Tounji Temple (Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture) Complete Guide | History and Highlights of Maeda Toshiie’s Family Temple
Located in Noda-cho, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture, Tounji Temple is a Soto Zen Buddhist temple known as the family temple of Maeda Toshiie, who laid the foundation for the Kaga domain of one million koku. Affectionately known to locals as “the temple guarding the Maeda family’s tombs” or “Kumanbo-san,” this temple, with a history of over 400 years, houses numerous valuable cultural artifacts related to the Maeda family.
History and Origin of Tounji Temple
Establishment in 1600 and Deep Connection to Maeda Toshiie
Tounji Temple was established in 1600 by Maeda Toshinaga, the second lord of the Kaga domain. Following the will of his father, Maeda Toshiie, the first lord, he built a mausoleum on Nodayama Mountain, and the temple was founded at its foot to commemorate his ancestors.
The temple was founded by the second abbot of Hōen-ji Temple, Shōzan Jogei Daiohshō, who had served as Toshiie’s funeral officiant. Initially called “Noda Hōen-ji,” it was later renamed “Kōtoku-san Tōun-ji,” after Toshiie’s posthumous Buddhist name, “Kōtoku-in-dono Tōun Jōken Daikoji.” Both the mountain name “Kōtoku-san” and the temple name “Tōun-ji” are derived from Toshiie’s posthumous name, illustrating the temple’s importance to the Maeda family.
History of Two Burns and Reconstructions
Tōun-ji has overcome numerous trials since its founding. It suffered its first destruction by fire in 1615, but was rebuilt by Toshiie’s wife, Hōshun-in (Matsu). Hōshun-in is known as a wise wife who continued to support the Maeda family even after Toshiie’s death, and she played a vital role in the reconstruction of Tōun-ji.
However, in 1869 (Meiji 2), it was destroyed by fire again. Although it was rebuilt after this second destruction, its scale was reduced compared to the original, resulting in its current form. Nevertheless, its role as the Maeda family’s ancestral temple remains unchanged, and it has been carefully preserved to this day.
Cultural Properties and Treasures of Tounji Temple
Portraits Designated as Cultural Properties by Kanazawa City
The most important cultural properties held by Tounji Temple are the portraits of Maeda Toshiie and Hoshun-in (Matsu). These are designated as cultural properties of Kanazawa City and are painted in the extremely rare format of a pair of portraits of a married couple.
Of particular note is that the portrait of Hoshun-in is said to have been painted by Hasegawa Tohaku, a master painter of the Azuchi-Momoyama period. Hasegawa Tohaku was an artist with deep ties to the Maeda family, and this portrait is valued as a precious work in the history of Momoyama period painting.
The portrait of Toshiie, while retaining the dignity of a Sengoku period warlord, depicts his serene expression in his later years, conveying the power and high level of cultural sophistication of the Maeda family at the time.
The Faith of Kumanbo Daigongen
At Tounji Temple, Kumanbo Daigongen is enshrined, which is the origin of the temple’s nickname, “Kumanbo-san.” Kumanbo Daigongen was originally worshipped as a deity of Shugendo (mountain asceticism), and is believed to offer protection from disaster and bring prosperity to businesses.
Because the Maeda family particularly revered this deity, it is an important object of worship at Tounji Temple, and many worshippers still visit today. Locally, it is affectionately called “Kumanbo-san,” and plays a part in Kanazawa’s religious culture.
The Role of a Temple Guarding the Maeda Family’s Graves
Deep Connection with Nodayama Cemetery
The reason Tounji Temple is called “the temple guarding the Maeda family’s graves” lies in its location and role. Located very close to the temple is the Nodayama Cemetery, where the tombs of successive lords of the Maeda family and other members of the Maeda clan are spread.
Maeda Toshiie’s mausoleum is also built on Nodayama, and Tounji Temple has played an important role in commemorating him and protecting his mausoleum. A distant worship tomb is also provided on the temple grounds, allowing visitors to pay their respects towards the Maeda family’s mausoleum from Tounji Temple.
Historical Connections with the Kaga Domain
Throughout the Edo period, Tounji Temple received continuous patronage from the Kaga Domain. Each time the domain lord changed, memorial services for the previous lord were held, fulfilling its role as the Maeda family’s ancestral temple. Due to this historical background, Tounji Temple is not merely a temple, but an indispensable presence in the history of Kaga, a domain worth one million koku.
Highlights and Grounds Guide of Tounji Temple
Main Hall and Shakyamuni Buddha
The principal image of Tounji Temple is Shakyamuni Buddha. As a Soto Zen temple, it cherishes the teachings of Zen while functioning as a place of worship for the local people. The main hall, rebuilt after being destroyed by fire during the Meiji era, possesses a simple yet dignified appearance.
