Nagoya Temples

There are few more pleasant experiences in Japan than turning a corner of a seemingly ordinary street and suddenly finding yourself face-to-face with a beautiful old shrine or temple. This is particularly true in Nagoya, where you are regularly reminded of the ancient history of this historic land within the hustle-and-bustle of city life. Of course, you probably already know about the most prominent landmark temples and shrines – you may have even read about them on these very pages – but as spectacular as they are, there is something special about the lesser-known places of worship. Seemingly everywhere, you can find a shrine or temple with an amazing history, and here are a few to keep an eye out for. Ryusenji Temple Along with Kasadera Kannon Temple, Jimokuji Kannon Temple, and Arako Kannon Temple, Ryusenji Kannon Temple is one of the four Kannons of Owari, designated by the first Tokugawa Shogun of Japan, Tokugawa Ieyasu (1543-1616), as protectors of Nagoya Castle. Ryusenji Temple dates back to the Enryaku Period (782-806 CE), founded by the great Buddhist leader Denkyo-daishi. The temple’s Niomon gate, and a wooden statue of Jizo Bozatsu, the guardian deity of travelers and children, are designated as…