Complete Guide to Tōreiji Temple (Nanao City, Ishikawa Prefecture) | A Thorough Explanation of the History, Highlights, and Cultural Assets of the Chō Clan’s Family Temple
Located in Tazuhama-machi, Nanao City, Ishikawa Prefecture, Tōreiji Temple is a historic temple belonging to the Sōtō Zen sect. Founded in the late Muromachi period, it has been the family temple of the Chō clan (one of the eight prominent families of Kaga), known as a high-ranking retainer of the Kaga Domain, and has attracted local faith for over 500 years. The main hall, temple gate, and other buildings, as well as the Chō family’s burial grounds, are designated cultural properties of Nanao City, and are attracting attention as valuable cultural heritage that conveys the history of Ishikawa Prefecture to the present day.
History and Origins of Tōreiji Temple
From Founding to the Jissōin Era
The history of Tōreiji Temple dates back to Eishō 17 (1520) in the late Muromachi period. It was founded by the monk Nichisan Bonsaku (Jitsuhō) and initially had its grounds in the town below Nanao Castle under the name “Jissōin.” During this period, Noto Province was a turbulent time of conflict between warring daimyo, and Jissoin Temple functioned as a spiritual center for the local people.
Nichisan Bonsaku, a renowned high-ranking priest of the Soto Zen sect, is said to have founded the temple to spread Zen teachings in this area. The Eisho era was a transitional period between the decline of the Muromachi shogunate and the Sengoku period, and as a temple established against this historical backdrop, Toreiji Temple became a spiritual pillar for the region.
Renaming to Kakeiji Temple and its Relationship with the Naga Clan
The temple, originally founded as Jissoin, was renamed “Kakeiji Temple” when the Naga clan moved from Nanao Castle town to Tazuhama. The Naga clan was a powerful samurai family that ruled half of Kashima County for 91 years and later became one of the eight prominent families of the Kaga Domain.
With the Naga clan’s move to Tazuhama, Kakeiji Temple took on the role of the Naga clan’s family temple. A family temple (bodaiji) refers to a temple dedicated to commemorating the spirits of a family’s ancestors and praying for their souls. For the Naga clan, Hanakeiji Temple became more than just a place of worship; it was a crucial base for preserving the family’s history and traditions.
Renaming to Tōreiji Temple and Reconstruction of the Temple Buildings
In 1652 (Keian 4), Naga Tsurayori, the 23rd head of the Naga family, reconstructed the temple buildings to commemorate his father, Naga Tsuratatsu. This large-scale reconstruction improved the temple’s layout and laid the foundation for the present-day Tōreiji Temple.
Furthermore, the temple’s name was changed from “Hanakeiji Temple” to “Tōreiji Temple,” in honor of Naga Tsuratatsu’s posthumous Buddhist name, “Tōreiji Anshu.” This renaming expressed deep respect and remembrance for Naga Tsuratatsu, and from then on, Tōreiji Temple established itself as the Naga clan’s family temple.
The temple’s mountain name is “Ryūshōzan,” and it came to be officially called Ryūshōzan Tōreiji. This mountain name is believed to embody the wish for the prosperity and continuity of the Chō family.
Cultural Properties and Highlights of Tōreiji Temple
Main Hall (Nanao City Designated Cultural Property)
The main hall of Tōreiji Temple is a valuable building that preserves the architectural style of the Edo period and is registered as a Nanao City Designated Cultural Property. The main hall has a typical structure of a Sōtō Zen temple, and the simple yet dignified design characteristic of Zen architecture can be seen throughout.
The principal image is enshrined inside the hall, creating a solemn atmosphere. Inside the main hall, there are exquisite transoms made using the techniques of Tazuhama joinery, showcasing the skills of local traditional craftsmen. Tazuhama joinery is one of Ishikawa Prefecture’s representative traditional crafts, and the transoms, created with delicate carving and joinery techniques, possess artistic value that captivates viewers.
