Ryuzan-ji Temple (Unkei Sculptures and Oni Matsuri)

Takisanji Temple is said to have originated when the ascetic En-no-Ozunu retrieved a statue of Yakushi Nyorai from the pool at the base of a waterfall in Aoki River in Shuchō 1 (686) and enshrined it in a hall called Kichijoji, though the official Okazaki City tourism website describes the temple's origins as 'Yakushi Nyorai being enshrined at Emperor Tenmu's imperial prayer temple (approximately 1,300 years ago).' In the late Heian period, the monk Essōnin Eikyū came from Mt. Hiei to rebuild the derelict Kichijoji; disciples gathered until 360 sub-temples stood on the precinct, and the temple was renamed Takisanji. Kanden Shōnin — the temple's monk and a cousin of Minamoto no Yoritomo — attracted Yoritomo's deep devotion. After Yoritomo's death, Kanden founded Sōji Zen'in in Shōji 1 (1199), and in Shōji 3 (1201), the third anniversary of Yoritomo's death, the sculptor Unkei and his son Tankei were commissioned to create the three principal images. Okazaki City Official 'National Designated Sculpture: Wooden Images of Kannon Bosatsu, Bonten, and Taishakuten', NPO Takisanji Cultural Properties Restoration and Maintenance Society 'Unkei Statues'.

The Shō Kannon image is said to have been made to the same height as Yoritomo (image height: 174.4 cm); the practice of enshrining Yoritomo's beard and tooth inside a statue made to his exact stature can be interpreted as a devotional expression intended to perpetuate Yoritomo's 'alter ego' as a spiritual presence even after the death of his physical body. X-ray imaging confirmed a 'small box with crafted detail' inside the statue, making this a rare case where the textual account of the temple's founding legend and physical evidence align. The unusual combination of Bonten and Taishakuten flanking the Kannon as attendants is also of academic interest. The Oni Matsuri contains elements of ta-asobi (rice planting ritual) and fire festival within the Shushōe rite, is said to have its origins in Yoritomo's prayers, and served as an event of the Tokugawa Shogunate from the Edo period. It was designated a Nationally Designated Intangible Folk Cultural Property on 28 March 2025. Okazaki City Official 'National Designated Intangible Folk Cultural Property: Takisanji Oni Matsuri'.

The current head priest continues to explain to local visitors: 'There are approximately 35 confirmed works by Unkei in Japan. Why are they here? — Reading the Takisanji Engi will tell you.' He actively works to present and explain the cultural properties to the public. Takisanji and Takiyama Tōshōgū are guided as an integrated tourist destination, and visitors can tour the main hall, the treasure hall, and the Tōshōgū shrine in a single day. Since the Sanmon gate and the main hall are approximately 950 m apart, a two-stop itinerary with the car moved between them is recommended. Okazaki Odekake Navi 'Takisanji and Takiyama Tōshōgū'.

The Oni Matsuri — held on the final evening of the Shushōe rite, typically in late January to early February (7th day of the first lunar month) — is the highlight. The three principal images are on public display year-round in the treasure hall (9 AM – 5 PM).

The lighting conditions inside the treasure hall are limited; high ISO and image stabilization are helpful. The Sanmon gate stands independently along the road to the east and lends itself to compositions with moss and surrounding woodland. Note that the Sanmon and the main hall are approximately 950 m apart; confirm transportation before visiting.

The Sanmon gate and the main hall / treasure hall are approximately 950 m apart, served by different bus stops by public transport (Sanmon: Taki Danchi-guchi; main hall: Takisanji-shita). Expect crowds and fire safety restrictions on the Oni Matsuri day.