Gyokushoji Temple

Gyokushoji is a Soto Zen temple in northern Kikuchi, founded in 1452 by Kikuchi Tamekuni, who turned to supporting culture and scholarship as his clan's military power faded. Under his leadership and that of his son Shigetomo, Kikuchi became a regional center for Buddhist and Confucian learning, as well as tea and poetry. The temple was built to house Tamekuni's tomb, which still sits in the cemetery beside Shigetomo's grave. A bronze bell cast in 1496 survived repeated fires and still hangs in the main hall, rung to mark services. Along the walls inside, sixteen arhat statues represent Buddhist devotees who attained enlightenment.