ABOUT
About this spot
Kokutai-ji is the head temple of the Kokutai-ji branch of the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism, set among low hills in Ota, Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture. Its main image is Shakyamuni, and it is also No. 24 on the Hokuriku 33 Kannon pilgrimage and No. 3 on the Etchu Kannon pilgrimage. According to tradition, the founder Jiun Myoi built a hermitage on Mt. Futakami in 1296, and the temple was formally established in 1304. It burned during fighting around Moriyama Castle but was rebuilt with the support of local lords, and became an independent branch of Rinzai Zen in 1905. The heart of the grounds is the Gessen-tei garden and the Hojo-ike (Ryuen) pond. According to the official website, the garden is attributed to Ogawa Toshikazu of Kyoto, and its central rock, said to weigh about 42 tons, is described as one of the largest garden stones in Japan. Around it stand the Daihojo (1686), Dharma hall, Kannon hall, meditation hall and Rishoto pagoda. Please check the official website for current visiting conditions.
Last updated October 24, 2026