Chokoku-ji Temple
Chokoku-ji Temple is located away from the main area of attractions in Matsushiro but for those curious about Japanese temples, Chokoku-ji might be of interest. The main temple is quite distinctive, with a raised portion of the roof bearing the Sanada clan’s ‘rokumonsen’ emblem and a large pair of ‘shachi’ or ‘shachikoko’ (mythical fish with the head of a tiger) protecting the structure from fire.
![matsushiro-chokokuji](https://www.snowmonkeyresorts.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/ca98d676d1e0cdc2ab727b7016944a852_32147918_200806_3-1024x768.jpg)
Behind the main temple, visitors will find the black mausoleum of Sanada Nobukyuki, first lord of the Sanada clan. The austere black is offset by elaborate gold-leaf design, reminiscent of the famous temples of Nikko.
![matsushiro-chokokuji](https://www.snowmonkeyresorts.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/ca98d676d1e0cdc2ab727b7016944a852_32147918_200806_5-1024x768.jpg)
A little tricky to navigate your way to but a good destination to seek-out for those renting bicycles and planning to spend the day in Matsushiro.