The main hall’s architecture is believed to have been renovated during the 4th year of the Keian era (1651), and it is a valuable historical structure that conveys the architectural techniques and aesthetic sensibilities of the early Edo period. The structure of the pillars and beams, the shape of the roof, and other details preserve the architectural techniques of the time, making it an important cultural property from an architectural history perspective.
Temple Gate (Nanao City Designated Cultural Property)
The temple gate of Tōrei-ji Temple, like the main hall, is an important structure registered as a Nanao City Designated Cultural Property. Located at the entrance to the temple, the gate serves as a boundary separating the secular world from the sacred realm.
While the gate’s structure exhibits characteristics of Zen Buddhist architecture, it also incorporates unique regional architectural elements, making it a design adapted to the climate and environment of the Hokuriku region. In particular, its robust structure, capable of withstanding the heavy snowfall of the Noto Peninsula, and the ingenuity to protect the building from wind and snow are evident throughout.
Passing through the temple gate, a path leads to the temple grounds, and a tranquil space unfolds. This temple gate, as the first structure welcoming visitors to Tōreiji Temple, symbolizes the temple’s status and history.
Chō Family Cemetery (Nanao City Designated Cultural Property)
Located on a hillside to the left of the temple grounds is the Chō Family Cemetery. This cemetery is also protected as a Nanao City designated cultural property and is an important historical site that tells the history of the Chō clan.
The Chō Family Cemetery contains the gravestones of successive heads of the family, including Chō Tsuratatsu, and other family members, chronicling the history of the Chō clan, one of the eight prominent families of Kaga, which supported the Kaga Domain. The graves are arranged in a stepped pattern on the hillside, and each gravestone is inscribed with a Buddhist name or posthumous name, allowing one to trace the Chō family lineage from the Edo period.
The cemetery is surrounded by a quiet forest, creating a solemn atmosphere where one can remember their ancestors. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom, and in autumn, the leaves turn beautifully. The spirits of the Naga clan rest peacefully amidst the changing seasons.
Buddhist Artifacts and Temple Treasures (Nanao City Designated Cultural Properties)
Besides the main hall, temple gate, and Naga family cemetery, Tōreiji Temple preserves valuable Buddhist artifacts designated as Nanao City cultural properties. These artifacts are precious temple treasures passed down from the Edo period and serve as important historical materials demonstrating the high level of craftsmanship of that time.
These artifacts include Buddhist statues, scriptures, and ritual implements, each carefully preserved and passed down through a long history. In particular, the intricately carved artifacts and gold-leafed ornaments speak to the high skill of the craftsmen of that era.
These temple treasures are not usually open to the public, but they may be available for viewing on special occasions. Through these treasures, one can gain a deeper understanding of Tōreiji Temple’s history and cultural value.
The Grounds and Highlights of Tōrei-ji Temple
Layout and Atmosphere of the Grounds
The grounds of Tōrei-ji Temple are arranged according to the traditional layout of Sōtō Zen temples. Upon passing through the main gate, the main hall is located directly ahead, surrounded by buildings such as the priest’s quarters and guest hall. The grounds are surrounded by meticulously maintained gardens and trees, allowing visitors to enjoy the beauty of nature throughout the seasons.
In particular, many of the trees on the grounds are ancient, reflecting the long history of the temple. Cherry blossoms bloom in spring, the grounds are enveloped in deep green in summer, the autumn leaves color the grounds, and the snowscape in winter creates a tranquil atmosphere.
Walking through the grounds, one can feel the refined aesthetic of a Zen temple, with its stone-paved paths, stone lanterns, and water basins. Visitors can find peace of mind in this quiet space, escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoying a time of introspection.
Characteristics of a Soto Zen Temple
Tōrei-ji Temple belongs to the Soto Zen sect, and its religious activities are based on the teachings and practices of the Soto Zen school. The Soto Zen sect is a branch of Zen Buddhism introduced to Japan by Zen Master Dōgen, and it emphasizes “Shikantaza,” or simply “sitting in meditation.”
