Ganjin’s Well

In the northwest corner of Toshodaiji Temple is a well thought to have been dug under the supervision of the temple's founder, Ganjin, and water can still be drawn from it today. Legend holds that Ganjin, who was blind when he first surveyed the land, tasted the soil and immediately declared it a fortunate place. He then ordered this well dug according to traditional Chinese divination principles. The surrounding grounds reflect his judgment: ponds, channels, and the Akishino River create a year-round moisture that supports lush vegetation and flowers throughout the seasons.