season, the contrast between the red gate and the fall leaves is magnificent.
Lecture Hall (Hattou)
The lecture hall is the central building of Daijoiji and houses the principal deity, Shakyamuni Buddha. It was constructed in Kanbun 5 (1665) by Inoue Heishichiro Koukichi and is included among Ishikawa Prefectural Designated Cultural Properties.
The interior of the lecture hall is filled with a solemn atmosphere, creating a space that is simple yet dignified in the style of a Zen temple. Edo period techniques can be seen throughout the ceiling and pillars, making it a building of great architectural historical value.
Abbot’s Hall (Sodou)
The abbot’s hall is a building that enshrines the memorial tablets of successive abbots and is designated as an Ishikawa Prefectural Cultural Property along with the lecture hall. It is an important place for transmitting Daijoiji’s Dharma lineage, with Zen Master Tetsutsu Gikai, the founder-patriarch, and other eminent monks of successive generations enshrined there.
Monks’ Hall (Soudo)
The monks’ hall is where training monks practice zazen meditation and engage in daily practice. It remains an active training facility in use today, and the strict traditions of Kiku Daijoiji are preserved here. Generally, ordinary visitors are not permitted to enter, but it is possible to experience parts of it on occasions such as zazen sessions.
Other Temple Buildings
Within the Daijoiji grounds, various halls necessary for a Zen temple are arranged, including the administrative building (kuri), bell tower, and toilet facilities (tosu). These buildings are also valuable structures conveying the Edo period style.
Cultural Assets
Daijoiji preserves many cultural assets, including architectural structures.
Ishikawa Prefectural Designated Cultural Properties
Architectural Structures
- Daijoiji Lecture Hall, including Abbot’s Hall, Mountain Gate, and Main Gate
- Appended: Daijoiji Temple Grounds
These structures were constructed from Kanbun 5 (1665) through the Genroku era (1688-1704) and well retain the characteristics of Zen Buddhist architecture from the early to mid-Edo period.
Other Cultural Assets
Daijoiji houses many art objects and historical materials, including Buddhist statues, Buddhist paintings, calligraphy, and historical documents. While these are normally not open to the public, they are occasionally displayed on special occasions.
Visiting Information
Visiting Hours and Admission Fees
Since Daijoiji is a training monastery, it differs from typical tourist temples. While entry into the grounds is possible, it is recommended that you confirm in advance regarding admission to buildings.
- Visiting Hours: Confirmation required (care must be taken not to interfere with training)
- Admission Fee: Confirmation required
- Inquiries: 076-241-2680
Zazen Experience and Training Experience
Daijoiji offers zazen sessions and training experiences for the general public. An experience at a genuine training monastery that preserves the Kiku Daijoiji tradition would be a valuable opportunity.
For details, please inquire in advance through the official website or by phone.
Annual Events
Various religious services and events are held at Daijoiji throughout the year. Major events include:
- Nirvana Commemoration (February 15): A service honoring Buddha’s passage into Nirvana
- Flower Festival (April 8): A service celebrating Buddha’s birth
- Founder-Patriarch’s Memorial Service: A service on the memorial day of Zen Master Tetsutsu Gikai
- Rohatsu Sesshin (December): An intensive practice period commemorating Buddha’s enlightenment
These events are primarily for training monks, but some permit general participation.
Transportation and Access
Public Transportation
Bus
- From JR Kanazawa Station, take Hokuriku Railroad Bus heading to “Tobu Depot” or “via Daijoiji”
- Get off at “Daijoiji” bus stop, about 5 minutes on foot
- Travel time: approximately 20-30 minutes
Taxi
- From JR Kanazawa Station by taxi: approximately 15-20 minutes
By Automobile
From Expressway
- From Hokuriku Expressway “Kanazawa East IC”: approximately 10 minutes
- From Hokuriku Expressway “Kanazawa West IC”: approximately 20 minutes
Parking
- Visitor parking lot on the temple grounds (limited spaces, so caution advised during peak times)
Address
〒921-8114 Nagasaka-cho, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Nearby Tourist Attractions
When visiting Daijoiji, it is recommended that you also tour nearby tourist attractions.
Kenroku-en Garden
Kenroku-en Garden, one of Japan’s three most celebrated gardens, is about 15 minutes by car from Daijoiji. It is a stroll garden where you can enjoy beautiful scenery throughout the four seasons.
Kanazawa Castle Park
Adjacent to Kenroku-en Garden, Kanazawa Castle Park features restored buildings such as the Gojukken Nagaya (50-Ken Long Building) and Hishibiyagura (Diamond Turret). It is a spot where you can feel the history of the Kaga clan.
