Zuiryuji Temple - An Exciting Tourist Destination in Takaoka This video, titled "JG☆☆☆☆8K HDR Toyama Zuiryuji Temple (National Treasure) - A Reflection of the Wealth and Advanced Architectural Techniques of the Kaga Domain - Enhanced Hi Technology" (JG☆☆☆☆8K HDR 富山 瑞龍寺(国宝) 加賀藩の栄華を反映した高度な建築技術 Toyama,Zuiryuji(National Treasure) Enhanced Hi Technology), was created by "JAPAN GEOGRAPHIC." Since the opening of the Hokuriku Shinkansen line, it has become much easier to travel to Toyama prefecture from Tokyo. In this article we'll go over a sightseeing spot we recommend those visiting Toyama prefecture check out! Without further ado, let's take a look at "Zuiryuji Temple." Zuiryuji Temple is a popular sightseeing destination in the city of Takaoka, Toyama Prefecture (previously known as the Kaga Domain), that has been designated a national treasure. The buildings, hallways and gardens are so beautifully crafted calling them works of art wouldn't be inaccurate. We hope you enjoy watching this video and experiencing what it feels like to walk the grounds of Zuiryuji Temple. The History of Zuiryuji Temple Photo：Sanmon gate at Zuiryuji Temple, Toyama Prefecture Zuiryuji Temple was built during the Kamakura period (1185 AD - 1333 AD) by the second generation Kaga domain feudal lord Toshinaga Maeda (前田利長). The temple was later named "Zuiryuin" (瑞龍院) by the third generation Kaga domain feudal lord Toshitsune Maeda (前田利常). The three main buildings of the temple: Sanmon Gate (山門), Butsuden (仏殿) and Hodo (法堂)), are built in a straight line (each one behind the other) in a beautiful symmetrical design. The current Sanmon Gate, seen at 0:28 in the video, was once destroyed by fire and rebuilt in the Edo period (1603 AD - 1868 AD). Major repairs were made during the Showa (昭和) and Heisei periods (平成) and Zuiryuji temple was officially registered as a national treasure in 1997. The burial ground of Toshinaga Maeda is also located within the temple grounds. Zuiryuji Temple - An Important Cultural Property of Japan Photo：The main gate of Zuiryuji Temple, Toyama Prefecture Zuiryuji Temple is home to many historical objects of great value, such as the statue of the Gautama Buddha (釈迦如来) in the temple's main hall. Seven of the temple's buildings have been designated Important Cultural Assets, including Somon Gate (総門), Zendo Hall (禅堂), Osado Hall (大茶堂), Takaroka (高廊下), the northern cloister (北回廊), the southeastern cloister (南東回廊) and the southwestern cloister (南西回廊). The wooden statue of Vidyaraja (the wisdom king in Buddhism) is registered as a Tangible Cultural Property of Japan. During the Edo period, the statue was placed in the bathroom and was said to have the power to bring cleanliness to dirty areas. From 1:12 in the video, you can see the beautiful garden leading towards the main temple building, truly one of the highlights of the video. Summary of Zuiryuji Temple Photo：The main hall at Zuiryu-ji Temple, Toyama Prefecture Zuiryuji Temple is one of the top sightseeing spots in the area and a great place to learn more about the history of the Kaga domain. There is a large car park situated nearby with 100 parking spaces making it easily accessible for those traveling by car. At Zuiryuji Temple, you can also purchase copies of sutras as well as take part in a Zazen (zen meditation) experience. There are many hotels and Japanese ryokan situated near the closest station (JR Takaoka station (JR高岡駅)), so consider spending the night and taking your time traveling around the Hokuriku (北陸) region of Japan. We hope that the next time you're in Japan's Hokuriku region, you'll consider visiting Zuiryuji Temple. The trip is sure to bring peace to both your mind and soul! 【Tripadvisor】Zuiryuji Temple https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g311426-d1308244-Reviews-Zuiryuji_Temple-Takaoka_Toyama_Prefecture_Hokuriku_Chubu.html 【Official Website】National Treasure – Zuiryuji Temple – Sightseeing Spot – Tourist Information in Toyama https://foreign.info-toyama.com/en/

The Buddhist Altar Lacquerers Behind Takaoka Butsudan, a Traditional Japanese Craft This video, titled "The Journey to Becoming a Buddhist Altar Lacquerer/ Kyoden Buddhist Altar Workshop" (仏壇塗師になる旅 / 京田仏壇店工房), was uploaded by "Nippon Teshigoto Zukan." It introduces "Kyoden Butsudan-ten Koubo," a workshop that manufactures and sells traditional Takaoka Buddhist altars and restores gold foil. From 0:30 in the video, you can see Mitsuhiro Kyoden, a Buddhist altar lacquerer or "nuri-shi" in Japanese. This 5-minute video is perfect for people who want to learn about Buddhist altar lacquerers and the craftmanship behind them. In this article, we'll go over his techniques and preferences along the video. The History of Takaoka Butsudan and Buddhist Altar Lacquerers Source :YouTube screenshot Takaoka Butsudan has a long history dating back to the Edo period (1603-1868) in Takaoka, Toyama. Takaoka Butsudan creates Buddhist altars that must be assembled and they use a large amount of gold leaf. The lacquering techniques used for Buddhist altars was introduced from China along with Buddhism. They're used for painting Buddhist statues, gluing arrowheads, and preventing rust on armor. Mitsuhiro Kyoden, the Buddhist Altar Lacquerer in the Video Source :YouTube screenshot The video introduces the craftsmanship of Mitsuhiro Kyoden, a Buddhist altar lacquerer who paints both wood and lacquer, which are important processes in the production of Buddhist altars. He explains the process from 2:18 in the video. Lacquer is adjusted based on the weather forecast, and then checked on the next day to make further adjustments before applying the final coat. This process is important in creating the best possible work. It's important to keep adjusting the lacquer to the weather conditions each day. If this process is not done properly, brush marks remain on the final product and the polishing process will take longer. There is no textbook on how these processes are done, so the only way to learn is by trial and error and by learning from your mistakes. Mitsuhiro learned the theory of lacquering at university, and when actually doing it, he thinks back on what his teacher taught him thinking things like "so that's what they meant," etc. He passionately says that as a craftsman, he has to challenge himself and keep trying to improve. Summary of Japan's Buddhist Altar Lacquerers Source :YouTube screenshot In this video, you can see the spirit of craftmanship of a Takaoka Butsudan altar lacquerer. A well-built Buddhist altar can be passed down for generations if properly maintained. In this five and a half minute video, you can learn about traditional Japanese crafts and how they're preserved through the hard work of the craftsmen who inherit them. If you're interested in traditional Japanese crafts, be sure to check it out!