Shorenji Temple

Shorenji Temple began as a Zen temple called Jorinji, and its main hall was rebuilt in 1737 in the style of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism. The most remarkable object here is a Korean copper bell cast in 963, one of the oldest Korean bells in Japan and a designated Important Cultural Property. The bell was made during the Koryo period and brought across the sea centuries ago. The main gate features a carved dragon in relief, and the temple also holds a garden called Shogien and important artworks. For generations it was a gathering place for local scholars, including the brothers Rai Shunsui and Rai Shunpu.