Yokohama Nishi Ward

Description

Strolling through Nishi-ward: Red Gate Tofukuji Temple with Mitsuba-aoi (hollyhock) crest



When it comes to red gate, people usually think of the University of Tokyo. But guess what? There is a highly respectable red gate in Yokohama. The one in Tokyo was built in 1827 (Bunsei 10) when Yasu-hime, a daughter of Tokugawa Ienari married into Maeda Family of Kaga Domain. On the other hand, the one in Yokohama, Komyosan Tofukuji Temple was said to be built by Motomune Hoshi in 1243~7 (Kangen era) at the order of Emperor Go-Saga. In 1591 (Tensh? 19), Tokugawa Ieyasu feoffed the land and temple. At the same time, it was approved to use Tokugawa family crest Mitsuba-aoi (hollyhock).



There used to be a maginificent two-story gate in the temple, however, it was burned down by fires and wars seven times after the foundation. The current one was re-constructed in Showa 35. The principal object of worship is Kanzeon Bosatsu which is 90 centimeters. There are graves of famous people in the temple including Fukiro Okura, who was widely known as brave woman of Yokohama and family of a writer Shin Hasewaga.



Writing and picture by Tai Hasewaga (Nishi ward Cultural Association/Chairman of Kiko Society)



※This is a sketch and writing published in Yokohama Public Relation Nishi ward edition between November 1997 and April 2004. Please be noted that there’s a possibility that information in the article may be changed.



(Published October in 2000)