Tahōin Temple

Tahoin was established in 1489 in Ibaraki as the family temple of the Tagaya clan, relocated to Akita in 1602 when clan lord Satake Yoshinobu became daimyo of Kubota domain. The modest main gate reflects the financial strain of the Edo shogunate's sankin-kotai policy, which forced daimyo and their retainers to maintain dual residences in their domains and in Edo. Temple records show the Tagaya family sought public donations to fund construction. Notable features include an uguisubari 'nightingale floor' at the entrance, designed to squeak underfoot as a security measure, and a dragon painted on the ceiling of the main hall. Weeping cherry trees make the grounds popular for spring hanami.