Image of Shakyamuni Buddha (Jihatsu Shaka Nyorai)

The Three Head Temples of the Tendai Sect

Three temples form the foundation of the Tendai sect of Buddhism in Japan. The temples are Enryakuji Temple, the head temple of the Tendai sect; Onjōji Temple (Miidera Temple), the head temple of the Tendai Jimon sect; and Saikyōji Temple, the head temple of the Tendai Shinsei sect.

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Image of Shakyamuni Buddha (Jihatsu Shaka Nyorai)

Kannon (Avalokitesvara)

Kannon (Sk. Avalokitesvara) is the bodhisattva of compassion in Mahayana Buddhism. Kannon is revered by a large number of followers, both young and old, across several Buddhist sects. Appearing in a variety of forms, Kannon exists to save all sentient beings.

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Fushimi Momoyama Castle

The castle was built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in Mt. Higashi-fushimi, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City. Construction was begun in 1592. It was destroyed by an earthquake in 1596 and reconstructed in Mt. Kohata. At this time, the checkpoints in Kyoto were put under control. Later the Edo Shogunate disposed of the castle, and the remains were transferred and still remain in some temples such as Daitokuji Temple, Nishi Honganji Temple and Toyokuni Shrine.

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Image of Toyotomi Hideyoshi

Southern Song Dynasty

The Southern Song (1127–1279) was an ancient imperial dynasty in China. It was founded after the Jin dynasty destroyed the Northern Song dynasty. Culturally, the Southern Song had a profound impact on the Ming dynasty and medieval Japan.

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Image of Tiantai Daishi

Tendai Order

A Buddhist sect that venerates Tiantai Daishi Zhi-yi of China as its founder and regards the Lotus Sutra as its foundational scripture, with Dengyo Daishi Saicho as its Japanese founder. Its head temple is Enryaku-ji, located on Mount Hiei (Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture).

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Image of Tiantai Daishi

Zhiyi (Tendai Daishi)

The founder of the Chinese Tiantai (Jp. Tendai) sect was Zhiyi, known in Japan as Tendai Daishi. He lived from 538 to 597.

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Image of Tiantai Daishi

Kamakura period

The name of the period that lasted for approximately 150 years from when Minamoto no Yoritomo founded the shogunate in Kamakura until Hojo Takatoki’s death in 1333.

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outer (sanctuary)

Within a temple or shrine complex, this is the area outside the inner sanctuary where the sacred deity or principal object of worship is enshrined. It is a space where the general public pays their respects.

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inner sanctuary

The innermost chamber within the temple or shrine where the sacred shintai (object regarded as the divinity's manifestation or symbol) or the principal Buddhist image is enshrined.

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Mandala

A pictorial depiction of various deities from esoteric Buddhism according to its doctrines. Mandala, in Sanskrit, means “that which has an essence.”

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Taima Mandala

Taimadera Temple

An old Buddhist temple located in Katsuragi, Nara Prefecture. It is said to have been built in the Hakuho period (645–710). It is known as a holy site in Pure Land Buddhsim due to its connections with the Taima Mandala and the legend of Princess Chujo.

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Taima Mandala

Taima Mandala

A masterpiece of Japanese Buddhist art that was handed down to Taimadera Temple. It depicts the Western Pure Land of Amida Buddha and is a symbol of Pure Land Buddhist faith.

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Taima Mandala

Seishi (Mahasthamaprapta)

Seishi (Mahasthamaprapta) is the bodhisattva of wisdom in Mahayana Buddhism. With the light of wisdom, Seishi dispels the disillusionment of sentient beings and lights their way to paradise in the Pure Land.

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Prince Ajatashatru

The historical king of Magadha, an ancient Indian kingdom. He took the throne by killing his father but later embraced the Buddha and governed his kingdom well. He symbolizes the repentance and salvation of evildoers in the Buddhist faith.

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Taima Mandala

Sixteen Contemplations

This is an ascetic training method explained in the Kanmuryoju Sutra, or Amitayus Contemplation Sutra. It is a meditative practice in which the mind visualizes the sixteen contemplations of the Amida Buddha on the Pure Land.

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Taima Mandala

sentient beings

Sentient beings refer to all inhabitants of the Six Paths, which include not only human beings but also animals, ghouls, those in Hell, celestial beings, and asura demigods. The Buddha and the bodhisattvas exist to save them all.

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Pure Land (Jodo) devotees

The belief in being reborn in the Pure Land, where Buddhas and Bodhisattvas reside. The Pure Land includes the Western Paradise of Amida Buddha, the Lapis Lazuli Pure Land of Yakushi Nyorai, the Tusita Heaven of Maitreya Bodhisattva, and the Mount Potalaka of Kannon.

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Kamakura period

The name of the period that lasted for approximately 150 years from when Minamoto no Yoritomo founded the shogunate in Kamakura until Hojo Takatoki’s death in 1333.

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Heian period

The Heian period lasted for approximately 400 years between the transfer of the capital to Heian-kyo (present day Kyoto) by Emperor Kanmu in 794 and the foundation of the Kamakura Shogunate in 1185. The period is often divided into three sections: the Early, Mid- and Late Heian periods. In other words, the period of reviving the political system based on Ritsuryo codes, the regency period and the Insei period (governed by a retired emperor), respectively. (The end of the Late Heian period was ruled by the Taira clan.) Also referred to as the period of the Heian imperial court.

