貞祥寺

Teisho-ji is a Buddhist temple in Saku featuring traditional Japanese wooden buildings arranged around courtyards and gardens connected by stone pathways. The layout includes a main hall, bell tower, and dedicated meditation spaces that create a cohesive spiritual compound.

The temple was founded in 1521 by a local warlord who established it as a memorial to his family members. A significant architectural addition came later during the upheaval of the Meiji period, marking another chapter in its long presence in the region.

The temple serves as an active center for Zen Buddhist practice, where monks and devotees gather for meditation and ceremonies. People come here to connect with Buddhist teachings through direct experience rather than study alone.

The temple grounds are open to visitors throughout the year and are easily explored on foot via connected stone pathways that link all the main areas. The location is about 10 minutes by car from the nearest train station, making it accessible for those traveling by vehicle.

A three-story pagoda standing within the grounds was moved here from another temple during a period of religious reorganization in Japan. This structure tells the story of how temples adapted and changed during significant transitions in Japanese history.