Kogetsuin Temple
Kogetsuin is a temple of the Jodo (Pure Land) school of Buddhism that overlooks the eastern end of the village of Matsudaira (Matsudaira-go) at the foot of Mt. Rokusho. It is the ancestral temple of the Matsudaira family and has been the main Buddhist site of worship in the area since the time of Matsudaira Chikauji (d. 1394?), the first head of the family.
The temple was founded under the name Jakujoji in 1367 by a traveling monk on behalf of the Ariwara, the first family to cultivate land in what became Matsudaira-go. In 1377, Chikauji expanded the temple and renamed it Kogetsuin. He also donated a statue of Amida Buddha and funded the construction of several halls and other structures. Kogetsuin thereby became the Matsudaira family temple, a status that was to ensure its prosperity for centuries.
After Tokugawa Ieyasu (1543–1616), a Matsudaira descendant, unified Japan and established the Tokugawa shogunate (1603–1867), Kogetsuin was granted significant lands. The third Tokugawa shogun, Iemitsu (1604–1651), is said to have donated the temple’s former gates and main hall. Subsequent Tokugawa shoguns continued to support Kogetsuin to ensure the upkeep of their ancestors’ tombs. Those tombs are located at the very back of the grounds, on a small terrace above the graves of the temple’s former priests.
Kogetsuin Temple: Matsudaira Tombs
Kogetsuin is the Matsudaira family temple and was responsible for conducting funeral rites for the family’s dead. This status guaranteed it a significant degree of protection and funding from the time of Matsudaira Chikauji (d. 1394?), the first head of the family, until the fall of the Matsudaira-descended Tokugawa shogunate in 1867.
The Matsudaira family tomb is located on a small hillside terrace at the back of the temple grounds, beyond the graves of Kogetsuin’s former priests. The three tombstones there are for Chikauji (center), his successor Yasuchika (right), and the mother of Nagachika, the fifth head of the family (left). All three are thought to be monuments rather than actual repositories for remains.
Only the first two generations of the family had their funerals at Kogetsuin because the Matsudaira left their ancestral homeland following territorial gains made during the time of Nobumitsu (1404–1488), the third head of the family. Nagachika’s mother’s tombstone was likely moved to Kogetsuin after one of her other sons became the temple’s abbot.
Basic Information
Address | 〒444-2202 44 Samugairi, Matsudaira-cho, Toyota City |
---|---|
Cost | Free admission |
Business hours | Open all day |
Phone number | 0565-58-1623 |
Parking | 70 free parking spaces |
Restrooms | Available |
Closed | Open every day |
Directions by public transportation | [Directions from Nagoya] ・From Nagoya Station on the Higashiyama subway line, go to Fushimi Station and transfer to the Tsurumai subway line (which connects to the Meitetsu Toyota Line from Akaike). Get off at Meitetsu Toyotashi Station. ・From Meitetsu Nagoya Station, take the Meitetsu Nagoya Main Line to Chiryu Station. Transfer trains and get off at Meitetsu Toyotashi Station. ・From JR Nagoya Station, take the JR Chuo Main Line to Kozoji Station. Transfer to the Aichi Loop Line and get off at Shin-Toyota Station. *Click here to check transportation directions and fares in Toyota. http://michinavitoyota.jp/portal/map_en.html |
Directions by car | Approx. 15 min. from Toyota-Matsudaira Interchange on the Tokai-Kanjo Expressway |
Area Information
-
Matsudaira-Go
Matsudaira-Area
-
Matsudaira-go Museum of History and the Matsudaira Tarozaemon Family
Matsudaira-Area
-
Matsudaira Toshogu Shrine
Matsudaira-Area
-
Matsudaira-go Enchi Park
Matsudaira-Area
-
Matsudaira-go Lookout Terrace
Matsudaira-Area
-
Matsudaira Castle Site
Matsudaira-Area
-
Black Water Shower Caving (TRIPPER)
Matsudaira-Area
-
Rokusho Shrine
Matsudaira-Area
Recommended Spots
-
Lake Mikawa
Shimoyama-Area
Many people come to see the lake’s seasonal beauty. You can drive around the lake’s 16-km…
-
Yahagi Dam
Asahi-Area
Yahagi Dam is an arched concrete dam that embanks the Yahagi River, creating Oku Yagahi L…
-
Kuroda Dam
Inabu-Area
Kuroda Dam is a concrete gravitational power generation dam along the City of Toyota's Ku…
