Most viewed - JAPAN PHOTOS by Philbert Ono

Most viewed - Takaoka 高岡市

Modeled after Chinese temple architecture common during the Kamkura Period, the temple layout is said to resemble the human body, with the head at the top on this map. Three temple buildings were designated as National Treasures in 1997.479 views

Sculpture along a shopping street358 views

The Takaoka Daibutsu stands 15.85 meters high, weighing 65 tons. Japan's largest copper statue. Takaoka, Toyama275 views

Zuiryuji Temple is a 10-min. walk from the south side of JR Takaoka Station. This is the white stone path (called Hatcho-michi 八丁道) leading to the temple. Go in the opposite direction to reach Lord Maeda Toshinaga's grave.230 views

Zuiryuji's Sanmon Gate, a National Treasure. The original Sanmon Gate was built in 1645, but was lost in a fire in 1746. The present gate was built in 1820. 山門230 views

Maeda Toshinaga, the 2nd lord of the Kaga domain and founder of Takaoka222 views

Sculpture in front of Takaoka Station (north side)205 views

Zuiryuji Butsuden Hall was built in 1659. The roof has lead plates. A magnificent example of Zen architecture. Takaoka, Toyama.204 views

Zuiryuji temple's Hatto is the temple's main worship hall built in 1657. A National Treasure. Takaoka, Toyama. 法堂184 views

Grave of Lord Maeda Toshinaga is surrounded by a moat (which we cannot cross). The monument stands 11 meters high. The grave is one of Japan's largest for a feudal lord. 前田利長墓所175 views

Path to gravesite164 views

Pass through the Somon Gate and you see the Sanmon Gate flanked by two corridors. In front is a plaza of pebbles. 山門157 views

Entrance to the gravesite of Lord Maeda Toshinaga, about 870 meters away from Zuiryuji. (Maeda Toshinaga Bosho 前田利長墓所)150 views

Sanmon Gate143 views

Temple admission is 500 yen for adults. First you see the Somon Gate which is an Important Cultural Property. 総門137 views

After passing through Sanmon Gate, you see the Butsuden Hall, another National Treasure. 仏殿137 views

Statue of Maeda Toshinaga, the 2nd lord of the Kaga domain and founder of Takaoka. The Hatcho-michi path is also lined with numerous pine trees, cherry trees, and 54 stone lanterns. It is 870 meters long between Zuiryuji and Lord Toshinaga's gravesite135 views

Meditation seats inside Zendo Hall131 views

One of Japan's three Big Buddhas (after Nara and Kamakura). The statue was built by local coppersmiths in 1932, taking 30 years to complete.131 views

Passing through Sanmon Gate130 views

Butsuden Hall129 views

Meditation seats inside Zendo Hall128 views

Inside Butsuden Hall 仏殿124 views

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Belonging to the Soto sect of Zen Buddhism, the temple is dedicated to Maeda Toshinaga, the 2nd lord of the Kaga domain and founder of Takaoka. The temple has three buildings designated as National Treasures.122 views

Hatto Hall, where you take off your shoes.121 views

The high, open ceiling made of wood is most impressive even to the layman.119 views

Butsuden Hall119 views

Corridor wall ornament119 views

Ceiling of Butsuden Hall118 views

Sekibyo graves where the partial remains of Lords Maeda Toshinaga and Toshiie and even Oda Nobunaga are buried. 石廟118 views

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Corridor from Zendo Hall to Hatto Hall118 views

Minor altar in Hatto Hall118 views

Inside Zendo Hall117 views

Butsuden Hall116 views

Ceiling tiles with flower paintings by Kano Yasunobu in Hatto Hall116 views

Corridor connected to Sanmon Gate116 views

Side view of Butsuden Hall115 views

Inside Hatto Hall115 views

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Rear view of Butsuden Hall114 views

Corner view of Butsuden Hall114 views

On the left of the Butsuden is Zendo Hall for zazen meditation training as well as for eating and sleeping for priests. The building is an Important Cultural Property. 禅堂114 views

Altar inside Hatto Hall114 views

On the right of the Butsuden is the Oguri Hall which has kitchen and temple office facilities. The building is an Important Cultural Property. 大庫裏113 views