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HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Shokoji Temple
A centuries old Buddhist temple with seven intriguing wonders
takaoka city
Shokoji Temple dates back to when Takaoka was the capital of Etchu Province, present day Toyama Prefecture. Originally founded by Pure Land Buddhist monk Rennyo in 1471, it was moved to its current location in 1584, where it was guaranteed land and given protection by Toshinaga Maeda, a powerful Lord who built Takaoka Castle 400 years ago.
It is a fine surviving example of a Zenshu Buddhist temple, denoting its building style is derived from Chinese Song Dynasty architecture. Its twelve buildings, including the main hall, audience hall, and study hall, are all designated as Important Cultural Properties. Extensive renovation works to restore the temple complex’s 12 buildings began in 1998 and after 23 years were finally completed in 2021. Be among the first to see this painstakingly restored, precious example of Japanese traditional architecture.
When you visit, be sure to seek out all the seven mysteries of Shokoji Temple:
• The fruitless gingko tree
• The stone that fell from the sky
• The pond that never dries
• The monkey that holds up the roof
• The pillar that wards off evil spirits
• The flying dragon inkstone
• The three-leafed pine
How to get there
5 minutes walk from Fushiki Station on the JR Himi Line.