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Nanbokucho period

Also known as the ‘Northern and Southern Courts Period’. It refers to a sequence of events following the collapse of the Kamakura Shogunate and the attempt to restore imperial power by Emperor Go-Daigo, from 1331. Conflicts between supporters of the imperial family and the Ashikaga shogunate led to the establishment of a Northern Court by Ashikaga Takauji, who endorsed Emperor Komyo from the Jimyoin line. This action led to Emperor Go-Daigo establishing the Southern Court in Yoshino. It was a period marked by conflicts between the two courts, before the Northern and Southern Courts were eventually reconciled in 1392.

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Raigō Amitabha Buddha (Swift Cloud Amitabha Buddha)

Yuan Dynasty

Founded by the Mongolian warlord, Kublai Khan, the Yuan Dynasty was China's first foreign dynasty and lasted from 1271 to 1368. It occupied a vast territory across Eurasia. Trade and cultural exchange flourished during this time period, Buddhist belief and culture became widespread, and the publication of written works greatly increased.

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Image of Amitabha Buddha

fumiwari pedestal

These are pieces of a lotus petal base that split off from the pedestal of a Buddhist image. These pedestals are ornamental devices used to emphasize the presence of the Buddha.

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lotus base

This refers to the lotus blossom-shaped base upon which a Buddhist statue sits or stands. In Buddhism, the lotus blossom symbolizes purity, holiness, and enlightenment. The image of a pristine lotus flower blooming out of the mud symbolizes the Buddha, who achieved enlightenment without becoming unclean, even within the earthly realm.

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Raigōin Mudra (Samadhi Mudra)

This is a mudra in which the hands are brought together. Amida Buddha forms this mudra when welcoming beings to the Pure Land. It is an important visual expression which symbolizes salvation and peace of mind.

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Image of Amitabha Buddha

kindei gold paint

A pigment made with dissolved gold powder. This is a traditional ornamental technique used to majestic effect in Buddhist scriptures and paintings.

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Image of Amitabha Buddha

Saint Shingen

In 1571, Oda Nobunaga (1534–1582) razed the temple complex on Mt. Hiei to the ground, and Saikyōji Temple’s main hall was lost in the fire. However, Buddhist priest Shingen (d. 1578) made efforts to rebuild the main hall and restore the temple to its former glory.

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Shakyamuni Buddha

This is the honorific title of Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism. He is the historic Buddha who was born and achieved enlightenment in the human realm.

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Image of Shakyamuni Buddha (Jihatsu Shaka Nyorai)

mandorla

A mandorla, the egg-shaped halo behind a Buddhist statue, represents the light shining out from behind bodhisattvas and the Buddha. It symbolizes the holiness and spiritual power of the Buddhist deities.

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Image of Shakyamuni Buddha (Jihatsu Shaka Nyorai)

iron bowl

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Image of Shakyamuni Buddha (Jihatsu Shaka Nyorai)

Song Dynasty

This dynasty flourished in China from the tenth to the thirteenth centuries. Historically, it is divided into the Northern Song (960–1127) and the Southern Song (1127–1279). The dynasty had a profound effect on Japanese culture in the medieval period, throughcultural exchange like the proliferation of Zen Buddhism and the publication of sutras.

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Image of Shakyamuni Buddha (Jihatsu Shaka Nyorai)

Sui Dynasty

The Sui dynasty (581–618) succeeded in unifying China. The dynasty engaged in systemic reform and helped propagate Buddhism. Like other Chinese dynasties, it had a large impact on Japan.

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Image of Tiantai Daishi

Three Great Founders

These are three Buddhist priests who founded and supported the development of the Japanese Tendai sect of Buddhism. Their names are Saichō (Dengyō Daishi), Ennin (Jikaku Daishi), and Enchin (Chishō Daishi).

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Image of Tiantai Daishi

nyoi scepter

This is a Buddhist implement. It takes the shape of a wand with a curved tip and is used in religious rituals, services, sutra chanting, and sermons. It symbolizes the act of making wishes come true.

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Image of Tiantai Daishi

Zhang Sixun

Zhang Sixun (dates unknown) was a Buddhist painter active during the Southern Song dynasty. He is known for several works of art, including the 1195 painting Portrait of Zhiyi.

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Image of Tiantai Daishi

Enryakuji Temple

Enryakuji Temple is the head temple of the Tendai sect. It is located on Mt. Hiei in Otsu, Shiga Prefecture.

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Image of Tiantai Daishi

Miidera Temple

Miidera Temple is the head temple of the Tendai Jimon sect. It is located in Otsu, Shiga Prefecture.

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Image of Tiantai Daishi

Tendai Shinsei Sect

The Tendai Shinsei sect is a subsect of Tendai Buddhism and was founded by Shinsei, a priest active during the Muromachi period (1392–1573). Saikyo-ji Temple is the head temple of Tendai Shinsei. It values the Buddhist canon and the ascetic practice of nenbutsu, or the invocation of the name of the Buddha.

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Image of Tiantai Daishi

Mt. Hiei

The mountain to the northeast of Kyoto City, lying on the border between Kyoto and Shiga Prefectures. It is famous for being a sacred mountain of Ojo Chingo (protecting the imperial household) in ancient times. It has two summits on its mountain ridge: Ohie or Mt. O-dake (848 meters) in the east and Mt. Shimei-dake (839 meters) in the west. The head temple of the Tendai sect, Enryakuji Temple, is located on the mountainside in the east.

