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The research library of the Shingon sect, and a repository for Musashi's vivid and insightful works of art |
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One of the main buildings at Toji Temple, the Kanchi-in Hall (corresponding to a research center or library at a university) holds the largest collection of well-preserved esoteric Buddhist writings in Japan. It is said that the sword master Miyamoto Musashi once spent three years in seclusion in this structure, which is listed as a national treasure. The building features the Momoyama Period Shoin style (a domestic style) of traditional Japanese architecture and the Eagle and Bamboo paintings in the tokonoma, or alcove, were painted by Miyamoto Musashi. There are five stones in the Godai-no-niwa Garden accessible from the reception room, representative of Godaikokuzo Bodhisattva, and it is said that the garden expresses the return of Kobo Daishi from Choan in China (in the Tang Dynasty). In addition, there is a tea ceremony chamber called the Fusenkan north of the main building, and the shishi odoshi1, stone lanterns, and seasonal flowers create a quiet, relaxed atmosphere.
1. Shishi odoshi literally means "deer scarer" in Japanese, but in a wider sense, it refers to Japanese devices made to scare away birds, etc. A traditional feature of Japanese gardens, it usually consists of a bamboo stick on a pivot that slowly fills with water until it tilts suddenly, making a sharp sound as it hits the edge of a stone bowl and spills the water. |
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| Kanchi-in Hall |
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| Kanchi-in Hall |
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