Zentokuji Temple
On November 1, 1864, the Mito Tengu Party, having raised their banner at Mount Tsukuba in Hitachi Province to realize the cause of revering the Emperor and expelling the barbarians, set out for Kyoto. In December, the Tengu Party passed through Ikeda Town. At that time, over thirty rōnin lodged at this Zendōji Temple.
The next morning, as they prepared to depart, two rōnin cut off their topknots and handed them to the head priest, requesting, "Please perform memorial services for us, counting today as the day of our deaths." The priest complied with their wish, building a grave (commonly known as an "ikibaka" or living grave) on the rear mountain and conducting the memorial services. The topknots (motodori) left behind by the two rōnin as mementos are still preserved at this temple. Viewing the topknots requires a prior reservation by telephone.
- Area
- Tannan
- Category
- History & Culture Temples & Shrines
- Preferences
- Open before 9 AM Open after 5 PM
Information
- Telephone Number
- Zentokuji Temple 0778-44-6615
- Address
- 福井県池田町谷口36−20
- Getting There
- 35 minutes by car from the Hokuriku Expressway "Takefu IC" or "Sabae IC" / 40 minutes by car from the Hokuriku Expressway "Fukui IC"
