西円寺

Gazing up at Saiho-ji Temple, one might initially mistake its imposing stone wall for that of a fortress. Saiho-ji Temple dominates the Takehara skyline. It stands as a silent witness to the passage of time. This Buddhist temple has a rich history, intertwining with the very fabric of Takehara. Originally founded in 1560 in nearby Tanaka-cho, Saiho-ji Temple met a fiery end in 1602. From the ashes, it was reborn, relocated to its present location. This site was formerly home to Myohoji Temple. The temple’s architecture is a testament to the mid-Edo period. The simple, gabled roof, single-story structure, flat entrance, and tiled roof create a classic silhouette. Thick rafters on the side pillars and open voids at the front and sides add to its distinct character. The Zen-style altar offers a glimpse into the temple’s spiritual heart. Saiho-ji Temple isn’t just a place of worship. It’s a cultural landmark, immortalized in Obayashi Nobuhiko’s 1983 film, “The Girl Who Leapt Through Time”. Within the temple grounds lies the Asakarizuka Mound. This mound serves as a poignant memorial to Takehara’s Edo-period haiku poetry. Adjacent to the main hall, perched on a hill, stands Fumeikaku (Kannon Hall), built in 1758. It houses a wooden standing eleven-headed Kannon statue, a designated Important Cultural Property. Fumeikaku’s design echoes the famed Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto. Its hogakuzukuri style, double tiled roof, and stage structure add to its architectural significance. The panoramic views from Fumeikaku’s cantilevered veranda are breathtaking. Saiho-ji Temple and Fumeikaku are more than just structures. They embody the spirit of Takehara.