Kasuisai Temple
Would you like to experience the world of “Zen,” which fascinated a charismatic founder of a world-famous computer maker?
This place is Akiba Sohonzan Kasuisai Temple with the history of more than 600 years, which is widely known as one of the three Enshu Sanzan temples and the top Zen dojo in the Tokai region.
You can try a Zen experience in a casual manner.
Long-time ago, “Kasuisai” was called “Toyoken.”
On one occasion, Senrintozen Osho (high priest), the 11th chief priest of the temple, saved Ieyasu Tokugawa in his childhood.
Subsequently, after becoming the head of Hamamatsu-jo Castle, Ieyasu invited the Osho to the castle to convey his gratitude to him. The Osho, however, dosed off in front of Ieyasu.
Looking at the Osho dozing off, Ieyasu said, “Osho sees me as if I were his beloved son. That’s why he is dozing off comfortably. I am pleased to see his love for me. He may fall asleep.” After that, the Osho was called “Kasui Osho (an Osho who is authorized to fall asleep),” and the temple came to be called “Kasuisai.”
A god resides even in the toilets! Ususama Myoo originating from Agni, the god of fire in India, is in toilets. He is believed to be the guardian god that can burn out impurities.
During the Enshu Sanzan Wind-Bell Festival, about 2,000 Edo-style wind bells play clear sounds high above the temple.
At the Doll's Festival in March, 1,200 doles are placed on 32-tiered doll stands inside Zuiryukaku. Stairs before Sanmon Gate (temple gate) are turned into tiered doll stands.
