Place associated with High Priest Tenkai

Historic Site of Tenkai High Priest in Aizu Misato

Stone statue of High Priest Tenkai

A stone statue of High Priest Tenkai stands in the front yard of the Aizu Misato Community Center, diagonally across from his birthplace. It was erected in 1978 by a local organization.

Gohoseki

It is said that Mr. and Mrs. Funaki Kagemitsu rejoiced at the birth of their child and enshrined it in their mansion grounds. The stone is also said to be the stone on which the high priest Tenkai worshipped the sun, and an inscription of “Ten-ichi” remains.

Birthplace of Jigen Daishi

A stone marker erected in 1924 on the ruins of Funaki-tate, indicating the birthplace of Daisojo Tenkai. The inscription was written by Daisho Enro Daisojo of Rinnoji Monzeki.

Ukimi Kannon Hachibado

The statue of the Kannon (Goddess of Mercy) is enshrined in the temple. It was discovered in a paddy field in Ukimi by the great priest Tenkai in a dream when he was 10 years old. It was moved to this Hachioji Hall in 1993, and will be unveiled on November 3.

Wooden seated statue of High Priest Tenkai

Seated statue of High Priest Tenkai in the main hall of Ryuuko-ji Temple. It is said that he opened his eyes at Kaneiji Temple in 1714 and walked through the Aizu territory to offer prayers before arriving at the temple.

Dojusan Ryukoji Temple

A famous temple of the Tendai sect founded in the first year of Kasho (848). When Tenkai Daisojo was 11 years old, he changed his name to Zuifu and trained for three years. It is also famous for the national treasure “Ichiji Rendai Lotus Sutra”.
※Reservation required for viewing
Phone number: 0242-54-2446

Grave of Shunko Hoin

The graveyard of successive chief priests on the south side of Hachiyodo in the precincts of Ryukoji Temple. Hokyointo pagoda of the 29th Benyo Shunko Hoin, who made Tenkai Daisojo ordained, is the center of the five pagodas.

Tomb of High Priest Tenkai’s parents

In the 4th year of Taisho (1912), it was discovered, repaired, and re-enshrined. The name ‘Kagemitsu’ carved into the ring of a pair of five-ringed towers remains faintly.

Ruins of Takada Castle

High Priest Tenkai’s mother came from the Asina clan, which had Takada Castle as its residence. It is not certain when the castle was built, and a shrine dedicated to the god of thunder now stands there. The only remains of the castle are the earthen mounds on the north side of Takada Junior High School.

Seiryuji Monju-do Temple

Originally the inner sanctuary of Isasumi Shrine, it was the place where the parents of high priest Tenkai, who was unable to bear a child, prayed for a child. It is one of the three most famous monjuu in Japan.
Phone number: 0242-54-2786

Vermillion lacquer gilt bronze mikoshi

This graceful Muromachi period portable shrine dedicated in 1526 by father and son Moriyasu and Moritsune Ashina, lords of Takada Castle, is designated as a National Important Cultural Property.
Isasumi Shrine collection, ¥700 entrance fee for the treasure hall.
Reservations required at the time of visit Phone number: 0242-54-5050

High Priest of Tenkai Oteue hinoki

Located on the east side of the main shrine of Isasumi Shrine, it is said to have been planted by high priest Tenkai in 1558. It is a large tree with a trunk circumference of over 4 meters. Designated as a Fukushima Prefecture Green Cultural Property.

Tourist guide recommends
“Tenkai High Priest’s Town Walk” course

Tenkai High Priest Town Walking Map
PDF - 11.2MB

This is a walking map of the Takada district of Aizu Misato-cho, the birthplace of High Priest Tenkai. Let’s walk around the historical sites and cultural assets associated with High Priest Tenkai.

High Priest Tenkai’s footprints in various parts of Japan

Mount Hiei Enryakuji Temple [Shiga Prefecture]

Head temple of the Tendai sect. He resided in Nankobo and later devoted himself to rebuilding the temple.

4220 Sakamoto Honmachi, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture

Kawagoe Daishi Kita-in Temple [Saitama Prefecture]

At the age of 55, he changed his name here to “Tenkai” and succeeded to the 27th Dharma lineage at the age of 61.

1-20-1 Kosenbacho, Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture

Kofukuji Temple [Nara Prefecture]

Head temple of the Hosso sect. When Zuifu was 22 years old, he completed three theories of the Law Minister here.

48 Noboriojicho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture

Nikko Toshogu Shrine [Tochigi Prefecture]

The place where Tokugawa Ieyasu was enshrined through the relocation of the shrine, as he willed the ritual before his death.

2301 Yamauchi, Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture

Kai Takeda Shrine [Yamanashi Prefecture]

This is the site of Takeda Shingen’s tate, where Zuifu was invited and took refuge.

2611 Kofuchucho, Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture

Toeizan Kan-eiji Temple [Tokyo, Japan]

Built in 1625 at the demon’s gate of Edo Castle to pray for the peace of the Tokugawa Shogunate.

1-14-11 Uenosakuragi, Taito-ku, Tokyo

Iouzen Fudoin [Ibaraki Prefecture]

When Ashina Morishige (Yoshihiro) was the lord of the castle, Zuifu was appointed as the eighth chief priest.

2737 Edosaki, Inashiki City, Ibaraki Prefecture

Rinnoji Temple, Nikkozan [Tochigi Prefecture]

Inside the temple, there is Jigen Daishi-do Hall, where High Priest Tenkai is laid to rest.

2300 Yamauchi, Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture

※ Reproduction of images is strictly prohibited.