Kentokusan Erinji Temple

This historic temple of the Rinzai school (Myoshinji branch) serves as the family temple (bodaiji) of Takeda Shingen, a legendary warlord said to be one of the most ferocious during Japan’s Sengoku period.

Founded by Muso Kokushi in 1330, Erinji Temple was designated as Takeda Shingen’s family temple in 1564. Amid fierce conflicts between influential warlords, the Kai Takeda clan eventually fell, and Erinji Temple was tragically burned down by the powerful daimyo Oda Nobunaga.

The temple was later rebuilt under the patronage of Tokugawa Ieyasu, enabling many significant cultural assets to be preserved. Among these, the red-painted Shikyaku-mon Gate (Akamon) is designated an Important Cultural Property by the national government. Passing through this gate and along the garden path, visitors encounter another gate, Sanmon, recognized as an Important Cultural Property by Yamanashi Prefecture. The scenic Erinji Garden, designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty, and the elegant dry-landscape (karesansui) Hojo Garden are also major draws.

Inside the main hall is the "Uguisu-bari" (nightingale floor) corridor constructed so that its wooden boards emit a bird-like chirping sound when walked upon, amusing even young visitors.