Oct 19, 2013 - 1 min read

Sabae's Josho-ji Temple

A temple with a beautiful gate and beautiful dragons

By Larry Knipfing

Community writer

The majestic temple roof slanting sharply yet gracefully down

Another dragon; this one at the water basin

As pretty a veranda you are likely to see

And yet, another dragon, this one nestled in among the eaves of the main hall

Known for the splendor of its main gate, Josho-ji Temple is the head temple of the Shinshu sect, and the biggest temple in Sabae. The gate is gorgeous; I felt that I could have stood there for hours looking at all its carvings, especially the dragon. Carved by master craftsman, Goro Sajin, it is beautiful, scary, and mysterious, all at once. Walk up to the main hall. The outside veranda is wide and lovely, constructed of serious, dark wood. Inside the temple (not generally open to the public) there are long halls, washi-papered bamboo doors, and a rock garden in the yard. Enjoy a huge bazaar, known as "Makoto Ichi", the third Sunday of each month.