[Nagoya] Find the Great Green Buddha, Sleeping Benten, and Japan's No.1 Wooden Drum at Toganji Temple

"Sleeping Benten" and "Bensaiden",
The 360-degree panorama rooftop "Pagoda Tower" is also a must-see

The main hall is free of charge, but Nemuri Benten, Benzai-den, and the pagoda on the roof require a 1,000 yen per person entrance fee.

Now, we will go further into the back area. A corridor leading further back from the main hall. The corridor is reminiscent of the corridor of Itsukushima Shrine in Hiroshima.

There is a garden on the right, and it is a spot for a little rest.

Go along the corridor and climb the stairs, and you will see "Sleeping Benten" on your right.

*No photography allowed! . This is the photo we borrowed.

The "Nemuri Benten" is said to be relatively new, having been created in 1963 by the previous head priest. The "Nemuri Benten" lying on the glass ceiling seems strangely realistic and somehow familiar. The temple is open only twice a year, during the five-day period from the 1st to 5th of the New Year and on May 7 and 8.

Further in the back is Benzaiden. Happi Benzaiten is enshrined here. Happi means "eight arms," and since Benzaiten holds a bow and arrows in her hands, she also has the aspect of a god of war and victory. The temple's head priest told us that Benzaiten is usually associated with the arts and money-making, but that "Benzaiten is originally a god of learning".

When visiting the shrine, recite Benzaiten's mantra, "On sora soba teiei sowaka" seven times.

Even though it is Buddha, it is rare that Komainu (the guardian dog) is placed. This komainu has a strangely realistic expression!

Now let's climb to the roof!

Stairs to the roof when you open the door. When you climbed to the top...

A large white tower towering in the center, this looks like a Pagoda Tower.

All living things, including plants and animals, are male and female, and the two forces of yang, which gives life, and yin, which receives it, are the source and power of life. This represents the spirit of yin-yang harmony.

Looking into the interior of the pagoda, you may be momentarily taken aback by the visuals. The white serpent in the center is enshrined as a white dragon spirit god, and the two lama buddhas on either side are said to bring spiritual power when rubbed simultaneously.

By the way, the application for admission fee will be accepted at this temple office on the right side of the main hall.

A bell is hung at the entrance, so tap it twice with a mallet to call it.

Trip to a foreign country?
The Great Buddha of Nagoya in the Asian World

It is no exaggeration to say that the Nagoya Daibutsu (Great Buddha) is now the symbol of Momoyama-ji Temple. Surprisingly, the Daibutsu was built relatively recently in 1987.

The Great Buddha is 10 meters high and its pedestal is 5 meters high, making a total height of 15 meters. Originally blackish in color, it was repainted to its current green color in 2006. Why green? It was because "black color is dark and brighter color is better." It is made of bronze and its whole body is green, but the eyes, lips, and ears are decorated with gold leaf.

And what makes it exotic is the elephant that surrounds the pedestal. Normally, the base of a Buddha statue is a lotus flower, but this one is an elephant. It seems that when the former head priest visited India, he was strongly influenced by the local culture, which is why the elephants are placed in this style.

A combination of a Buddha and an elephant. It's a shot you don't often see in Japan.

Ten elephants surround the pedestal. Their facial expressions are somewhat cute, and if you take a closer look at each one, they will have different facial expressions, so please enjoy that aspect as well.

In addition, I also found a huge left hand! This is the left hand of the actual size of the Great Buddha. Touch it to see how big it really is.

If you take a picture from a slightly elevated hill around the temple, you can see how big it is by comparing it with the surrounding apartments.

Other attractions in the precincts

Toganji also holds memorial services for animals such as dogs and cats. There were many stupas with animal names written on them. Even though it's a pet, it's just as important to treat it as a member of the family.

Benten Pond that imitates the sun and the moon.

You can visit Bensaiden from outside without going inside.

A four-way bamboo that is said to have been gifted from Chikubushima. It is a variety of bamboo shoots, and it is said that it grows in clusters in the precincts in autumn.

The "Adoring Kannon" stands near a sign that reads, "Just looking at it may help you remember." Next to it, a large black-eyed ginkgo tree watches over the area as if it were nestled in close proximity.

Although there is no specific map for the temple grounds, you will discover many things as you stroll around on your own. Just strolling through the garden, which is decorated with zelkova, abemaki (Japanese persimonn), and other trees, as well as seasonal flowers, will give you a fleeting moment to get in touch with nature. If you would like to spend some slow time away from the hectic pace of the modern world, visit the Daibutsu and Benten-sama.