Takisan Temple

Takisan Temple is a Buddhist temple in Okazaki featuring a two-story pagoda and traditional wooden structures that demonstrate Japanese craftsmanship. Decorative sliding doors throughout the building display intricate artwork by painter Reizei Tamechika, showcasing detailed design work from centuries past.

The temple was founded in 1475 by Matsudaira Chikatada and became closely tied to the Matsudaira clan's history. Over time, it transformed into a memorial space honoring fallen members of that powerful family.

The temple comes alive during the Oni Matsuri festival each February, when people wearing ceremonial devil masks process with burning torches through ritual celebrations. This event remains a living tradition that shapes the place's role in the local community.

Plan your visit for morning or early afternoon to see the temple in good light and avoid crowds. Wear comfortable shoes since you will need to remove them in certain areas, and wear socks to keep warm while exploring the interior spaces.

From the temple gates, visitors can see Okazaki Castle along a direct sightline called the Vista Line, creating an intentional visual connection between these two structures. This architectural relationship reveals how the original designers linked these important places together across the landscape.