About Kai Zenkoji (Temple)
Kai Zenkoji Temple is located in Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture, and is so named because it enshrines the principal image of the temple, which was moved from Shinano Zenkoji Temple (Nagano City). It is said that Shingen Takeda relocated the temple during the Warring States Period to protect the principal image from warfare, and it is known as a very important temple due to its historical and cultural background. It is deeply rooted in the history and faith of Yamanashi Prefecture and is a tourist attraction where visitors can experience its magnificent architecture and rich culture.
One of the features of Kai Zenkoji Temple is its magnificent precincts and architecture. Starting from the temple gate, the spacious precincts are filled with a solemn atmosphere and a series of majestic buildings. In particular, the main hall, built in the irimoya style, has an overwhelming presence and welcomes visitors with an imposing stance. The main hall was built in the early Edo period (1603-1867) and is known as one of the best wooden structures in Japan. Inside, a relocated statue of the main deity, Amida Nyorai, is enshrined and serves as an object of prayer and devotion for visitors. The interior of the main hall is also a space where the beauty of history and tradition can be felt everywhere, surrounded by majestic carvings and vivid decorations, making it a place of faith as well as a building that is artistically worth seeing.
One of the attractions of Kai Zenkoji Temple is the “Okaidan Tour,” a tour of the temple in darkness. This is an experience of walking in total darkness along a corridor in the basement of the main hall, and it is said that if you touch the “Paradise Lock,” located directly under the main image of the Buddha, you will go to the Pure Land of Paradise. This tour in darkness is a mystical experience that is like looking into the inner mind, and offers an extraordinary sense of tranquility and thrill. It is also a religious practice that is meant to purify the worries and troubles of this life. It is impressive that many visitors take the opportunity to purify their bodies and minds through this special experience.
Kai Zenkoji is also surrounded by beautiful nature, and visitors can enjoy the seasonal changes in the temple grounds, with cherry blossoms decorating the grounds in the spring and autumn leaves providing a beautiful contrast in the fall. The temple's spaciousness and harmony with nature allow visitors to enjoy a leisurely stroll through the temple grounds, and the scenery, which looks different depending on the season, soothes visitors' hearts.
Furthermore, Kai Zenkoji Temple is also home to a large number of cultural assets. The temple itself is an essential place to learn about the history and culture of Yamanashi Prefecture. It can be seen that behind the preservation of such cultural heritage is the existence of Kai Zenkoji, which has been spun through its long history, along with the religious beliefs of the local people.
All in all, Kai Zenkoji Temple is a place where history, faith, beautiful nature, and architectural beauty are in harmony. Visitors can learn about Japanese history and Buddhist culture through the majestic main hall and temple treasures, and also spend time to reflect on their own hearts through experiences such as the “Okaidan tour. The temple is a famous place in Yamanashi that is loved by many worshippers seeking spiritual purification and healing, along with the scenery that changes from season to season.