-
Mt. Sanage
Toyota-Area
-
Mikawa Plateau (Mikawakougen)
Shimoyama-Area
Mikawakougen is a gently sloping plateau with an altitude of 600 meters near the center o…
-
Otaki Gorge
Matsudaira-Area
-
Korankei Gorge
Asuke-Area
Korankei Gorge is famous as a location for fall foliage. The best time to see the foliage…
-
Hodo no Nanataki Waterfall
Shimoyama-Area
Hodo no Nakataki Waterfall is located on a tributary of the Nohara River. Stretching for …
-
Oshikawa Waterfall
Inabu-Area
Oshikawa Waterfall is a calming spot where you can enjoy the rushing sound of water falli…
-
Kuragaike Park
Toyota-Area
-
Suigen Park
Toyota-Area
Stretching out along the Yahagi River, it is one of the city’s most famous spots for cher…
-
Aichi Prefectural Greenification Center
Fujioka-Area
A facility filled with a variety of gardens such as Japanese gardens and rock gardens whe…
-
Asahi Nature Highland (Asahi Kogen Genki-Mura)
Asahi-Area
A multipurpose leisure facility on a highland elevation of 650 m. Enjoy various activitie…
-
Daihiden Toshoji Temple
Toyota-Area
Daihiden Toshoji is a Soto Zen temple located approximately 300 meters northeast of the m…
-
Oidaira Park
Inabu-Area
Oidaira Park was created by the local Furuhashi clan, where they created a small school f…
-
Asuke Townscape (Important Preservation District of Historic Buildings)
Asuke-Area
The basic pattern of the Asuke Townscape (Important Preservation District of Historic Bui…
-
Sanage Onsen Resort
Toyota-Area
Sanage Onsen is Aichi Prefecture's largest natural radon hot spring. The hot spring water…
-
Shirasagi Onsen Resort
Asuke-Area
The sulphur spring water is good for beautiful skin. The large scenic bath has views of T…
-
Odo Onsen Resort
Asahi-Area
Odo Onsen Hot Spring's main attraction is the radon bath. It can help ease rheumatism, ne…
-
Sakakino Onsen Resort
Asahi-Area
Along with Odo Onsen Hot Spring and Sasado Onsen Hot Spring, Sakakino Onsen Hot Spring is…
-
Sasado Onsen Resort
Asahi-Area
Discovered in the Muromachi Period over 600 years ago, Sasado Onsen Hot Spring is Aichi P…
-
Shichishu Castle Site
Toyota-Area
-
Asuke Castle
Asuke-Area
Located atop Mt. Mayumi-yama and at 301m above sea level, Asuke Castle offers a breathtak…
-
Koromo-jinja Shrine
Toyota-Area
-
Matsudaira Toshogu Shrine
Matsudaira-Area
-
Asuke Hachimangu Shrine
Asuke-Area
It is said that the Asuke Hachimangu Shrine answers the prayers of people for healthier f…
-
Kogetsuin Temple
Matsudaira-Area
-
Toyota Kuragaike Commemorative Hall
Toyota-Area
-
Toyota Bo-no-Te Kaikan Museum
Toyota-Area
An intangible folk cultural property designated by the prefecture, the bonote is a martia…
-
Toyota City Folk Craft Museum
Toyota-Area
Toyota City Folk Craft Museum is a facility that commemorates Shizuo Honda, a scholar of …
-
Matsudaira-go Museum of History and the Matsudaira Tarozaemon Family
Matsudaira-Area
-
Sanshu Asuke Yashiki Museum
Asuke-Area
This living folk culture museum opened in 1980. The former villa of a wealthy farming fam…
-
Karen no Yakata
Shimoyama-Area
On a path along the Tomoe River flowing from Lake Mikawa lies a picturesque building that…
-
Toyota Municipal Museum of Art
Toyota-Area
-
Kewpie Koromo Factory
Toyota-Area
Kewpie hosts tours of its factories to the public, styling them as a form of “open kitche…
-
Natsuyake Onsen Resort
Inabu-Area
Nagura River runs through the center of the hot spring town. The river scenery is beautif…
-
Barbara House Bakery
Asuke-Area
In the Asuke area, next to Asuke Ham ZiZi Studio, there’s a popular store that sells hand…
-
Art and Craft Center at Obara Paper Art Museum
Obara-Area
-
Fuji-no-Kairo Wisteria Alley
Fujioka-Area
Approximately 370 meters of walking paths lined by wisteria flowers, offering entrancing …
-
Inabu Onsen Donguri no Yu Hot Spring
Inabu-Area
Enjoy a variety of baths such as the outdoor bath surrounded by seasonal flowers and a wo…
-
Donguri no Sato Inabu Roadside Station
Inabu-Area
Donguri no Sato Inabu Roadside Station is a shopping hub located in the Inabu Area of Toy…
-
Chunichi Paraglider
Inabu-Area
Choose from a variety of paragliding lessons including beginner lessons and pilot certifi…
-
Masuzuka Miso of Noda Miso Co.
