SENJUJIHeadTempleoftheShinshuTakadaSchool New Treasure Museum “Tokoden” is now open! There is also an impressive VR theater projected in 360 degrees! Advertisement

1. What is SENJUJIHeadTempleoftheShinshuTakadaSchool?

SENJUJIHeadTempleoftheShinshuTakadaSchool is the head temple of the Takada school of Jodo Shinshu, which inherits the teachings of Shinran Shonin.

It is also famous for the fact that ``Mieido'' and ``Nyoraido'' within the precincts were designated as the prefecture's first national treasure buildings in 2017.
The entire precinct is about twice the size of Tokyo Dome (approximately 30,000 tsubo), and in addition to two national treasure buildings, there are also 11 buildings designated as important cultural properties by the country.

​Recently, it has become a hot topic as a filming location for the movie “My Happy Marriage” (to be released in March 2023) starring Ren Meguro (Snow Man)!

National Treasure “Mieido”

Mieido is the largest building within SENJUJIHeadTempleoftheShinshuTakadaSchool, rebuilt in 1666, and is the fifth largest national treasure wooden structure.

The hall is a 780 tatami-mat space with tatami flooring, and as soon as you step inside, you will be overwhelmed by its spaciousness.

​A wooden statue of Saint Shinran is enshrined in the palace inside the hall.

Mieido is characterized by its gorgeous design decorated with gold leaf and richly colored carvings.
It's so beautiful that you'll want to look at it forever.

National Treasure “Nyorai-do”

Nyorai-do Hall, located to the west of Miei-do Hall, was built in 1748.

​A standing statue of Amida Nyorai, known as the ``Tathagata of Evidence,'' is enshrined here.
The standing statue of Amida Nyorai was created by Kaikei, one of the leading Buddhist sculptors of the Kamakura period.
It is a valuable statue that has been registered as a nationally designated important cultural property.

Also, the inside of the Nyorai-do hall is decorated with colorful carvings, making it quite a sight to behold.

2. New Treasure Museum “Tokoden”

From here, I will tell you about the new treasure museum "Tokoden", which opened in May 2023.

In Tokoden, in addition to displaying precious treasures that have been stored since ancient times at SENJUJIHeadTempleoftheShinshuTakadaSchool, there are also displays of the latest digital technology such as the screening of powerful VR images that can be enjoyed in a theater surrounded by 360 degrees. You can also enjoy the collaboration of SENJUJIHeadTempleoftheShinshuTakadaSchool.

After passing through the reception area of Tokoden, a fantastically glowing path leads to the back.
This is said to be an easy-to-understand representation of a parable taught in Pure Land Buddhism called ``Nigabyakudo.''​

The river of water flowing on the right side of the road represents the ``heart of greed,'' and the river of bright red fire on the left represents the ``heart of anger.'' Each river represents the ``heart of earthly desires that people continue to suffer throughout their lives.'' It represents.

The single white road that passes between the two rivers is called the "white road" (byakudo)​, and for those of us who suffer from earthly desires, Amida Nyorai (Amida Nyorai) is a pure line that cannot be violated by anything. It was prepared as a path for

The river of swirling muddy water and the river of glittering fire is so real that even though you know it's a video, you'll be stunned for a moment.
If you can finish walking the straight white path, you will feel a sense of accomplishment.

Very impressive! VR theater to enjoy in 360 degree video space

Experience the world of paradise! "OJODO"

Inside Tokoden, there is a permanent VR theater that projects images 360 degrees.

One of the VR theater programs, ``OJODO,'' is a program that allows you to experience the ``Jodo Land'' as its name suggests.
Majestic scenes such as blooming lotus flowers, Amitabha Buddha standing in front of the theater, and golden birds flying around fill the entire theater.

OJODO has a wonderful mechanism that allows you to “experience” the Pure Land!
Surprisingly, the parts of the theater wall that you touch will light up, and words from sutras, musical instruments from gagaku music, and golden birds will appear.

Also, during the VR theater screening, there are times when it is OK to take pictures.
It would be a good idea to take a photo or video of the ``happy moment'' when you touch the theater wall and see a sutra appear, and take it home as a souvenir.

Experience the architectural beauty of SENJUJIHeadTempleoftheShinshuTakadaSchool up close! "SENJUJI360"

In the "SENJUJI360" program, you can enjoy the architectural beauty of Miei-do and Nyorai-do, as well as the beautiful murals and sculptures inside and outside the buildings, with powerful videos.

Although Miei-do and Nyorai-do can be viewed, there are many parts that cannot be viewed up close due to the size of the buildings or religious reasons.

but…
``SENJUJI360'' uses video technology that makes full use of the latest digital technology such as 3D measurement and 360-degree camera photography​, allowing you to see areas that you cannot actually get close to.!

In addition, there is an introduction to the building structure in a way that can only be expressed through digital images, making the program packed with highlights.

