Sōken-in

What it is

• A sub-temple of Daitoku-ji belonging to the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism
• Established in 1583 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi for the late Oda Nobunaga
• Named after the posthumous Buddhist name of Oda Nobunaga
• Founded by the priest Kokei Sochin shortly after the warlord's death

What to see

• A wooden statue of Oda Nobunaga serving as the main object of worship
• Memorial towers dedicated to Oda Nobunaga and members of his family
• A bell tower and temple bell designated as Important Cultural Properties
• The front gate and surrounding walls constructed by Toyotomi Hideyoshi
• A 400-year-old camellia tree recognized as a city natural monument
• The main hall which was reconstructed in 1928

When to go

• The temple is generally closed except during specific special public openings

Notes written by Japan Gems from facts in Japanese Wikipedia.