Jorakuji 常楽寺

Shingon Buddhist temple with thatched gate

The first thing that struck me was the thatched gate. Since the Kamakura era. craftspeople have maintained this gate in its original form. The temple founded in 1282 was built in honor of Shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu as a memorial to the healing of his concubine of an eye ailment. Visitors come here to the Amida Nyorai hall to ask for relief from eye conditions. On the grounds are a small garden with labels in Japanese to explain their history. Visitors are welcome to ring the bell in the temple precincts.