Okitsu Part 2 - Seiken-ji Temple

After visiting the Minaguchiya Inn and eating lunch, the three of us went to the Seiken-ji Temple.  We were given a wonderful tour and the cost of admission was only 300 yen. I was happy to see there was some signage in English.

The temple grounds are split by the train tracks, which seems a little weird, but there is probably a reason. 

The grounds include some pretty garden areas. 

Be prepared to take off your shoes inside and bring a little hand held fan because there is no air conditioning. We saw some beautiful things both inside and out the windows. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable about everything!  

The temple has been built and rebuilt many times over the years.  The original temple was founded here in the 7th century, as a temple associated with the barrier checkpoint at Kiyomi-ga-seki.  In 1261, the temple was re-established as a Rinzai Zen Temple.  In the 14th century, it was restored again by Shogun Ashikaga Takauji.

These are portraits of sailors in training, who all drowned when their ship went down.  The funerals were held at this temple.

We were able to see some ancient writings stored at the temple.

Below are the toilet and handwashing facilities.  No, we didn't try them out!

This was an interesting place. I think there are 500 statues and it is said that there is one that looks like every person. 

If you have the opportunity to visit Okitsu, you won't want to miss this temple.  I'll have part three of our visit to Okitsu in a few days, so please come back!