Do you hear that? Those aren’t just birds. It’s the nightingale floor of Chion-in Precincts. These floors were intentionally built to squeak to alert those inside of unwanted intruders.
Welcome to Chion-in Precincts. This is the headquarters of the Jodo-shu, the Pure Land Sect of Buddhism. Honen founded this sect. He taught that anyone could reach salvation by chanting the name of Amida Buddha.
Let’s step back in time. The original temple was built in 1234 by Genchi. He was Honen’s disciple. Genchi built it in memory of his master and named it Chion-in. Over time, Chion-in became fully controlled by the Chinzei branch.
Many buildings burned down in 1633. Tokugawa Iemitsu rebuilt the temple with the grand structures you see today. The Tokugawa shogunate financed the reconstruction. The scale of the project shows the Tokugawa power. It also shows the supremacy of the Jodo sect.
Look up. Do you notice the colossal main gate? The Sanmon was built in 1619. It is the largest surviving structure of its kind in Japan. Notice the hip and gabled roof. This roof protects the center point of the temple.
Chion-in Precincts is home to Japan’s largest temple bell. It weighs 74 tons. Commissioned in 1633, it once required 25 men to sound it. Now, only 17 are needed.
Take a closer look at the roof beams. All are carved with the Tokugawa family crest. It depicts three hollyhock leaves. There is an umbrella stashed in the rafters outside the main temple. An architect placed it there to bring rain. The umbrella wards off fire.
Inside Chion-in Precincts, the interior is decorated with black, gold and cinnabar. Fine metalwork adorns the area. You can see red silk ropes and tassels. Also observe the lotus plants in pots encased in beaten gold.
Chion-in has seven wonders. One is the Nightingale Hallway. This 550-meter-long hallway connects Mieido and Shuedo. Another wonder is the Plainwood Coffin. The bodies of Gomi Kinuemon and his wife lie in plain coffins in the Sanmon. They built the gate and carved wooden statues of themselves. After the gate was completed, they committed suicide.
Have you spotted the Forgotten Umbrella? This umbrella holds many different meanings. It is a symbol of gratitude delivered by a white fox. It promised to protect Chion-in. Some say it was forgotten by a master carpenter. Others say it protects Chion-in from fires.
The Sparrows that Flew Away are a painting on sliding doors. Kano Nobumasa painted them. The birds looked so real that they came to life and flew away.
See the Cat That Sees in Three Directions? It represents compassion. It also stands for the heart of a parent. The cat seems to be looking at you no matter where you are.
The Large Rice Paddle symbolizes the Buddha’s salvation. This paddle was meant to save all of mankind. “Scoop” and “save” are both pronounced sukuu.
Finally, there is the Cucumber Rock. This large rock predates Chion-in Precincts. Gozu Tenno said that gourds grew from this rock in one night.
Chion-in Precincts stands as a testament to history. It showcases architectural grandeur. It embodies deep spiritual meaning. As you leave, remember the nightingale floor. Let the sounds of Chion-in stay with you.