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Image of the Deities of the Sannō Faith

Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine

This old shrine is located in the Sakamoto area of Ōtsu, Shiga Prefecture. It is the tutelary shrine of Enryakuji Temple of the Tendai sect. Hiyoshi Taisha is the head shrine of roughly 3,800 Hiyoshi, Hie, and Sannō shrines located across Japan.

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Image of the Deities of the Sannō Faith

Hie Sannō Mandala

This mandala depicts the close relationship between Shinto and Buddhism by showing the Hiyoshi and Sannō guardian deities of Mt. Hiei together with Buddhist images.

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Image of the Deities of the Sannō Faith

Upper Seven Shrines

This is one section of a group of shrines that enshrine the Sannō deities of Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine. These deities are deeply connected to Enryakuji Temple in terms of the close relationship between Shinto and Buddhism.

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Image of the Deities of the Sannō Faith

Middle Seven Shrines

These are seven shrines located in the center of Hiyoshi Taisha shrine. They couple with the original Buddhist deities (honjibutsu) and create the core of the close relationship between Shinto and Buddhism.

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Image of the Deities of the Sannō Faith

Honjibutsu (Original Buddhist Deities)

Honjibutsu refers to the original forms of Shinto deities as buddhas and bodhisattvas. This concept supported the deepening relationship between Shinto and Buddhism in medieval Japan.

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Image of the Deities of the Sannō Faith

Bussho (Nature of the Buddha)

This is one of the fundamental teachings of Mahayana Buddhism, which states that all sentient beings have the innate ability to achieve enlightenment.

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Old Sutra Copied onto Fan-Shaped Paper

detchōsō book binding

This is a method in which booklets are bound by pasting the reverse sides of paper together. This book binding technique is often used for ancient Buddhist scriptures and other writings.

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Old Sutra Copied onto Fan-Shaped Paper

ink painting of mountains and rivers

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Image of Toyotomi Hideyoshi

Yamanaka Nagatoshi

Yamanaka Nagatoshi (1547–1607) was a Sengoku (Warring States)-period (1467–1568) samurai lord and daimyo who played a vital role in both the Oda and Toyotomi regimes. His territory was based in present-day Kōka, Shiga Prefecture. His grave is at Saikyōji Temple.

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Image of Toyotomi Hideyoshi

Ōtani Gyōbu

Ōtani Yoshitsugu (c.1559–1600), also known as Ōtani Gyōbu, was a Sengoku period (1467–1568) daimyo who was active under the Toyotomi regime. He displayed exceptional skill in government and military affairs. He fell sick in his later years but hid his weakened state by wearing a white hood when on the field of battle. He joined the western forces in the Battle of Sekigahara (1600), where it is recorded that he committed seppuku when defeat became certain.

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Image of Toyotomi Hideyoshi

Saikyōji Temple Guest Hall

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Image of Toyotomi Hideyoshi

Amida Nyorai (Amitabha)

The lord of the Western Pure Land, dedicated to eradicating all forms of suffering and doubt, fulfilling the wishes of all beings.

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dragon-shaped spout

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Font in Front of the Main Hall

Grave of Akechi Mitsuhide's wife Hiroko and his family members

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Akechi Mitsuhide and Saikyo-ji Temple

temple supporter

Someone who economically supports a particular temple through their belief in the teachings of the sect. Generally, a family burial site is established, and the temple is entrusted to provide religious services for the repose of the dead.

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Akechi Mitsuhide and Saikyo-ji Temple

Assault on Mt. Hiei

In 1571, Oda Nobunaga's forces launched an attack on Enryaku-ji Temple on Mt. Hiei. Nobunaga’s army is said to have set fire to the temple buildings and reportedly massacred the people within the mountain.

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Akechi Mitsuhide and Saikyo-ji Temple

Oda Nobunaga

Nobunaga (1534 - 1582) was a renowned warrior during the Sengoku (Warring States) Period of the 15th-16th centuries. Originally based in Mino (current-day Gifu Prefecture), Nobunaga set out for Kyoto in September 1568 in an attempt to unify the nation and install Ashikaga Yoshiaki as shogun. He encamped at Miidera Temple on 24 September just before reaching Kyoto, using the Kojo-in as accommodation for the future shogun. Nobunaga himself stayed at Gokuraku-in. He subsequently gained control over a substantial part of Japan and built Azuchi Castle in Omi (present-day Shiga Prefecture). His ambition to conquer the entire country ultimately failed when, at Honnoji Temple in 1582, he fell victim to a coup by his general Akechi Mitsuhide.

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Akechi Mitsuhide and Saikyo-ji Temple

Sengoku period

A period marked by frequent warfare from the late 15th century to the late 16th century.

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Akechi Mitsuhide and Saikyo-ji Temple

ventilation

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Founder's Hall Font

rafters

The components supporting the roof substrate and roofing materials.

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Founder's Hall Font

exposed rafters

The rafters are meticulously crafted and decoratively finished, with a focus on enhancing the exterior's appearance.

