Gyotoku Temple

The "Shikyakumon" is a style of gate in Japanese architecture. It is called the "Shikyakumon" because it has four supporting pillars, including two gate pillars (honbashira) and two rear pillars (hikaebashira). The Shikyakubell Tower Gate at Gyotoku Temple is estimated to have been built in the 18th century. It is a one-room, gabled, thatched bell tower gate. Although small, its well-balanced appearance is beautiful, and it is known as a historically valuable building.

The main hall of Gyotoku Temple is a single-story wooden building with a board-covered exterior. It has a hipped roof, copper plates, a flat entrance, and a 7-bay span with a 1-bay front-facing worship area. Overall, it gives a heavy impression due to the thickness of the wooden frame and beams. The interior of the main hall, which is said to represent the Pure Land of Paradise, is decorated with beautiful and dazzling ornaments. Standing in the solemn atmosphere of the main hall naturally calms the mind.

A "kuri" is an area within a temple where the head priest and their family reside. The kuri of Gondo Temple is a building constructed during the end of the Edo period, with a gabled roof, thatched roof, flat entrance, and joined gabled construction. At first glance, it may appear to be a typical residential home, but upon closer inspection, one can see the high level of formality in the fine craftsmanship and quality building materials. The kuri of Gondo Temple is a valuable remnant of a joined gabled temple storehouse building from the end of the Edo period, and was designated as a tangible cultural property of Minami-Tonami City in 1969. It is a building that is definitely worth seeing.

The Doso Itokukan, located within the grounds of a temple, exhibits and preserves temple treasures related to Rennyo and Doso. The "Akao Doso Jushikajo," which is considered a temple treasure and contains the founder's understanding in 21 articles, the "Rennyo Gomesshobun," which is said to have been disseminated to disciples throughout the country as a means of preaching, and the "Rennyo Mokuzo," which is said to have been created by Jitsujo, are all must-sees. In addition, works by the world-famous printmaker Munakata Shiko are on display and are one of the highlights.

The founder of Gyotoku Temple, Akao no Doshu, had an outstanding faith and dedicated his life to preaching in the region. One famous episode involves him sleeping and turning over on top of 48 split logs, waking up each time from the pain and reciting the nenbutsu prayer. He was known to be strict with himself. There is also a wooden statue of Doshu lying on the split logs. One person who was impressed by this episode was the world-renowned printmaker, Munakata Shiko. He left behind prints carved based on the wooden statue, and these works are now housed in the Doshu Idoku Museum.