Kokozan Zuiryu-ji Temple

Garan is a collective term that refers to all temple structures. The Garan of Zuiryu-ji Temple are modeled after Chinese temple architecture introduced to Japan during the Kamakura period (1185-1333). It is characterized by the arrangement of the Somon gate, Sanmon gate, Buddha hall and lecture hall in a straight line, with the meditation hall on the left and Daikuri kitchen on the right in symmetry. Connecting these buildings with corridors, the Garan building arrangement in Zen Buddhist style creates an awe-inspiring beauty. Enter through the national treasure Sanmon gate, and the first sight is the Buddha hall, a unique architectural masterpiece with a rare lead-tiled roof and exteriors in Zenshuyo Buddhist style. The lecture hall, where the spirit tablet of Toshinaga Maeda is enshrined, is the largest building on the temple grounds and built entirely of Japanese cypress. Visitors can also receive the popular goshuin stamp with a photo.

The tomb of Lord Toshinaga Maeda can be found after walking about 10 minutes from Zuiryu-ji Temple on the hatcho road lined with stone lanterns. One of the largest individual tombs belonging to a daimyo lord, the Tomuro-stone mausoleum is built in two tiers and decorated on the sides with 130 raised engravings of lotus flowers said to be based on a sketch by painter Tanyu Kano. Normally, visitors can only walk up to the torii gates, but the tomb is open to the public once a year during the festival honoring Toshinaga Maeda held annually on September 13.