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Founder's Hall Font

non-penetrating tie beams

Beams that connects the pillars horizontally. It is installed along the wall to be overlaid above the lintels or to span between the pillars.

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Founder's Hall Font

decorative metal fittings

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Karamon Gate of the Founder's Hall

board transoms

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Karamon Gate of the Founder's Hall

transom carvings

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Karamon Gate of the Founder's Hall

bracket complex

It is mainly located on top of a pillar. Its structure is interlocked bearing blocks and bracket arms to support an eave purlin that supports rafters. Also called tokyō or masugumi.

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Karamon Gate of the Founder's Hall

tsuijihei clay wall

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four-legged gate

With two main pillars at the center, four further posts are located to the front and the back of the gate. It is called yotsuashimon Gate, as yotsuashi means four legs (posts) and the gate has four shore posts. This type of gate is commonly used as the front gate of a temple. Normally cylindrical main posts and slightly thinner prism shore posts are used with a gable roof. A gate with four shore posts on each side, in total eight posts, is called a hakkyakumon gate (gate with eight legs/posts).

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Karamon Gate of the Founder's Hall

Statue of Shinsei Shonin as a Child

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Founder's Hall

Dengyo Daishi

The founder of the Japanese Tendai school, also known as Saicho. He lived from 767 to 822, and established the Enryaku-ji Temple on Mount Hiei.

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Founder's Hall

Tendai Daishi

The founder of the Chinese Tiantai school is Zhiyi, also known as Chisha Daishi, who lived from 538 to 597.

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Founder's Hall

transom with closely spaced vertical bars

A transom with closely spaced vertical bars and widely spaced horizontal bars, commonly seen in interconnected rooms in shoin-zukuri architecture.

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Founder's Hall

finely latticed coffered ceiling

A coffered ceiling incorporating finely latticed sections within the compartments.

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Founder's Hall

railing with decorated newel posts

The railings installed at the edges of the veranda and staircases feature decorative newel posts at each corner.

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Founder's Hall

sparse rafters

Widely spaced rafters

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railings

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Ossuary

panelled wooden boards

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Ossuary

paper on lattice

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Ossuary

altar

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Ossuary

outer (sanctuary)

Within a temple or shrine complex, this is the area outside the inner sanctuary where the sacred deity or principal object of worship is enshrined. It is a space where the general public pays their respects.

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Ossuary

laths

A slender material laid horizontally over the rafters to support the attic boards and other roofing elements.

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Ossuary

single row of sparse rafters

Sparse rafters spaced widely with only the chiseling.

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Ossuary

beam

The lengthwise side of the building. Refers to the direction in which the main ridge and ridgepole beams run.

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3-on-1 supports

In wooden temple architecture, one of the bracket forms primarily found above columns, supporting deep eaves. The bracket composition is made up of larger bearing blocks and smaller side bearing blocks.

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mythical imps

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Font in Front of the Main Hall

basin

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purification font

Generally, mizuya refers to a small kitchen used for preparing tea ceremonies, but it can also denote a structure for a water basin at temples and shrines.

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parallel rafters

Double rows of closely spaced rafters.

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Font in Front of the Main Hall

cut stone

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Syokyozo

Meiji Period

1868–1912.

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Syokyozo

sacred texts

The teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha. Also, the Buddhist scriptures.

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Syokyozo

vertical board paneling

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Three Sparrows

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Kanchogura

eave

A gabled structure with an entrance on the girder side, featuring an eave that also serves as protection against rain.

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swing doors

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Kanchogura

front entrance running parallel to ridge

Structure featuring an entrance on the girder side of the gabling.

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Kanchogura

Naishikakura

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Kanchogura

bathhouse

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Kanchogura

Shinra's calligraphy plate

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Kanrantei

sukiya-style

Based on the shoin-zukuri architectural style, sukiya embodies a design that is at once elegant and delicate, and simple and refined.

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Kanrantei

non-penetrating tie beams with bark

The edges of the round logs used are left with the bark intact, creating a rustic ambiance. This style was often used in sukiya-style tea rooms.

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Kanrantei

shelves

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Kanrantei

alcove

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Kanrantei

mukuri-yane

Refers to a roof that curves gently upwards. It was used in urban residences during the early modern period. This style of roofing began to be produced as attic spaces became utilized as living quarters.

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strolling garden with pond

A style of Japanese garden that developed during the Edo period that features a path through a landscaped garden with a large central pond.

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Kanrantei

Edo period

The name of the period that lasted approximately 260 years from when Tokugawa Ieyasu founded the Edo shogunate in 1603 after winning the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600 until the restoration of imperial rule by Tokugawa Yoshinobu in 1867. Also called the Tokugawa period.

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Kanrantei

large alcove

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Shoin

extension

A small place attached to the side of a tokonoma alcove and made of wooden boards. It protrudes toward the porch, and has paper screen sliding doors in front and an attached desk. Also called shoin-doko, idashifu-zukue, shoin-gamae, shoin-dana, akari-doko, and akari-join.

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Shoin

garden built during the same period

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Shoin

back shoin

A shoin located at the back of a building.

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Shoin

front shoin

A shoin located at the front of a building.

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Shoin

sangawara

A type of roofing using only one type of tile, the cross-section of which is corrugated. The method was invented in the Edo period (1603–1868). The tiles used to be called “simple” tiles, as they were more economical compared to the tiles used for formal-tile roofing. Nowadays, traditional townhouses and residential buildings typically use this type of roofing.