Following this Soto Zen tradition, Tōrei-ji Temple regularly holds meditation sessions and religious services. Local parishioners and the general public can participate in these meditation sessions, providing an opportunity to practically learn the teachings of Zen.
As a member of the Ishikawa Prefecture Soto Zen Office, Tōrei-ji Temple is part of a network of Soto Zen temples in Ishikawa Prefecture, striving to promote and pass on Buddhist culture in the region. It also holds year-round religious events called “Nenjūgyōji,” emphasizing its strong ties with the local community.
About the Naga Clan and the Eight Families of Kaga
History and Achievements of the Naga Clan
The Naga clan was a powerful samurai family that ruled the Kashima district of Noto Province for 91 years. From the Sengoku period to the Edo period, the Naga clan played an important role as regional rulers, and later, with the establishment of the Kaga Domain, they served as important retainers of the domain.
The Naga clan’s ancestors are said to date back to the Heian period, making them a prestigious family with a long history. During the Sengoku period, they maintained their power amidst the complex political situation of Noto Province, and ultimately, by serving the Maeda family, they preserved their family name throughout the Edo period.
Successive heads of the clan, such as Naga Tsuratatsu and Naga Tsurayori, held important positions in the domain’s administration and contributed to the development of the Kaga Domain. In particular, Naga Tsuratatsu is known for his high level of cultural refinement and his dedication to promoting scholarship and the arts.
Position within the Eight Families of Kaga
The Eight Families of Kaga refer to the eight families of retainers that held particularly important positions within the Kaga Domain. These families held a rank second only to the Maeda family, the feudal lords, and played a central role in the administration of the Kaga Domain, supporting its governance as important retainers.
The eight Kaga families included the Honda, Naga, Maeda Tosa-no-kami, Yokoyama, and Okumura families, each holding different positions and territories while being involved in the domain’s operation. The Naga family, in particular, had a long history and played a crucial role in the domain’s administration, leveraging their experience in governing Noto.
The fact that Tōrei-ji Temple is the Naga family’s ancestral temple holds significant meaning in conveying the Naga family’s history and traditions to the present day. As the ancestral temple, memorial services for successive heads of the Naga family and their relatives have been held there, ensuring the continuation of the family’s history.
Relationship between Tazuhama Town and Tōrei-ji Temple
History and Culture of Tazuhama
Tazuhama Town, where Tōrei-ji Temple is located, is part of Nanao City and is a historical region located in the central part of the Noto Peninsula. Flourished as a transportation hub since ancient times, Tazuhama has nurtured a unique culture amidst its rich natural environment surrounded by the sea and mountains.
Tazuhama is nationally known as a production center for Tazuhama joinery. Tazuhama joinery is a traditional craft valued for its exquisite joinery techniques and beautiful designs, created by highly skilled craftsmen known as “sashimono-shi.” The transoms installed in the main hall of Tōreiji Temple also utilize this Tazuhama joinery technique, making it a fine example of the fusion of local traditional crafts and temple architecture.
The Role of Tōreiji Temple in the Region
Tōreiji Temple has long contributed to the local community as the religious and cultural center of Tazuhama Town. The temple is not merely a place of worship, but also plays a role as a base for conveying the region’s history and passing on its culture.
Various religious ceremonies held throughout the year are attended by local people, deepening their community ties. Furthermore, the buildings and temple treasures, protected as Nanao City designated cultural properties, play an important role as resources for local history education and tourism. In recent years, tourists interested in history and culture have also begun visiting Tōreiji Temple, and it is gaining attention as a tourist resource in Ishikawa Prefecture. Its convenient location, within walking distance of Tazuhama Station, is also a major draw for visitors.