This is a very close-up shot of the carvings on the Ranma of Mieido.
Even if you want to see the real thing, it's located quite high up, so you won't be able to see the detailed construction.

​In addition, during the visiting hours of Mieido, you can see the opening and closing of the palace's mausoleum, which is kept open, and a​ ​close-up view of the enshrined seated statue of Shinran Shonin. There are plenty of things packed into the video that you can't do!

Please note that the VR theater screening program differs each day. Please see the official website for details.

Exhibition room where you can see precious treasures

The exhibition room displays a large number of Buddhist treasures related to Shinran Shonin that have been passed down by SENJUJIHeadTempleoftheShinshuTakadaSchool.

The contents of the exhibition vary depending on the exhibition and period, but through a wide variety of treasures such as picture scrolls, sculptures, and items left behind by Shinran Shonin, you can learn about the various teachings, history, and culture related to SENJUJIHeadTempleoftheShinshuTakadaSchool and Shinran Shonin. Now you can know.

Lower left: Shinran Saint Sakai Mikage Upper right: Wooden seated statue of Shinran Saint (replica)

At the time of our interview, a shadow and a seated statue of Shinran Shonin were also on display.
The appearance of Shinran Shonin gives off an extraordinary sense of dignity.

From left: Three dogs, Spring cat, Dragon and tiger

Such as Maruyama Oukyo's Sankuzu (three dogs) and Hara Zaimei's Shunpo Moubyouzu (cats in spring fields), etc. Paintings by representative painters active in the Edo period In addition to Calligraphy written by Emperor Goyouzei of the Azuchi-Momoyama period I was surprised to learn that such valuable items were kept at SENJUJIHeadTempleoftheShinshuTakadaSchool.

From left: fruit, mouse figurine, twin chicken figurine, chestnut figurine

These are ``kashihin,'' gifts given by the imperial family and the imperial family.

It is said that the belongings of Emperor Meiji's empress were given to SENJUJIHeadTempleoftheShinshuTakadaSchool as a gift.
Each work is from the Meiji to Showa eras and represents the best of modern craft techniques.

About the use of Tokoden

After entering Tokoden, you will be guided through the VR theater and then the exhibition room.
You will be able to see the exhibits more closely based on the world view seen in the VR theater, so it will likely deepen your understanding.

Admission to Tokoden is by reservation, but same-day admission is possible if there is space available.
Once you know the day you want to go, it's safe to make a reservation.
We also recommend checking the reservation page in advance to check the contents of the VR theater and exhibitions.

3. Special viewing tour

Mie Imakoko Trip: National Treasure Special Visit & Important Cultural Property Tokyo Daisushi x oka High School Collaboration Lunch will be held on September 18th (Monday/Holiday), October 22nd (Sunday), and November 23rd (Wednesday/Holiday) held It will be done!
During the National Treasure Special Visit, you will be able to take a special look at areas of SENJUJIHeadTempleoftheShinshuTakadaSchool that are normally inaccessible, with a monk as your guide.

The photo is of a part of Mieido called "Chujin."
During a normal visit, you can only enter as far as the Oma in front of the Nakajin, but during special visits, you will be able to enter the Nakajin and see the palace up close!

On a special tour, you can also go up to the top of the Sanmon, the main gate of the temple.
By climbing to the top of the tower, you can observe the delicate structure of the Sanmon gate in more detail!

​One of the attractions of special tours is the guidance provided by monks.

Your intellectual curiosity will be tickled by the detailed ingenuity of the building that you might not notice just by looking at it, the various history surrounding SENJUJIHeadTempleoftheShinshuTakadaSchool, and easy-to-understand explanations that translate temple teachings into everyday ways of thinking. You can receive such guidance.

After the special visit, enjoy a oka lunch with Mr. Matsuda of Tokyo Daisushi and Aika High School, which is famous nationwide for its ``high school student restaurant'' at the ``Otaimensho'', which is an​ ​important cultural property.!

You can enjoy sushi made with plenty of fresh seafood from Ise Bay, as well as exquisite Japanese cuisine that pleases both the eyes and the palate.

Be sure to try out the special tour along with the new treasure museum "Tokoden" that we introduced this time.

4. SENJUJIHeadTempleoftheShinshuTakadaSchool Access Information

This time, we talked about the new treasure hall “Tokoden” at SENJUJIHeadTempleoftheShinshuTakadaSchool!

Tokoden is a place where you can learn about SENJUJIHeadTempleoftheShinshuTakadaSchool from a variety of perspectives, including exhibits of precious treasures and an impressive VR theater.
There are many discoveries to be made not only for those visiting SENJUJIHeadTempleoftheShinshuTakadaSchool for the first time, but also for those who have visited before!

Photography model: Yumi Kato profile

Miss Universe Japan 2018. She is active as a model and talent mainly in Japan and Malaysia. Currently disseminating information about beauty, health, and travel on SNS and media.