Inami Betsuin Zuisenji Temple

Inami Betsuin Zuisenji Temple is a Jodo Shinshu Buddhist temple founded in 1390 by Shakunyo Shonin, the fifth head priest of Honganji Temple, in what is now Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture. The temple gained historical importance as the birthplace of the renowned Inami woodcarving tradition. After a fire destroyed the original structure in 1762, the reconstruction project brought Maekawa Sanshiro, a master woodcarver from Kyoto, to oversee the elaborate carving work. During this 20-year rebuilding process, Maekawa trained local artisans, establishing a woodcarving legacy that has continued for over 250 years. The current main hall was completed in 1885.

The temple complex features exceptional examples of traditional Japanese wooden architecture and carving craftsmanship. The main hall measures 46 meters wide and 43 meters deep, with an interior space spanning 450 tatami mats, making it the largest wooden temple building in the Hokuriku region. The imposing main gate stands 17 meters tall and 20 meters wide, constructed entirely from zelkova wood and completed in 1809. Visitors encounter intricate three-dimensional carvings throughout the structures, including Maekawa Sanshiro's famous dragon with an open mouth on the main gate, elaborate peacock and phoenix motifs, and detailed zodiac animal representations executed in gold lacquer. The Taishido Hall, rebuilt in 1918 and dedicated to Prince Shotoku, showcases the most advanced Inami carving techniques.

Visitors can explore the temple grounds and examine the detailed woodwork adorning the buildings' exteriors and interiors. The surrounding Yokamachi Street extends through the temple town, where approximately 200 woodcarvers continue to practice their craft in active workshops. The street itself functions as an open-air gallery with carved decorations integrated into everyday infrastructure, including ornamental cats, zodiac figures, and carved bus stops. Special nighttime tours led by master woodcarvers offer views of the illuminated carvings with detailed explanations of techniques and symbolism.

From Takaoka Station, accessible via the Hokuriku Shinkansen, take the World Heritage Bus or Shogawa Komakientei Line for approximately 70 minutes to Inami Chuo bus stop. From Fukuno Station, buses reach the temple area in about 15 minutes. General admission to the temple grounds is free. The Inami woodcarving district received Japan Heritage designation in 2018, recognizing its significance as a living cultural tradition that continues to produce both religious art and contemporary works.