 | ‘Tendaishu’ Special Temple, Origin of Kawagoe and Sayama Tea
‘Nakain’ Temple is found south of Kitain Temple, and was officially known as ‘Tendaishu’ Special Temple.
Originally called ‘Seiya San Muryojyuji Butsujiin’ Temple, it is a temple of ‘Ten Dai Shu’ known for separating from Muryojyuji Temple at the end of the Kamakura Period.
It was the main temple of this area, until Tenkai Soujyou came to Kitain Temple to live. It is also famous for being the place of origin of Kawagoe and Sayama Tea. When the temple was built, Ennin brought tea seeds from Kyo (present day Kyoto) and grew it in the premises as medicine. Tea gardens existed in the temple grounds until 30 years ago. Within the premises, there is a stone monument that is carved with this fact.
Also known as the historical temple of Shimazaki Touson, there is a Shimazaki Touson historical tea room Fusentei, which is recognized as a cultural asset of Kawagoe City. Currently, it is used and passed on by people who enjoy tea ceremonies. Within the temple grounds there is also the gravesite of Touson’s mother-in-law, Kato Miki, where Touson often went to visit. The posthumous Buddhist name of ‘Rengetsu Fusen no Haka’ found on the tombstone was personally written by Touson.
During the spring, the area in front of the main hall of the temple is famous as a site for weeping cherry blossom trees.
The temple grounds are rich in greenery, but allows people to enjoy the various change in color of the four seasons.
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