妙厳寺, Soto Zen Buddhist temple in Toyokawa, Japan.
Myogonji Temple, also called Toyokawa Inari, is a Soto Zen sanctuary in Aichi featuring religious buildings, shrines, and gardens spread across its spacious grounds. The site contains multiple structures from different eras and offers visitors numerous paths to explore.
The temple was founded in 1441 by the Zen monk Tokai Gieki and later received support from feudal leader Imagawa Yoshimoto. This patron commissioned several key structures during the Muromachi period.
The temple blends Buddhist worship with reverence for foxes, represented as divine messengers throughout the grounds. Visitors encounter these animal figures at every turn, reflecting their importance in Japanese popular spirituality.
The temple welcomes visitors throughout the day and sits just a short walk from two nearby train stations. You can reach it quickly from either JR Toyokawa Station or Meitetsu Toyokawa Inari Station.
The grounds hold hundreds of fox statues, including a famous one named Heihachi that plays a special role in local stories. These animal sculptures are not mere decoration but carry their own history and meaning in the local tradition.
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