Atmosphere of the Temple Grounds and Points to Note During Visits
Located at the foot of Mount Noda, the grounds of Tounji Temple are characterized by a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere. Being somewhat removed from the hustle and bustle of Kanazawa city center, it offers a serene environment for worship.
The temple grounds are dotted with historical sites and monuments related to the Maeda family, offering plenty to see for history buffs. In particular, the shrine dedicated to Kyumanbo Daigongen is a place that reflects the deep faith of the local community.
Basic Information and Access
Location and Contact Information of Tounji Temple
- Official Name: Kotokuzan Tounji Temple
- Sect: Soto Zen Buddhism
- Address: 386, Noda-machi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture 921-8104
- Phone: 076-241-2576
- Year of Founding: Keicho 5 (1600)
- Founder: Shozan Jogyi Daiosho
- Principal Image: Shakyamuni Buddha
Access Methods
Access by Public Transportation
- Get off at the “Noda” bus stop on the Hokuriku Railway bus line, approximately 5 minutes on foot
- Approximately 20-30 minutes by bus from JR Kanazawa Station
Access by Car
- Approximately 15 minutes by car from the center of Kanazawa City
- Located next to Nodayama Cemetery, it’s easy to find using the cemetery as a landmark.
- Parking: There is parking space for visitors on the temple grounds.
Visiting Hours and Precautions
Momounji Temple is still an active temple, so please note the following when visiting:
- Visiting during daylight hours is recommended.
- There may be memorial services or events taking place, so it is recommended to check by phone in advance.
- If you wish to view the portraits, which are cultural properties, you must contact the temple in advance.
- To maintain a peaceful environment, please avoid loud conversations and noise on the temple grounds.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Nodayama Cemetery
Located right next to Momounji Temple, Nodayama Cemetery is known as the burial place of successive lords of the Maeda family. It is a place where you can feel the history of the Kaga Domain firsthand, and visiting it together with Momounji Temple will give you a deeper understanding of the history of the Maeda family.
Daijoji Temple
Located about 10 minutes by car from Momounji Temple, Daijoji Temple is known as a famous temple of the Soto Zen sect. With its beautiful gardens and dignified architecture, it’s an essential spot for a tour of Kanazawa’s Zen temples.
Kanazawa City Tourist Attractions
Tounji Temple is about a 15-minute drive from the center of Kanazawa. A sightseeing plan combining it with other representative Kanazawa attractions such as Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa Castle Park, Higashi Chaya District, and Nagamachi Samurai District is highly recommended.
Annual Events and Memorial Services at Tounji Temple
As a Soto Zen temple, Tounji Temple holds various memorial services and events throughout the year. In particular, the anniversary of Maeda Toshiie’s death and memorial services related to the Maeda family are held as important events.
Some events are open to the general public, so those interested are advised to inquire with the temple in advance.
Perpetual Memorial Services and Cemeteries
Tounji Temple also offers perpetual memorial services and columbarium services. Many people wish to have memorial services held at this historic temple, the family temple of the Maeda clan. The temple accommodates various needs, including individual graves and communal graves.
For detailed information on fees and application procedures, please contact the temple directly.
Recommended Points for Visiting Tounji Temple
For History Enthusiasts
The cultural artifacts, including portraits of Maeda Toshiie and Hoshun-in, are valuable historical materials that tell the story of Kaga’s history from the Sengoku period to the Edo period. Obtaining permission to view them in advance will allow for a deeper historical experience.
For Those Seeking a Quiet Visit
Located at the foot of Mt. Noda, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, it is ideal for those seeking a peaceful visit. Especially on weekday mornings, there are fewer visitors, allowing for a leisurely stroll through the temple grounds.
Regarding Photography
Photography is generally permitted within the temple grounds, but photography inside the main hall and of cultural artifacts may be prohibited. Please always obtain permission before taking photographs.
Summary: The Charm of Tounji Temple
Tounji Temple has a history of over 400 years since its establishment in 1600 (Keicho 5), serving as the family temple of Maeda Toshiie. Despite being destroyed by fire twice and rebuilt, it continues to fulfill its role as the “guardian temple of the Maeda family’s tombs” to this day.
With its portraits of Toshiie and Hoshun-in (designated cultural properties of Kanazawa City), its devotion to Kyumanbo Daigongen, and its deep connection to the Nodayama Cemetery, this temple encapsulates the history of Kaga, a domain worth one million koku.
When visiting Kanazawa, why not visit historical temples like this one, in addition to famous tourist spots such as Kenrokuen Garden and Kanazawa Castle? The time spent contemplating the glory of the Maeda family and the history of Kaga in the tranquil temple grounds will surely become an unforgettable memory.
Tounji Temple, where the teachings of Soto Zen Buddhism intersect with the history of the Maeda family, is one of the cultural heritage sites that should not be missed when visiting Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture.
