Zuiryuji

Zuiryuji in Takaoka, Toyama Prefecture, was founded in 1614. It is a historical temple, and Sanmon (temple gate), Butsuden (Buddhist sanctum), and Hatto (sermon hall) were designated national treasures in 1997, the first for Toyama. Somon (main gate), Zendo (Zen meditation hall), Takaroka (high corridor), Kairo (corridor), and Osado (great tea house) are designated as nationally important cultural properties. These buildings are lit up several times a year, which is fascinating. During the light up, you can go in at night to view the fantastic temple buildings which look different from during the day.

(Source: 歴史ロマンをもとめて～さどこブログ)

Beautiful Butsuden (Buddhist sanctum) built from Japanese Zelkova

You pass through the temple gate and proceed forward to see Butsuden, a national treasure, made using Japanese zelkova. It has an open ceiling and has very few supporting columns, but still it stands to hold up 47 tons of the lead-plated tile roof. You will be surprised by the architectural technology of that time.

(Source: kazukiatuko / PIXTA(ピクスタ) )

Hatto (Sermon Hall) to Enshrine God of Toilets

Hatto (Sermon Hall) houses the spirit tablet of a feudal warlord who built the predecessor temple of Zuiryuji. This temple is famous as apparently God of Toilets is said to be here. This God is said to purify cesspools and is usually enshrined in a toilet. The Hatto in Zuiryuji used to be a toilet in the Edo Period, and this is why the God is housed in here.

(Source: kazukiatuko / PIXTA(ピクスタ) )

Fantastic Lit-up Atmosphere

Zuiryuji is lit up three times a year: February, April, and August; allowing visitors at night. On these light-up days, many tourists from all over Japan, visit to view the fantastic beauty of the temple brightly lit-up standing out of the darkness.

(Source: COMOC Sizzle / PIXTA(ピクスタ) )

Zuiryuji's Big Event in Winter

Zuiryuji has a big event called Yoru-no-Inori to Daifuku-ichi (Night Prayer & Daifuku Market) for 2 days in mid-February. During this event, it is lit up and holds a market "Daifuku-ichi" in front of Somon (main gate), with many food stalls from and outside Takaoka City.