Yogen’in Temple

Yogen'in was founded in 1594 as a memorial to samurai lord Azai Nagamasa by his daughter Yododono, the wife of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. After a 1619 fire destroyed it, Yododono's younger sister Oeyo had it rebuilt, later enshrining bloodstained floorboards from a castle where loyal Tokugawa retainers perished. The temple holds panel paintings by Tawaraya Sotatsu, co-founder of the Rinpa school, featuring fanciful elephants and mythical animals, alongside vivid gold-leaf guardian lion paintings by Kano Sanraku in the Main Hall. Several structures, including the Main Hall and inner gate, are designated Important Cultural Properties. Cherry and maple trees give the compact grounds seasonal color.