Kanazawa 21st Century Museum of Art
An art museum specializing in contemporary art that has gained high acclaim both domestically and internationally. The architecture itself is one of the highlights.
Higashi Chaya District
Kanazawa’s representative geisha district, where you can stroll through streets retaining the atmosphere of the Edo period. It is a popular area among tourists with many cafes and traditional crafts shops.
Utatsu Mountain Park
Utatsu Mountain Park, located relatively close to Daijoiji, is a viewing spot with a panoramic view of Kanazawa. It is also known as a famous site for cherry blossoms and autumn foliage.
The Charm and Highlights of Daijoiji
Scenery in Each Season
The grounds of Daijoiji are blessed with natural beauty changing throughout the four seasons.
- Spring: Cherry blossoms bloom splendidly, and fresh greenery is beautiful
- Summer: A space enveloped in deep green silence
- Autumn: The contrast between autumn leaves and the red gate is magnificent
- Winter: The solemn beauty of snow-covered temple buildings
Particularly during the autumn foliage season, many visitors come to this popular location.
Quiet Training Space
Daijoiji remains an active training monastery, and the atmosphere of strict practice pervades the grounds. It is a valuable space for stepping away from urban bustle and contemplating oneself in quiet.
Appreciation of Architectural Beauty
The temple architecture constructed from the early to mid-Edo period conveys the beauty of Zen Buddhist architecture to the present day. The simple yet dignified architectural style allows one to feel the essence of Japanese architecture.
The Weight of History and Tradition
With over 700 years of history, Daijoiji continues to preserve the Dharma lineage from Zen Master Tetsutsu Gikai onwards. The strict tradition of practice established as Kiku Daijoiji remains unchanged in the present day and can be felt in its weight.
Notes for Visitors
When visiting Daijoiji, please keep the following points in mind.
Respect for Its Function as a Training Monastery
Daijoiji is not a tourist temple but an active training monastery. Please visit quietly so as not to interfere with the training monks.
Photography
Photography on the grounds is permitted, but you should refrain from photographing building interiors or training monks. It is recommended to confirm in advance regarding photography.
Clothing
While there are no strict dress codes, please wear modest clothing appropriate to a training monastery. If participating in a zazen experience, casual, easy-to-move-in clothing is preferable.
Visiting Hours
Depending on the training schedule, access may be restricted. It is recommended to confirm in advance before visiting.
Daijoiji’s Relationship with Eiheiji and Sojiji
Daijoiji has a special relationship with Eiheiji and Sojiji, the two head temples of Soto Zen Buddhism.
Deep Connection with Eiheiji
The founder-patriarch, Zen Master Tetsutsu Gikai, was the third head abbot of Eiheiji and directly inherited the Dharma of Zen Master Dogen. For this reason, Daijoiji is positioned as a temple that strongly inherits the Dharma lineage of Eiheiji.
Relationship with Sojiji
Sojiji (currently located in Tsurumi Ward, Yokohama City) is also a head temple of Soto Zen Buddhism, and Daijoiji has served as an intermediate institution between the two head temples, playing an important role in the Soto Zen Buddhist organization.
Center for Training Monks
Along with Eiheiji and Sojiji, Daijoiji has played an important role in the training of Soto Zen Buddhist monks. Training at Daijoiji, with its tradition of Kiku Daijoiji, has become a valuable experience for many monks.
Conclusion
Toukozan Daijoiji is a renowned Soto Zen temple in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture, and an active training monastery with over 700 years of history and tradition. Founded by Zen Master Tetsutsu Gikai, the third head abbot of Eiheiji, and known during the Edo period as a temple that established Kiku Daijoiji through the creation of monastic rules, it holds a special position within the Soto Zen Buddhist organization.
The temple buildings such as the main gate, mountain gate, lecture hall, and abbot’s hall, which are designated as Ishikawa Prefectural Cultural Properties, convey the beauty of Edo-period Zen Buddhist architecture to the present day, and together with the natural beauty of the changing seasons, captivate visitors. Particularly during the autumn foliage season, the red gate and autumn leaves create a magnificent contrast.
Currently functioning as an active training monastery, Daijoiji offers visitors the opportunity to experience Zen practice through zazen sessions and other activities. When touring Kanazawa, in addition to popular sites such as Kenroku-en Garden and Kanazawa Castle Park, a visit to Daijoiji to experience its quiet atmosphere and the weight of its 700-year history is also recommended.
Why not step away from urban bustle and spend time in quiet self-reflection at a training monastery where 700 years of history lives and breathes? Toukozan Daijoiji is a special place that offers such a valuable experience.
