Kasuisai Temple

Flow of the course

About this spot

Founded in the Muromachi period, this Soto Zen temple is known as a celebrated temple of the Enshu region. According to legend, the temple's name derives from an episode in which the young Tokugawa Ieyasu visited and smiled at a dozing priest, saying he was nemureru beki sui, meaning one who may sleep soundly — and this became the origin of the temple's name, Kasuisai. The vast temple grounds are lined with halls connected by corridors, and in summer a cool breeze passes beneath a green tunnel of trees. The peony garden at the back of the grounds is also famous, but in summer the all-green stillness helps calm the mind before the fireworks. Locally, it is also devoutly worshipped as a sacred site for warding off misfortune.

Tips

About a 15-minute bus or car ride from JR Fukuroi Station. Admission is 500 yen for adults (subject to change; check the official website). The grounds are large, so wear comfortable walking shoes. It's a popular spot where many visitors buy daruma figurines at the shop or receive a goshuin temple stamp. Summer sun is strong, so don't forget a hat and water.

Best time to visit

About 1 hour 30 minutes. Early afternoon tends to be relatively quiet with visitors, allowing you to slowly enjoy the greenery and light along the corridors.

Access & map

2915-1 Kuno, Fukuroi City, Shizuoka Prefecture 437-0061