The small city of Takaoka is often skipped over, with travelers going to either Kanazawa of Toyama instead. The "workshop of Kanazawa" is somewhere that is convenient to stop by and has a lot of history in the many building that still stand to this day. The townscape that is preserved in the city is one of the late 1900s, a period that is not often represented throughout Japan. This means you can see the nation as it transforms itself from the samurai era to the modern era through its interesting, weird and unique architecture. There are merchant houses, meteorological offices, metalworking shops and temples everywhere. The most famous of all of these buildings is Zuiryuji Temple, a registered National Treasure, which utilizes a style that is unusual in temples that are still remaining in Japan.
Where is Zuiryuji Temple?
Zuiryuji Temple is located in Takaoka City, which is on the western side of Toyama Prefecture. Directly between Kanazawa and Toyama on both the local rail lines as well as the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line, Takaoka is well situated but often skipped over. The region gets a decent amount of snow in the winter and summer is quite hot, not unlike other cities on the Sea of Japan coast. In the city, the temple lies in south of main Takaoka Station in a very walkable neighborhood.
About The Temple
Completed in 1659 in dedication to Maeda Toshinaga, the temple belongs to the Soto Zen Buddhist tradition with a layout and design typical of Soto Zen monasteries. Several buildings and gates make-up the beautiful temple complex including two main halls – the Butsuden housing a statue of the historical Buddha and the Hatto (Lecture) Hall. Don't forget to check of the statue of the god of toilets which is in the Hatto Hall. It is believed that there is only one in all of Japan because it is usually just represented by a nameplate.
The overall design of the temple is influenced by Chinese architectural styles that were dominant during the Kamakura Period (1192-1333), when Zen Buddhism established itself in Japan. The Maeda family, the ruling daimyos of Kanazawa, looked to China for inspiration when rebuilding the temple in 17th and 18th centuries. The complex also includes mausoleums and shrines dedicated to member of the former-rulers of Toyama, the Maeda and Oda families and is around 20-minutes walk from the Takaoka Great Buddha.
How To Get There
The easiest way to get to Zuiryuji Temple is by either local train from Kanazawa Station or Toyama Station or shinkansen from further afield. If you are looking for the most direct route from the major cities, use the Hakutaka or Tsurugi Shinkansen lines that stop at every station. If you going from Osaka(Kyoto) it takes about 2 hours 45 minutes(2 hours 15 minutes) and costs about 10,000 (8,500) yen. This requires a transfer at Tsuruga. Coming from Tokyo(Nagano) will take about2 hours 45 minutes(1 hour 10 minutes) and cost about 13,500 (7,000) yen. It is possible to get there faster by using the Kagayaki trains but that will require an extra transfer at either Kanazawa or Toyama, depending on where you are coming from.
Be careful when inputting Takaoka Station into your navigation app. There are two main stations, Takaoka Station and Shin-Takaoka Station. Takaoka Station is directly connected to Kanazawa and Toyama by local trains only. It is possible to take a 30-40 minute train to get there. Shin-Takaoka Station is where the shinkansen trains stop.
If you want to get to Zuiryuji Temple, get off at either Takaoka Station and head about 15 minutes south or Shin-Takaoka Station and head 15 minutes north. It is directly between the two so it doesn't matter which one you use.
Top 25 Things To Do in Takaoka and Toyama
Stunning mountain landscapes in the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route and Kurobe Gorge, historical temples throughout Takaoka, and traditional experiences in a UNESCO World Heritage site of Gokayama, Toyama has little bit of everything for travelers to Japan. The region doesn't just have things to se but things to eat and do. You can try your hand at wood-carving at Inami, metal working in Kanayamachi or even papermaking in Ecchu Yatsuo or Ainokura. The seafood in the area is one of Japan's best and freshest so you can't miss the sushi. Our "Top 15 Things to in Takaoka" and "Top 25 Things To Do Around Toyama" page explains just how everything works, what’s on offer and where to stay.
Takaoka City Tour
If you are interested in having a guided tour around Zuiryuji Temple as well as other famous sites in area, see the tour card below! Takaoka is renown for its metalworking and you can try it for yourself on the following tour in Kanayamachi. Those same techniques were integral to the creation of the Great Buddha of Takaoka. You'll get a chance to see the other Japan Heritage Site in the city, Shokoji Temple and finally the stunning Amaharashi Coast. It starts from Kanazawa and if you want more information, click below
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When is the best time to go?
Zuiryuji Temple is best in the spring and fall. The temple is also nice in the winter covered in snow.
How long should I stay here?
Usually it takes about 30 minutes to an hour to see basically everything in the temple.
How do I get there from Kanazawa or Toyama?
For both, either hop on a shinkansen (15 minutes) or local train (30 minutes) but be careful, there are two separate stations that are a 25 minute walk apart.
Are there any goshuin(temple stamps)?
Yes! They have both the type where they write in your book and the paper type you can place in your book later.
There are two very interesting stamps of the "toilet god" in the temple and of a dragon.