Access and Visiting Information for Tōreiji Temple
Location and Contact Information
Location: 253-A, Nibu, Tazuhama-machi, Nanao City, Ishikawa Prefecture 929-2121
Phone Number: 0767-68-3501
Sect: Sōtō Zen
Mountain Name: Ryūshōzan
Transportation Access
Access by Public Transportation:
- Approximately 3 minutes on foot from Tazuhama Station on the Noto Railway Nanao Line
- Approximately 5 minutes by car from Wakura Onsen Station on the JR Nanao Line
Access by Car:
- Approximately 5 minutes from Tazuhama IC on the Nōetsu Expressway
- Approximately 10 minutes via National Route 249 from the Wakura Onsen area
The temple is located very close to Tazuhama Station, making it easily accessible by public transportation. Parking is also available, making it convenient for those visiting by car.
Precautions for Visiting the Temple
Tōreiji Temple is a temple where religious activities are still conducted. Please observe the following points when visiting:
- Please maintain silence within the temple grounds and be considerate of other visitors.
- Photography may be permitted, but please check in advance regarding photography inside the main hall and of Buddha statues.
- Please refrain from touching cultural properties.
- Visiting may be restricted during religious services or events.
- If you wish to view temple treasures, it is recommended to contact the temple in advance to confirm.
Nearby Tourist Attractions and Accommodations
Tourist Attractions Around Nanao City
When visiting Tōreiji Temple, you can also visit tourist attractions around Nanao City.
Wakakura Onsen: Located about 10 minutes by car from Tōreiji Temple, this is a representative hot spring resort in the Hokuriku region. It is a seaside hot spring town where you can enjoy fresh seafood and high-quality hot springs. Historic inns such as Tadaya and Okudaya line the streets, allowing you to experience traditional Noto hospitality.
Nanao Castle Ruins: This historical site contains the remains of Nanao Castle, which was once associated with the Naga clan. From the mountain castle ruins, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Nanao Bay and reflect on the history of the Sengoku period.
Noto Island: This island in Nanao Bay has cultural facilities such as an aquarium and a glass art museum. It is connected to the mainland by a bridge and is a popular driving destination.
Nearby Accommodations
There are various types of accommodations around Tomineji Temple.
Wakakura Onsen Ryokans: High-end ryokans such as Tadaya and Okudaya offer cuisine featuring Noto’s seafood and hot springs.
Minshuku (Japanese Inns): There are also more casual and affordable accommodations such as Minshuku Tsuruya.
Country Inns: Inns renovated from old farmhouses, such as Inaka no Yado Irori-an, offer an experience of Noto’s traditional lifestyle and culture.
Summary
Located in Tazuhama-cho, Nanao City, Ishikawa Prefecture, Tōrei-ji Temple is an ancient Sōtō Zen temple founded in 1520 during the late Muromachi period. Initially established as Jissō-in Temple in the castle town of Nanao, it later became Kakei-ji Temple before being renamed Tōrei-ji Temple in 1652.
With a history spanning over 500 years as the family temple of the Chō clan, one of the eight prominent families of Kaga Province, the main hall, temple gate, Chō family cemetery, and Buddhist implements are protected as designated cultural properties of Nanao City. The temple grounds feature exquisitely crafted transoms using the techniques of Tazuhama joinery, creating a valuable cultural heritage that blends local traditional crafts with Buddhist culture.
Belonging to the Ishikawa Prefecture Sōtō Zen Office, the temple continues to hold various religious ceremonies throughout the year, valuing its ties with the local community. Located just a 3-minute walk from Tazuhama Station, and close to tourist attractions such as Wakura Onsen and Nanao Castle Ruins, this historical site is a must-visit when traveling to Ishikawa Prefecture.
With its harmonious blend of the history and culture of the Cho clan, the traditional crafts of Tazuhama, and the teachings of Soto Zen Buddhism, Tōreiji Temple remains a valuable temple that conveys the history and culture of the Hokuriku region, and will undoubtedly continue to be cherished by many people for years to come.
