Senjuji

Senshuji Temple was founded in 1465, and its Mikageido is the largest wooden structure in the prefecture.

Many of its buildings, including national treasures and important cultural properties, are of historical importance.

The name of the mountain is Mt. Amida Nyorai, known as “the Buddha of Evidence,” is the principal deity of the temple, which is also known as Honzan Senshuji Temple and Ichimida Senshuji Temple.

The Mikageido and Amida Hall are designated national treasures.

Senshuji Temple has a long history. In response to the request of the monks in Ise Province, Shinkei, the 10th head priest of Senshuji Temple (founded in 1225 in Takata, Moka City, Tochigi Prefecture), founded the temple as Muryōju-in in the Bunmei era (1469 - 1487).

Later, in 1478, the temple was revered by the Imperial Court, and succeeded in obtaining an imperial sanction “to be a place of prayer for the Imperial Family.

This temple went through many difficulties, including the destruction of the main temple in Takada, Shimono-kuni, by a military fire in 1526, and the splitting of the Order into the Oshin and Shinchi schools, with Senshu-ji becoming the center of the Order.

The temple houses a number of valuable collections, including Shinran’s autographs and portraits of Shinran.

During the Edo period (1603-1868), the entire temple was destroyed by a large fire, but reconstruction was carried out with the donation of land from the feudal lord of the Tsu domain, and in 1666 the Mikageido was rebuilt.

Interestingly, while other Jodo Shinshu head temples were built on the east face, Senshuji was rebuilt on the south face, in accordance with the opinions of its monks.

This was due to strong winds from Ise Bay, the expanse of the temple grounds, and the presence of a main road to the south.

There are many highlights at Senshuji. The Mikage-do and Amida-do halls, designated as national treasures, were the first in Mie Prefecture to receive this honor.

Nyorai-do (National Treasure)

This is the main hall of Senshuji Temple, built in 1748. It features a beautiful Zen Buddhist-style exterior and is the largest of its kind in Japan. The gable end of the roof is decorated with a carving of a crane, said to have been made by Jingoro Hidari.

Mikageido (National Treasure)

This large hall with 780 tatami mats was built in 1679 and is the fifth largest wooden building in Japan.

Other important cultural properties include the Tsutenkyo Bridge (built in 1800), a corridor connecting the Nyorai-do and Mikado halls, the Taiko-mon Gate, the Sanmon Gate, the Karamon Gate, the Gobyo Worship Hall, the Bell Tower, the Tea House, the Grand Entrance, and the Gichunkan Hall.

The Taiko Gate is a three-story turret building with a large drum suspended from the upper floor.

Of special note is the back side of the gate, which was rebuilt around 1704 and is a unique structure with the back side of the first layer of the roof protruding only 3 ken (3 ken).

Senshu-ji Temple is a fascinating place of history and beauty that has been used for filming dramas and movies. Please visit this fascinating temple and experience its joy and excitement.