A Soto Zen temple founded in 1370 by Master Daitetsu Sorei on a small hill overlooking the Kamiichi River in Toyama.Ganmokuzan Tateyama-ji TempleHead to "Ganmokuzan Ryusenji," also known as "Sakka no Tera"!
Ganmoku Village, located on the plains and terraces at the apex of the Kamiichigawa alluvial fan, was originally written as "Sakihana/Sakka". However, it is said that in 1605, when the third lord of the domain, Maeda Toshitsune, inspected the area, he heard the history of "Ganmokuzan Tateyama-ji Temple" and changed the characters "Sakka" to "Ganmoku," which came to be read as "Sakka." For this reason, locals refer to "Ganmokuzan Tateyama-ji Temple" as "Sakka no Tera"!
This temple is located in Kamiichi Town, where my husband's family lives, so we visited it after paying our respects at our ancestors' graves! Surrounded by mountains, and with the occasional sound of woodcutters, the gentle murmur of the Kamiichi River and the chirping of birds create a truly healing and powerful spiritual spot.
The path leading to the main hall is lined with Japanese hemlock trees, a prefectural designated natural monument. While it once stretched for 4km, wars, fires, and development have reduced it to its current length of approximately 300m. Nevertheless, these trees, with their 400-year history, are still breathtaking, reaching heights of around 20m and diameters of about 3m. Walking along this sacred path, breathing in the refreshing natural air and enjoying a forest bath, is a truly cleansing experience.
The Jizo statues placed here and there are adorned with sashes, and some are holding up stones, perhaps as a way of making a wish. The current main hall was rebuilt with reinforced concrete in 1974, and in 2005 the roof tiles were replaced with copper plates. The main image of Shakyamuni Buddha, Ananda, and Kasyapa are enshrined at the front, the sixteen Arhats are on either side of the center, eight guardian deities of the twelve zodiac signs are on the right, and memorial tablets of parishioners are on the left. At the back of the hall are the Great Bodhisattva of Shuri, who protects the temple complex, and Bodhidharma, revered in Zen Buddhism.
Upon entering the main hall, it seems the entrance door detects people, and healing music and an announcement begin playing. For about 10 minutes, they introduce the temple's history and local culture! I lit a candle for the fulfillment of my wishes and prayed for the health and prosperity of my family.
There's also the "Kushigatayama Walking Course," also known as the "Philosopher's Path," which starts at Tateyama-ji Temple. It's a great walking course perfect for the spring season and highly recommended!
