Teishoji, Buddhist temple in Kakamigahara, Japan
Teishoji is a Shingon Chizan school temple in Kakamigahara, Gifu Prefecture, founded in 1933 by actress Sadayakko Kawakami. Its main hall, abbot's quarters, study, bell tower, gate, treasure storehouse, Inari hall and water purification pavilion are registered tangible cultural properties. The temple is dedicated to Fudo Myoo.
Kawakami Sadayakko, Japan's first actress, founded the temple at her own expense; it was consecrated on 28 October 1933 under the name Kongōzan Tōkōin Teishōji, the Tōkōin element referring to her companion Fukuzawa Momosuke. After her death on 7 December 1946 she was buried in the temple's mausoleum. In 1960 the neglected temple passed under the management of Naritasan Nagoya Betsuin and was renamed Naritasan Teishōji.
The temple maintains a dedicated space displaying personal belongings and documents about Sadayakko Kawakami and Momosuke Fukuzawa. Visitors can experience their life stories through the objects and materials preserved here.
The temple is best reached by taxi from Unuma Station or Shin-Unuma Station. The surrounding area is rural in character, so visitors should arrange transport in advance.
Teishoji was founded in 1933 by Kawakami Sadayakko, Japan's first actress, using her own money. She is buried in the temple's mausoleum, and the Sadayakko Origin Hall displays her personal belongings and memorabilia. The temple is said to bring benefits for mastery of the performing arts, and actors come to pray here.
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