Temple Kasuisai

The majestic Dharma Hall in a rich stand of dark green trees

The verdant rural area spreading outward from the city of Fukuroi in western Shizuoka Prefecture is famous for muskmelons and tea. Its many Buddhist temples have long been centers of faith and spiritual support for the local people. One of the best known and most popular is the venerable Soto Zen temple Kasuisai.

A statue of the Sacred Kannon behind the splendidly ornamented main altar or Shumidan.

Tokugawa Ieyasu himself believed deeply in this god Daikoku, who represents wealth and worldly success.

Kasuisai was founded about 600 years ago. Its name—temple where sleeping is permitted—has this origin. During the confusion of battle, 400 years ago, the monk Senrin Tozen saved the life of the juvenile Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Tokugawa shogunate. Later, invited to a banquet at Hamamatsu Castle by Ieyasu, Senrin Tozen fell asleep. Ieyasu said gently, “kasui,“ or sleeping is permitted.

Ucchusma is said to eliminate all pollution. A statue of him—the tallest of its kind in Japan—is revered in the toilet, which became flush-system 66 years ago.

The interior of the Zuiryukaku might be mistaken for an art museum.

The tranquility of the Japanese garden calms visitors’ minds.

Among the more than 70 buildings gracing the spacious compound are the Zuiryukaku famous for paintings of flowers, especially peonies, on papered sliding doors, and the white-walled Gokokuto in Gandara style. In April and May, cherries, peonies, and azaleas enliven the mood. Many visitors come to enjoy the 5,000 peony plants of 150 varieties in the Peony Garden, open to the public at this season.