Toyota-Area
At this manufacturer of naturally fermented soybean miso, we protect the traditional meth…
-
Toyota Stadium
Toyota-Area
-
Toyota City Concert Hall
Toyota-Area
This concert hall is located in the Toyota Sangohkan, part of an urban redevelopment proj…
-
Toyota City Museum of Modern Industry and Living
Toyota-Area
Established in 2005, this museum and cultural property aims to promote culture, arts, and…
-
Kaminaka Weeping Peach Blossoms
Asahi-Area
-
Toyota Ecoful Town
Toyota-Area
Toyota City, selected by the national government as an environmental model city, has gath…
-
Sanage Shrine
Toyota-Area
-
Obara Paper Art Museum Washi-no-Furusato - Washi Artwork Gallery
Obara-Area
Culture is spread through information, information is spread through communication, commu…
-
Toyota Kaikan Museum
Toyota-Area
The Toyota Kaikan Museum at the head office of Toyota Motor Corporation is one of the com…
-
Sanage Adventure Field
Toyota-Area
Multipurpose outdoor attraction with off-road runs for four-wheel drive vehicles, barbecu…
-
Katakuri Asian Fawnlily Colony of Asuke
Asuke-Area
The Asian Fawnlilies of Asuke are located on slopes of Mt. Iimori facing northwestwards a…
-
Hina Dolls of Chuma in Asuke
Asuke-Area
The homes and shops lining the old streets of Asuke decorate their foyers and interiors w…
-
Matsudaira-Go
Matsudaira-Area
-
Sky Hall Toyota
Toyota-Area
Sky Hall Toyota is a base facility for indoor sports with a main hall, a sub hall and a b…
-
Shikizakura Four-Season Cherry Blossoms of Obara Fureai Park
Obara-Area
The Obara Fureai Park acts as a place of recreation and respite for local residents. The …
-
Kura-no-Naka Gallery Manrin Bookshop & Café
Asuke-Area
Along the Old Road of Asuke, a once busy Shio-no-Michi route - as vital backbone trading …
-
Takadoya Wetland
Inabu-Area
The Takadoya Wetland area offers visitors a level walking course equipped with boardwalks…
-
Daianji Temple
Inabu-Area
Daianji Temple belongs to the Soto school of Zen Buddhism and was established in the year…
-
Blueberry-no-Komichi
Inabu-Area
Blueberry-no-Komichi has been in operation in the Inabu region since July 2008. Spend a l…
-
Donguri Workshop
Inabu-Area
Donguri Workshop is a facility set within a natural area in the mountains with a rich his…
-
Senmi Shikizakura no Sato Park
Obara-Area
Take in a breathtaking view of 1,200 shikizakura cherry trees as their flowers contrast w…
-
Obara Kama (Pottery Workshop)
Obara-Area
You can try your hand at pottery in the workshop. The shop also exhibits and sells a rang…
-
Noharagawa Tourism Center
Shimoyama-Area
Enjoy nature to the fullest from season to season with refreshing breezes along the clear…
-
Toyota City Concert Hall - Nohgakudo
Toyota-Area
A Noh theater in the Toyota Sangohkan urban redevelopment building. Featuring a Kirizuma-…
-
Mennoki Soft Rime Virgin Forest
Inabu-Area
The virgin forest of Mennoki, filled with beech trees over 300 years old, is designated a…
-
Kanzokashiki Washi Japanese Paper Making Experience
Obara-Area
Toyotashi Obara Paper Art Museum (Toyotashi Washi-no-Furusato) annually hosts the Kanzoka…
-
Recycled Glass Workshop Cocoro
Toyota-Area
The glass at Cocoro is made entirely from recycled glass bottles. See the fiery colors an…
-
Matsudaira-go Enchi Park
Matsudaira-Area
Matsudaira-go Enchi Park is a five-acre expanse of greenery next to the main road in the …
-
Matsudaira Castle Site
Matsudaira-Area
