Remember the name Takeda Shingen. Eirinji is the family temple of this famous warlord. He ruled Kai Province from 1540 to 1573. This temple offers a tranquil escape.
Eirinji Temple was founded in 1330. Nikaidō Sadafuji invited Zen priest Musō Soseki to build it. Musō Soseki was a famous garden designer. The temple became a center for Rinzai teachings.
Approaching Eirinji, note the tree-lined path. It leads to the black-colored Somon Gate. This path frames the Kaizando Hall perfectly. The gates align to enhance the view.
The bright red Shikyakumon Gate is special. Tokugawa Ieyasu ordered its construction in 1606. He founded the Tokugawa shogunate. This gate is the oldest part of Eirinji. It is an Important Cultural Property.
Eirinji has a classic Zen layout. The central path runs straight through the Somon Gate. It goes directly to the Kaizando Hall. Other key buildings line this path.
The landscape garden is behind the main hall. Musō Soseki designed this expansive garden. It covers about 2,270 square meters. The garden incorporates the distant mountain. It looks especially beautiful in autumn and spring. Colorful leaves and flowers enhance the scenery.
Visitors can view the garden from the main hall’s back porch. Nearby, there is a monument marking Takeda Shingen’s grave. The grave is open to the public on special occasions only. Visitors can walk through the Nightingale Hallway. This hallway is in front of the grave. The floorboards creak loudly when walked on. This design detected intruders.
Sadly, many buildings burned down in 1905. However, the spirit of Eirinji lives on. After Tokugawa Ieyasu became master of Kai Province, he ordered that the temple be rebuilt and in 1672, memorial services for Takeda Shingen were held.
Don’t miss the understated tapestry hanging before the main altar. To the left of the main temple building is an annex. It leads to Takeda Shingen’s final resting place. The nightingale floor announces your every movement here.
Erinji also holds Important Cultural Properties. The Erinji Gate is a wooden gate with four pillars. It has a cypress-shingle roof, built in 1606. Also, the Tachi Japanese sword was made in 1705. The Tantō Japanese sword was made in 1367.
Remember Musō Soseki’s garden design. It can be considered a prototype for similar gardens in Kyoto. The garden has large stones and a pond. There is also a small stream and waterfall. This national Place of Scenic Beauty is unforgettable.
Visiting Eirinji offers more than just sightseeing. It provides a spiritual retreat. It connects you to the history of Takeda Shingen. Eirinji is a hidden gem worth exploring.