National Treasure Eiho-Ji Temple

Tajimi, a small city about 25 Km north of Nagoya City in on the border of Aichi and Gifu Prefectures, has the unenviable reputation of being the nations’ hottest place. Every summer the mountain locked Tajimi records the nations highest temperatures, the record being 40.9 degrees Celsius, Japan’s hottest ever, on August 16 2007. In winter, Hell freezes over.

Heaven is found in the city’s northern districts. Heaven comes in the form of the Zen gardens of the Eiho-Jistablished in 1313, the Kokeizan Eiho-Ji is one of the nations most recognized Zen Buddhism Zazen training temples. Because of this, visitors are requested to remain as quiet as possible, so as not to disturb the practitioners concentration. The temple regularly offers zazen training sessions to the general public. As such, the temple and its stunning gardens are amongst the most tranquil.

Two of the ancient temples’ buildings have been listed as National Treasures. The Kannondo, at the foot of the elegantly arched bridge, famed for it’s zen architecture, and housing zen art, and on the hill slightly behind it, the Kaisando. The Kaisendso houses the Kenpon Choshoku Senju Kannonzo, a National Cultural Asset designated silk fabric rendering of the Thousand Armed Kannon, Goddess of Mercy, along with calligraphy by the Eiho-Ji’s founding priests. Unfortunately, one of the prayer halls and monk’s living quarters burned down in 2003, but were hastily rebuilt in 2007 to the exact specifications of its predecessor. The temples treasures are displayed in early spring.

The garden and natural areas surrounding the Kannondo has been designated as a Place of Extraordinary Beauty. Indeed, year round it is breathtaking. The picturesque gardens are famed for their cherry blossom in spring, wisteria in early summer, the stunning fall colors of autumn the snow in the winter.

The stunning Zen garden features a waterfall cascading over the rocks below the Rokkakudo overlooking the carp filled lake. The Musaibashi, the Endless Bridge acts as a focal point. Located within a small valley covered with natural forest means the temple is surrounded by greenery. The temple is also surrounded by subsidiary temples, including the impressive looking Zokuho-In, the Tokurin-In and the Hoju-In.

An hour by car from Nagoya City, and just two km from the Tajimi Interchange, or 45 minutes by Chuo Line train, alighting at Tajimi Station. From there, it’s a 30 plus minute brisk walk, or a 10 minute taxi ride to the temple. Although a bus stops at “Kokeizan”, service is sporadic and difficult to time. Free parking is available just before the train line and a short walk from the temple.

Tajimi may be as hot as hell in summer, but the Eiho-Ji offers a slice of heaven.