On a now heavily forested hill overlooking the road into the village of Matsudaira is the…
-
Matsudaira-go Lookout Terrace
Matsudaira-Area
-
Mennoki Soft Rime Virgin Forest
Inabu-Area
The virgin forest of Mennoki, filled with beech trees over 300 years old, is designated a…
-
Tomoegawa Kingyo Fireworks
Matsudaira-Area
Tomoegawa Kingyo Fireworks is held annually and features an impressive display of firewor…
-
Ishino Circuit
Toyota-Area
From the rental go-kart to the helmet and gloves, everything you need for racing can be r…
-
26ism Asagiri Trail
Shimoyama-Area
Experience mountain cycling at Mikawakougen Camp Village! Intended for beginner through i…
-
Gardening Museum Kayutei
Toyota-Area
Stroll through 28 different themed gardens, including a natural garden, a Japanese garden…
-
Red Spider Lilies of the Aizumame River
Toyota-Area
Approximately 450 meters of red spider lilies bloom on both banks of the Aizumame River i…
-
Kirakutei
Toyota-Area
Located inside the grounds of the Toyota Sangyo Bunka Center, Kirakutei is a modern Japan…
-
Matsuzakaya Toyota
Toyota-Area
Only a one-minute walk from Meitetsu Toyotashi Station, the Matsuzakaya Toyota department…
-
Sasahira Workshop
Obara-Area
Sasahira Workshop holds classes on making artistic handicrafts with lacquer or Japanese w…
-
WOODEALER Toyota
Toyota-Area
At WOODEALER Toyota, Japanese cypress, Japanese cedar, and spicebush foliage from woods i…
-
Sanshu Shishi Mori Shachu
Asuke-Area
Sanshu Shishi Mori Shachu is a workshop and gallery offering a range of accessory and cra…
-
Rokusho Shrine
Matsudaira-Area
Rokusho Shrine is a Shinto sanctuary that traces its history back to Matsudaira Chikauji …
-
Toyota Municipal Museum of Art: Takahashi Setsuro Gallery
Toyota-Area
-
Gustav Klimt: Vienna - Japan 1900
Toyota-Area
The Gustav Klimt: Vienna – Japan 1900 exhibition takes place at the Toyota Municipal Muse…
-
Karen-no-Yakata Newly Reopened
Shimoyama-Area
-
Aichi Triennale 2019
Toyota-Area
One of the largest international contemporary art festivals in Japan, the Aichi Triennale…
-
Toyota City Nature Sanctuary
Toyota-Area
At Toyota Nature Sanctuary you can get close to nature, learn about the natural world, an…
-
Grand Opening of "Kawa-no-Ne" within Country Restaurant Keiryuusou!
Asahi-Area
-
World Rally Championships Japan Round "Rally Japan 2020"
Wide-Area
The World Rally Championship (WRC) run by the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (…
-
Maple Leaves Road (Momiji Kaido)
Shimoyama-Area
Located in the Shimoyama area of Toyota City, Maple Leaves Road (Momiji Kaido), is a stre…
-
Strawberry Park MIFUNE
Toyota-Area
Strawberry Park MIFUNE offers simple strawberry picking from elevated beds on concrete fl…
-
Yamanaka Kannondo Hall
Toyota-Area
Yamanaka Kannondo Hall at Sanage Shrine serves as a quiet reminder of how Shinto and Budd…
-
Toyoda Kiichiro’s Former Residence
Toyota-Area
-
Forest Adventure TOYOTA KURAGAIKE
Toyota-Area
This adventure park allows you to walk among the forest canopy of Kuragaike Park through …
-
Ogyu Castle Site
Toyota-Area
Ogyu Castle was a large mountain fortress that played a significant role in local armed c…
-
Tomoegawa Kingyo Fireworks
Matsudaira-Area
Tomoegawa Kingyo Fireworks is held annually and features an impressive display of firewor…
-
Abandoned stations along the Meitetsu Mikawa Line (Sanage Station–Nishi Nakagane Station)
Toyota-Area
Old train stations lie along the old Mikawa Line (Sanage Station–Nishi Nakagane Station) …