Home to the Rare “Sazae-dō” Spiral Hall
Chozenji Temple, of the Myoshinji branch of the Rinzai Zen sect, stands on Mt.Ōshika.
It was originally located in Ōshika Village (now Hakusan in Toride City), but moved to its present site in 1683, when the Mito Kaidō road was rerouted and the Toride post town was established.
The temple’s Sanseidō, known as a Sazae-dō, is one of the few remaining spiral halls in Japan.
Although it appears to be two stories from the outside, its interior winds upward in three levels, guiding worshippers along a spiral path where they can greet Buddhist statues as they ascend.
Believed to have been built in the late Edo period (1603-1868), the hall has been designated as a Cultural Property of Ibaraki for its rare and historic value.
Within the temple grounds, seasonal flowers add beauty throughout the year.
In early summer, countless hydrangeas burst into bloom in many varieties, transforming the quiet temple into a vibrant and colorful scene that delights worshippers and visitors alike.
