About Mashiko
Mashiko town has many cultural assets dotted around the town. Many of them date back to Muromachi or Kamakura period.
Let us introduce the Saimyoji Temple and its Three-story pagoda, which is one of the four oldest towers in eastern Japan.
The Three-story pagoda was built in 1537 by Iemune Mashiko, who was the load of Saimyoji castle, and it represents a fusion of Japanese and Chinese architecture.
The special exposition for the Main Hall was held in 1394 by Katsunao Mashiko, and it went through the major renovation in 1701, and the temple remains as it is until now.
There are twelve signs of the Chinese zodiac curved in frog-leg struts of Nakazonae, secondary or intermediate supports placed in the interstices between the bracket complexes.
The Romon Gate looks magnificent, which was built in pure Chinese style.
Besides Saimyoji Temple, there are many famous temples and shrines you can visit here in Mashiko. At the foot of mountains in Oba, Okura Shrine (established in 807), Tsuna Shrine (built in 1194) and Jizoin Temple (1504-1520) stand quietly.
Entsuji Temple (1402), establishing a private college called Osawa Bunko, contributed a great deal toward developing young talents to become priests. At the Yama Hall in Saimyoji Temple, you will be surprised to see the only Yama who is laughing in Japan.
For more details, please click ‘Cultural Asset’.