Choshoji — Attraction in Tako

Kaiunzan Choshoji is an ancient temple of the Myoshinji school of the Rinzai sect located in Itako City, Ibaraki Prefecture. It is an attractive temple where history and natural scenery are in perfect harmony.

🏯 History and background

• Founded: It is said that Minamoto no Yoritomo built it in 1185 to pray for long-lasting military fortunes for Kashima.

• Restoration: After falling into ruin once, it was renovated and rebuilt again during the Genroku period (during the time of Mito Mitsukuni).

• Mountain name and sect: Its mountain name is "Kaiunzan" and it belongs to the Myoshinji school of the Rinzai sect.

🛐 Cultural properties and architecture

• Main hall: It features a gabled roof and you can enjoy the beauty of each season, such as the snowy scenery in winter, the cherry blossoms in spring, and the autumn leaves.

• Bronze bell: Along with the main hall, this is an important cultural asset designated as an Important Cultural Property by the government, and is a valuable historical document engraved with the inscription "Passenger Ships Night Stop at Hitachi Sujo."

• Atmosphere of the temple grounds: The Niomon Gate, bell tower, Hojo Garden, and plum and cherry trees create different atmospheres in each season.

🌸 Seasonal highlights

• Winter: The thatched roofs wrapped in snowy scenery are said to be impressive, and the tranquil atmosphere attracts visitors.

• Spring: Cherry and plum trees bloom in the temple grounds, and their soft petals and fragrance color the garden.

• Autumn: It has been reported that the autumn leaves are at their best, and the red and yellow trees harmonize with the main hall, making it a beautiful time for photos.

🌟 Points to note when visiting

• Crowdfunding: In order to repair the thatched roof, which has not been repaired for over 30 years, Itako City is carrying out a project to raise support through hometown tax donations and other means.

• Sightseeing: The changing atmosphere of the seasons is attractive, and is especially recommended for photography lovers and historical walk lovers. It is one of the important spots to visit when touring this area.

✍️ Summary

Kaiunzan Choshoji is a scenic Zen temple with a history related to Minamoto no Yoritomo, a thatched main hall, and a bronze bell that is an important cultural property. You can enjoy a free visit while surrounded by the natural beauty that changes with the seasons, so it is a place that you should definitely stop by if you are...

Nice temple. Hidden gem, was to enjoy matcha and sweet bean treat in the inner Japanese garden. Recommend making signs in English to let visitors know of the inner garden cafe. Enjoyed...

令和5年6月の平日、久しぶりに訪れたところ本堂正面のトビラが開いていた。風を通すために開いたのかなとは思ったがとにかく中をのぞいてみました。大変立派な仏像がならんでおり、思わずしんみりとなった。それぞれの像は顔の表情、手足の構え、目の向きなど独特で決まった姿だった。当たり前のことだが、強い印象を受けた。もう一点、菩提樹の花が満開で枝の下にたってしばらくは身動きができなかった。とても、素晴らしい香りでした。

The main temple building reminds us of the traditional construction and the shape looks similar to the one at Engakuji Temple in Kamakura. The temple claim the old plum tree titled Bunji Plum as the time when it was dedicated by Yoritomo. Bunji was a period during the Kamakura Shogunate governed by...