A Beautiful Site of History, Faith, and Tradition
Founded in 1574, Tozenji Temple has long been a place where history, tradition, and faith come together in Toride.
Its Kannon Hall and main gate were designated as Cultural Properties of Ibaraki in 2015, recognized for both their beauty and historical value.
The Kannon Hall, built in 1667, is a traditional hip-and-gable roof structure.
The front features an ornate karahafu (curved gable) with an entrance canopy, creating a graceful appearance.
Inside, the principal image of the Kannon Bodhisattva (the Bodhisattva of Compassion, also known as Guanyin) is enshrined, continuing to inspire devotion among local worshippers and visitors alike.
The main gate, donated in 1690 by Seizaemon of Yoshida Village, is a single-storied, eight-pillared gate with a thatched roof, showcasing the architectural traditions of the Edo period (1603-1868).
Together, the Kannon Hall and the gate are rare surviving examples of 17th-century wooden Buddhist architecture, offering valuable insight into Japan’s cultural and spiritual heritage.
