Zaika-ji

Zaika-ji is a Buddhist temple in Toyokawa built with traditional wooden architecture and designed with multiple prayer halls for meditation and worship. Stone foxes are scattered throughout the grounds, creating the distinctive character of the site.

The temple was founded in 1441 by Buddhist monk Tokai Gieki and grew significantly during the Edo period when merchants began visiting regularly. This expansion established it as an important spiritual destination for different groups in society.

The temple blends Buddhist and Shinto traditions in ways visitors can see and feel, with prayer halls dedicated to Senju Kannon and stone foxes positioned as sacred messengers throughout. This mixing of faiths shapes how the space looks and feels to those who walk through it.

The temple is easily reached by direct trains from Meitetsu Nagoya Station to Toyokawa-inari Station, followed by a short walk to the entrance. The site is straightforward to explore on foot and accessible to most visitors.

A legendary story links the temple to a sacred pot that supposedly provided endless food after a man named Heihachiro vanished mysteriously. This tale has been passed down through generations and visitors can still hear it today.

Location: Toyokawa

GPS coordinates: 34.87472,137.35684

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:01