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fudan nenbutsu

To continuously chant the name of Amida Buddha.

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Shoin

broad low veranda (hiroen)

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Guest Hall Side Gate

Momoyama period

Lasting roughly 20 years from the time Toyotomi Hideyoshi took power in the late 16th century until his death and the start of the Edo period in 1603. For art history, this period is important as a time of transition from medieval Japan to early modern times. It is particularly known for the splendour of the architecture and art produced, with the construction of magnificent castles, palaces, temples, and shrines requiring the creation of equally splendid decorative paintings on sliding doors and screens for the interiors. At the same time, the development of genre-paintings that show ordinary life and craft technology such as pottery, lacquer work, dyeing and weaving is remarkable.

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Guest Hall Side Gate

X-shaped (slats)

Slats arranged in an X shape, used in the upper sections of fittings and transoms.

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Guest Hall Side Gate

vertical lattice

Thin vertical bars with square cross-sections aligned in a lattice with their edges facing the opening. This design is typically used in the windows and doors of temple or shrine architecture.

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Guest Hall Side Gate

unokedooshi

The pendant of the karahafu gable. It takes on an elongated shape to harmonize with the gentle curves of the karahafu.

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Guest Hall Side Gate

gable side

The side of the structure.

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Guest Hall Side Gate

karahafu undulating bargeboard

A unique style of roof with a gable that flows from the top center with gentle curves on each side.

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cypress-bark (-roofed)

A roof made by the method where cypress bark is fixed by bamboo nails.

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main ridge

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Guest Hall Side Gate

boat-shaped bracket arms

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Guest Hall Side Gate

ridge

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Guest Hall Side Gate

eave purlin

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Guest Hall Side Gate

bracket

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Guest Hall Side Gate

newel pillar

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Guest Hall Side Gate

chamfer

Smoothing the corners of structural components.

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Guest Hall Side Gate

hirakaramon

A karamon, or hirakaramon is a gate that features a roof with karahafu undulating bargeboards on both gable ends of the gate.

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five-tiered pagoda

A type of pagoda or stupa. It uses five tiers of stone to represent earth, water, fire, wind, and void. The earth tier is a cube, the water tier is either jar-shaped or spherical, the fire tier has a pyramid-shaped cap, the wind tier is hemisphere-shaped, and the void tier is formed by a jewel shape stacked on top.

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Mausoleum

floral (openwork carvings)

It is a Zen style and is mostly used for sankarato paneled wooden doors and ramma transoms of a drawing room or study. It is also called hanaramma (hana means flower in Japanese), as floral patterns were applied to kumiko work (a delicate thin wooden work) on lattices. These kumiko works are called hanakumiko or hanako.

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Mausoleum

arched beams

Beams that curve upwards, reminiscent of a rainbow.

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decorative bottle-shaped struts

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Mausoleum

coffered ceiling

A ceiling constructed by intersecting timbers to form a lattice pattern. It is often used in high-status rooms such as those in shrines, temples, and great halls of shoin-zukuri architecture.

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hougyo-zukuri

A type of roof style. It features a square building where the corner ridges converge at the top center of the roof, also known as houkei-zukuri.

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Mausoleum

medicine jar

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Seated Statue of Yakushi Nyorai (Bhaisajyaguru)

mudra hand gesture

In Buddhism, various hand gestures are formed with the fingers, symbolically representing religious concepts.

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Seated Statue of Yakushi Nyorai (Bhaisajyaguru)

monastic robes

Refers to kasaya, a type of robe sewn from discarded rags, which was traditionally worn as part of the twelve ascetic practices. Over time, in China, these robes became more ornate, and in Japan, the term came to refer to the shichijo (seven piece) kasaya made from luxurious materials such as twill, brocade, and gold brocade.

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Seated Statue of Yakushi Nyorai (Bhaisajyaguru)

plaque

These were displayed at elevated positions on buildings, gates, and torii gates.

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Seated Statue of Yakushi Nyorai (Bhaisajyaguru)

Imperial Order

A document created by the keepers of the imperial archives (Kurodo) in accordance with the emperor's intentions.

Cultural Heritage Featuring This Term

Seated Statue of Yakushi Nyorai (Bhaisajyaguru)

Emperor Go-Yozei

Reigning from 1586 to 1611, he was the 107th Emperor. He lived from 1571 to 1617.

Cultural Heritage Featuring This Term

Seated Statue of Yakushi Nyorai (Bhaisajyaguru)

Hossho-ji Temple

The temple, established as a royal temple of Emperor Shirakawa, was located in the Okazaki area of Sakyo Ward, Kyoto. In 1077, the dedication ceremonies for the completion of the main hall and other structures were held, and buildings such as the auditorium, Godai Hall, and an octagonal nine-story pagoda were erected. However, in 1185, an earthquake caused considerable damage, and a fire in 1342 destroyed the majority of the temple. It was ultimately abandoned after the Onin War (1467-77).

Cultural Heritage Featuring This Term

Seated Statue of Yakushi Nyorai (Bhaisajyaguru)

Setsubun Day

The day before the start of each season. The term also implies "dividing the seasons." Since the Edo period, it has been used to refer specifically to the day around February 3 before the start of spring.

