Journey to Seihakuji, Yamanashi's Hidden Treasure

Nestled in the quiet hills of eastern Kofu Basin in Yamanashi City stands Seihakuji Temple. Here, one of only two National Treasure buildings in Yamanashi Prefecture—the Buddha Hall—continues to breathe with life after more than 600 years. Founded in 1333 by Ashikaga Takauji, who established the Muromachi shogunate, and welcoming the great Zen master Muso Soseki as its founding priest, this temple is a precious cultural heritage that conveys the essence of Japanese Buddhist architecture to the present day.

The National Treasure Buddha Hall: The Pinnacle of Zen Architecture

Built in 1415 (Oei 22), the Buddha Hall is a representative example of Zen-style architecture called "ho-sangen mokoshi-tsuki butsuden" (three-bay square Buddha hall with surrounding gallery). This architectural style strongly retains the characteristics of Chinese-influenced kara-yo (Chinese style) architecture, with the cypress bark-roofed hip-and-gable structure standing on a stone foundation creating elegant double-curved eaves.

What makes this hall particularly remarkable is the intricate decorative paintings and careful lacquer work applied to its interior. No other Zen Buddha hall features such ornamentation, enhancing the unique and unparalleled value of Seihakuji's Buddha Hall. Miraculously surviving the great fire of 1682 (Tenna 2), it remains an extremely precious structure that conveys the appearance of mid-Muromachi period Zen architecture to today, and was designated a National Treasure in 1955.

The Important Cultural Property Priests' Quarters: Life in an Edo Period Zen Temple

The priests' quarters (kuri) standing on the east side of the Buddha Hall is a nationally designated Important Cultural Property, rebuilt between 1689-1693 (Genroku 2-6). The kuri served as both the living quarters and kitchen for the monks, featuring a large-scale gable-roofed structure with thatched roof measuring 17.5 meters in beam span and 12.2 meters in depth.

The interior features a well-organized floor plan, divided into guest quarters on the west side and living quarters on the east side, with elegant formal rooms and bold structural framework around the earthen floor area creating perfect harmony. As a precious structure exhibiting the developed floor plans and construction methods of mid-Edo period Zen temple priests' quarters, it was designated an Important Cultural Property in 2005.

A Zen Garden Adorned with Seasonal Flowers

The appeal of Seihakuji extends beyond its architecture. The approximately 100-meter approach is lined with about 50 ancient plum trees, beloved as the "Plum Tree Path." Beside the Buddha Hall blooms the "Saiko Plum," said to have been brought back from China by Muso Soseki himself.

The temple grounds also feature a rare cherry tree called "Gyoikou" that produces unusual green-colored blossoms. Named for its resemblance to the yellow-green color of aristocratic garments in the Heian period, this mysterious cherry tree captivates visitors as its flowers gradually change to pink as the blooming progresses.

Mystical Legends and Pilgrimage Routes

Seihakuji is home to an ancient well called "Suwa Water," with a mystical legend claiming it connects underground to Lake Suwa in Nagano Prefecture. The mysterious phenomenon is passed down through generations that when Lake Suwa's water level rises, so does the well's, and when Lake Suwa's level drops, the well's follows suit.

Additionally, Seihakuji is known as the 14th temple on the Kai 108 Temple Pilgrimage route, attracting many pilgrims seeking temple stamps. This pilgrimage route was established in 1980 and is beloved as a modern pilgrimage path encompassing 109 temples throughout Yamanashi Prefecture.

A Tourism Hub in Yamanashi, the Fruit Kingdom

The area surrounding Seihakuji is dotted with tourist spots in Yamanashi, known as one of Japan's premier fruit-producing regions. Visitors can enjoy fruit picking throughout the seasons—cherries in spring, peaches in summer, and grapes in autumn. The area also offers numerous hot spring facilities, allowing visitors to relax and soothe their fatigue after historical exploration.

Access is convenient, just a 10-minute walk from Higashi-Yamanashi Station or 15 minutes by car from the Katsunuma IC on the Chuo Expressway, with parking for 50 vehicles available. The view of the Kofu Basin from the main gate is spectacular, offering a glimpse of Japan's original landscape.