Tentokuin Temple, the Temple of Princess Tamahime

Located in Kodatsuno, Kanazawa, the castle town of the Kaga Domain, Tentokuin is a Soto Zen temple built in 1623 to pray for Princess Tamahime, the second daughter of Tokugawa Hidetada, the second shogun of the Edo shogunate, and the lawful wife of Maeda Toshitsune. Tamahime came to Kaga at the age of 3 and raised 3 sons and 5 daughters before passing away at 24. She is known for playing a major role in strengthening ties between the Maeda and Tokugawa families. The temple’s name comes from Tamahime’s posthumous Buddhist name, and it still conveys the memory of a figure essential to the story of Kaga’s one-million-koku prosperity.

After its founding, the temple buildings were developed under the protection of the Maeda family, and in the early Edo period, Ming-style architecture was introduced by the eminent monk Kosen Oshō. The temple gate, built in 1693, still stands today and preserves the architectural style of the time as a Tangible Cultural Property designated by Ishikawa Prefecture.

The temple grounds preserve temple treasures such as Tamahime’s personal belongings and old documents, and the exhibits introducing her life are also among the highlights. Through the mechanical puppet performance “Tamahime, The Story of Tentokuin” and the “Tamahime Digital Slide,” visitors can visually learn about her life and achievements. The temple is also known for many charms and items associated with good matches and family harmony, including the famous “Otori Stone” for prayers for good relationships and the rare “Gold Leaf Goshuin,” which is uncommon even across Japan, making it a beloved place of prayer connected to Princess Tamahime.

At the matcha seating area overlooking the garden, you can enjoy matcha and sweets while gazing out at the quiet dry landscape garden. A candy apple café, “Gorin no Ringo Ame no Café,” has also opened on the grounds, creating a space where historical appreciation and peaceful relaxation come together for a pleasant moment of Kanazawa culture.