Cultural Heritage Featuring This Term

Seated Statue of Yakushi Nyorai (Bhaisajyaguru)

miniature shrine in butsuma room

Cultural Heritage Featuring This Term

Seated Statue of Yakushi Nyorai (Bhaisajyaguru)

sash

A narrow and long cloth, draped across the body from the left shoulder to the right side, worn by bodhisattvas and wisdom kings.

Cultural Heritage Featuring This Term

Standing Statue of Sho Kannon (Aryavalokitesvara)

drapery

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Standing Statue of Sho Kannon (Aryavalokitesvara)

heavenly shawl

Cultural Heritage Featuring This Term

Standing Statue of Sho Kannon (Aryavalokitesvara)

flat eyeballs

Cultural Heritage Featuring This Term

Standing Statue of Sho Kannon (Aryavalokitesvara)

hair

Cultural Heritage Featuring This Term

Standing Statue of Sho Kannon (Aryavalokitesvara)

coronet

Cultural Heritage Featuring This Term

Standing Statue of Sho Kannon (Aryavalokitesvara)

single-block wood carving

A wood carving technique where the main parts of the head and body of the statue are carved from a single piece of wood.

Cultural Heritage Featuring This Term

Standing Statue of Sho Kannon (Aryavalokitesvara)

temple bell

Called bonsho, it is a hanging bell used in temples, of a different type to Chinese instrumental bells. Most are hung in a bell tower and rung by a wooden bell hammer.

Cultural Heritage Featuring This Term

Temple Bell

Sakamoto Castle

A Japanese castle once located in Sakamoto, Shiga District, omi Province (present-day Shimosakamoto, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture). It was constructed as the residence of Akechi Mitsuhide and was a flatland castle facing Lake Biwa.

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Akechi Mitsuhide

A military commander and feudal lord from the Sengoku period to the Azuchi-Momoyama period. He lived from 1528 to 1582.

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striking point

Cultural Heritage Featuring This Term

Temple Bell

canon

Cultural Heritage Featuring This Term

Temple Bell

chi-no-ma

Cultural Heritage Featuring This Term

Temple Bell

bell tower

The structure within the temple grounds for hanging the temple bell.

Cultural Heritage Featuring This Term

Temple Bell

Kamakura period

The name of the period that lasted for approximately 150 years from when Minamoto no Yoritomo founded the shogunate in Kamakura until Hojo Takatoki’s death in 1333.

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decorative finial

In Japan, the decorative finial is often represented as a pointed spherical shape, known as a jewel, that has the power to ward off calamities and grant wishes.

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lotus-shaped support

A lotus-shaped decoration below the kurin nine rings of the decorative finial.

Cultural Heritage Featuring This Term

Stone Lantern

cap

The roof section of stone towers and lanterns.

Cultural Heritage Featuring This Term

Stone Lantern

light compartment

The section where the light source is placed and illuminated.

Cultural Heritage Featuring This Term

Stone Lantern

middle platform

Part of the stone lantern. It is the platform situated atop the shaft, on which the light compartment is placed. The underside features carved lotus petals, and the upper end is tiered. Kozama engravings may also be etched above the lotus petals.

Cultural Heritage Featuring This Term

Stone Lantern

shaft

A column-shaped stone that stands on the foundation of a stone lantern and supports the upper parts, including the light compartment, cap, and decorative finial.

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Stone Lantern

Head Temple Garden

Cultural Heritage Featuring This Term

Stone Lantern

blossoming lotus

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Stone Lantern

triple-stemmed (lotus)

Cultural Heritage Featuring This Term

Stone Lantern

kozama

Cultural Heritage Featuring This Term

Stone Lantern

foundation

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Stone Lantern

granite

Crystalline stone. Known for its hardness, beauty, and durability, it is widely used as a building material.

Cultural Heritage Featuring This Term

Stone Lantern

hiten kohai

A representation of the light of Amida, featuring a large boat-shaped halo adorned with heavenly beings. This style became popular after being devised by the renowned sculptor Jocho during the Heian period (794-1185).

Cultural Heritage Featuring This Term

Seated Statue of Amida Nyorai (Amitabha)

Jocho Style

The Wayo (Japanese) style of Buddhist statuary, initiated by the Heian period sculptor Jocho. This style synthesizes various Buddha carving techniques such as esoteric Buddhist figures, wooden statues, dry lacquer Buddha images with wooden cores, and statues made of fragrant wood, culminating in a unique stylistic form.

Cultural Heritage Featuring This Term

Seated Statue of Amida Nyorai (Amitabha)

Heian period

The Heian period lasted for approximately 400 years between the transfer of the capital to Heian-kyo (present day Kyoto) by Emperor Kanmu in 794 and the foundation of the Kamakura Shogunate in 1185. The period is often divided into three sections: the Early, Mid- and Late Heian periods. In other words, the period of reviving the political system based on Ritsuryo codes, the regency period and the Insei period (governed by a retired emperor), respectively. (The end of the Late Heian period was ruled by the Taira clan.) Also referred to as the period of the Heian imperial court.

Cultural Heritage Featuring This Term

golden hue

The entire body, including the limbs, glows with a golden hue.

Cultural Heritage Featuring This Term

Seated Statue of Amida Nyorai (Amitabha)

ushnisha protrusion

A protrusion on the top of the head symbolizing the accumulation of wisdom.

