Virtual Tour | Jokoji Temple (定光寺): One of Aichi’s ‘Protective Gates’
Although Jokoji Temple is somewhat tucked away, past the northern suburbs of Nagoya in a relatively forested area of Seto City, it is a significant historical and cultural landmark. Founded in 1336, the main temple building (muiden) is listed as a National Important Cultural Property. The temple area is considered a ‘kimon’ (or “Demon Gate”), which was believed to protect the Owari Domain – a traditional name for what is largely Aichi Prefecture today – from misfortune (so believers who worship here are praying for good luck and prosperity).
Even more significant is the mausoleum hidden in the back of the temple grounds that houses the mausoleum of Tokugawa Yoshinao, the first lord of the Owari Domain and the ninth son of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate. For these reasons alone, it is worth the trek out, especially in autumn when the changing foliage makes the ground absolutely stunning. As it is rather isolated and quiet most of the time, it is known as a meditative spot.
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