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lotus position

The sitting posture used in Buddhist practice. It involves placing the insteps of both feet on the opposite thighs so that the soles face upward.

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lotus pedestal

Cultural Heritage Featuring This Term

Seated Statue of Amida Nyorai (Amitabha)

Amida meditation mudra

The hands form a mudra by overlapping and creating two circles with the thumbs and other fingers. This mudra, unique to Amida, represents a state of meditation.

Cultural Heritage Featuring This Term

Seated Statue of Amida Nyorai (Amitabha)

jorokuzo

Standard measurements for statue height. Joroku is an abbreviation for one "jo" and six (roku) “shaku". The standing statue is 1 jo 6 shaku (approximately 4.8 meters) tall, while the seated statue measures 8 shaku (approximately 2.4 meters).

Cultural Heritage Featuring This Term

Seated Statue of Amida Nyorai (Amitabha)

engraved eyes

A technique seen in some wooden statues where the eyes are engraved.

Cultural Heritage Featuring This Term

lacquer and gold leaf

A lacquering technique involving individually pressing sheets of gold or silver leaf onto wooden sculptures, pillars, walls, as well as metal surfaces such as decorative fittings.

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yosegi-zukuri

A wood sculpting technique in which multiple pieces of wood are combined to create the head and torso of a statue. This method involves hollowing out the interior to reduce weight, allowing for the construction of large statues with minimal wood, among other advantages. It is a technique unique to Japan and was perfected from the mid to late Heian period (794–1185).

Cultural Heritage Featuring This Term

Seated Statue of Amida Nyorai (Amitabha)

Jofuku-ji Temple

A temple that once existed in Minakuchi Town, Koka County, Shiga Prefecture, but is now a ruin.

Cultural Heritage Featuring This Term

Seated Statue of Amida Nyorai (Amitabha)

shoin-zukuri

Shoin-zukuri was an evolution of an earlier architectural style known as shinden-zukuri, which was developed by aristocratic society during the Heian period (794-1185). Following the establishment of the shogunate in the Kamakura period, shinden-zukuri adapted to the life of the ruling samurai warriors, and it was particularly modified for the necessity of entertaining guests and ceremonies. It was also influenced by the architectural style of Zen Buddhism from China, and its unique style was gradually adopted for residential houses for military families as shoin-zukuri.

Cultural Heritage Featuring This Term

tea room

Cultural Heritage Featuring This Term

Guest Hall

illustration on partition

Paintings depicted on elements of residential architecture such as fusuma sliding panels and tsuitate screens.

Cultural Heritage Featuring This Term

Guest Hall

Kano school

A line of painters originating from Kano Masanobu who flourished as official artists for the samurai class from the late Muromachi period through to the Edo period.

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Guest Hall

Tsuru-no-ma

Cultural Heritage Featuring This Term

Guest Hall

Enko-no-ma

Cultural Heritage Featuring This Term

Guest Hall

Kacho-no-ma

Cultural Heritage Featuring This Term

Guest Hall

staggered shelves

A decorative piece in the shoin-zukuri style, positioned beside the tokonoma alcove and attached shoin. This setup features two shelves suspended in a staggered, two-tiered arrangement.

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Shoin

alcove

Cultural Heritage Featuring This Term

Guest Hall

Jyoza-no-ma

Cultural Heritage Featuring This Term

Kenjin-no-ma

Cultural Heritage Featuring This Term

narrow (lower )veranda

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shingled (roof)

A type of roofing. It involves attaching wooden shingles with bamboo nails, using thicker boards for the eaves section. The materials used include thin boards of cedar, cypress, and sawara cypress.

Cultural Heritage Featuring This Term

Guest Hall

gable (roof)

A style of building with a gable roof. Also called iraka-zukuri.

Cultural Heritage Featuring This Term

Fushimi Castle

The castle was built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in Mt. Higashi-fushimi, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City. Construction was begun in 1592. It was destroyed by an earthquake in 1596 and reconstructed in Mt. Kohata. At this time, the checkpoints in Kyoto were put under control. Later the Edo Shogunate disposed of the castle, and the remains were transferred and still remain in some temples such as Daitokuji Temple, Nishi Honganji Temple and Toyokuni Shrine.

Cultural Heritage Featuring This Term

Guest Hall

Azuchi-Momoyama period

A historical period. It refers to the time from 1568, when Oda Nobunaga entered Kyoto with Ashikaga Yoshiaki, to 1598, when Toyotomi Hideyoshi passed away, or alternatively until 1603, when Tokugawa Ieyasu was appointed as the Shogun and established the Edo shogunate.

Cultural Heritage Featuring This Term

White-Handed Monkey

Cultural Heritage Featuring This Term

Main Hall

Shinsei Shonin

The founder of the Tendai Shinseishu sect, he hailed from Ise Province (present-day Mie Prefecture) and lived from 1443 to 1495. After studying at Saito (the Western Compound) of Mount Hiei, he retired to Seiryu-ji Temple in Kurodani Valley of the same precinct in 1483, where he devoted himself to continuous Buddhist practice. In Sakamoto, at the Shogen-ji Temple, he lectured on the Ojo-yoshu (Essentials of Salvation), showing great commitment to Genshin and revitalized Saikyo-ji Temple as a center for teaching the dual paths of gratitude and self-reflection. His posthumous titles were Enkai Kokushi and Jisho Daishi.

Cultural Heritage Featuring This Term

(tokusei ikki) uprising

In the medieval period, a decree concerning the reclamation of sold land or the invalidation of debts was referred to as tokusei. Originally, it was a term denoting benevolent or good governance, allowing rulers to aid impoverished commoners by annulling debts or allowing them to reclaim sold land. The Tokusei uprising was initiated by farmers burdened by debt, who sought to legitimize this debt relief through force.

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Main Hall

Tendai Order

A Buddhist sect that venerates Tiantai Daishi Zhi-yi of China as its founder and regards the Lotus Sutra as its foundational scripture, with Dengyo Daishi Saicho as its Japanese founder. Its head temple is Enryaku-ji, located on Mount Hiei (Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture).

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Main Hall

Eshin Sozu (Genshin)

A monk of the Tendai Order. Born in 942 and died in 1017. Originally from Yamato Province, he entered monastic practice at Mount Hiei at a young age and became a disciple of Ryogen and was ordained at the age of 13. He resided in Yokawa on the mountain and authored the three-volume Buddhist text titled Ojo-yoshu (Essentials of Salvation) in 985, contributing to the development of the Pure Land teachings.

Cultural Heritage Featuring This Term

Main Hall

Ganzan Daishi

The 18th Tendai Zasu (head priest). Born in 912 and passed away in 985. He was born in Omi Province, studied Tendai doctrine, and resided in Yokogawa. Due to passing away on the third day of the first month, he later became commonly known as Ganzan Daishi. His posthumous title is Jikei (Sojo). Shortly after his death, the auspiciousness and divinity of his birth and death became legendary, leading to the veneration of the Daishi.

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Main Hall

Prince Shotoku

Named Umayado. His father was Emperor Yomei, and his mother was Princess Anahobe no Hashihito. He lived from 574 to 622. Serving as regent to Empress Suiko, he worked alongside Soga no Umako on both domestic and foreign policies. He is credited with establishing the Twelve Level Cap Rank System and the Seventeen-Article Constitution. Particularly devoted to Buddhism, he founded Shitenno-ji Temple and Horyu-ji Temple.

Cultural Heritage Featuring This Term

Main Hall

transom

A horizontally elongated opening set between the ceiling and the lintel or tie beams. Although it can be closed off with walls, doing so would reduce lighting and ventilation. Therefore, the space is left opened and adorned with intricate carvings and lattices.

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four (dais) pillars

Cultural Heritage Featuring This Term

Main Hall

Seated Statue of Amida Buddha (Amitabha)

Cultural Heritage Featuring This Term

Main Hall

dais

A platform used for enshrining statues of Buddhas and other figures.

Cultural Heritage Featuring This Term

inner sanctuary

The innermost chamber within the temple or shrine where the sacred shintai (object regarded as the divinity's manifestation or symbol) or the principal Buddhist image is enshrined.

Cultural Heritage Featuring This Term

Standing Statue of Sho Kannon Bosatsu (Aryavalokitesvara)

Cultural Heritage Featuring This Term

Main Hall

rear hall (mortuary chapel)

The rear side of the main hall's central dais, also known as the rear gate or rear hall. During processions, participants circle around here and enter or exit from this point. The wall behind the dais features murals of Shakyamuni Buddha (or the Shakyamuni Trinity), and as it is referred to as the rear hall's principal image, it also serves as a place to enshrine various revered figures.

Cultural Heritage Featuring This Term

frog-leg-struts

A structural component with sides that widen and curve towards the bottom, like a frog opening its legs (kaeru means a frog, and mata means crotch). It is located between two connecting beams. An alternative derivation for the name is karimata, the shape of an arrowhead, the edge of which splits into two.

Cultural Heritage Featuring This Term

ｍonkey figurines

Cultural Heritage Featuring This Term

Main Hall

eave ends

Cultural Heritage Featuring This Term

Main Hall

pent roof

In shrine and temple architecture, a structure with a roof that protrudes over the front steps. It allows the priest and worshippers to conduct ceremonies or pay respects from the front of the hall.

Cultural Heritage Featuring This Term

shitomido

A type of wooden shutter that incorporates a lattice door that can be lifted or removed. It is often divided into two sections, upper and lower.

Cultural Heritage Featuring This Term

paneled wooden doors

A paneled wooden door including sections of renji latticework set into small frames in an outer door frame.

Cultural Heritage Featuring This Term

openwork carving

Cultural Heritage Featuring This Term

tiled (roof)

A roofing method using two types of roof tiles, flat tiles and semi-cylindrical convex tiles, which are laid alternatively. This method of tiling has been used since the Asukadera Temple was built. It was the first full-scale temple in Japan and was built at the end of the sixth century.

Cultural Heritage Featuring This Term

hip-and-gable (style)

A hip-and-gable roof construction is a distinctive feature of religious architecture in Japan. It includes a gable section (kirizuma-zukuri) which sits on top of a hipped roof, which forms the base.

Cultural Heritage Featuring This Term

Main Hall

The main building of a temple complex in which a principal image is enshrined. Depending on the sect, it can be referred to as the Kondo, Chudo, Butsuden, Mieido or Amidado.

Cultural Heritage Featuring This Term

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