Kaganetsu Temple

Kaganetsu Temple [鉄們方; かがねつほら] is a temple located in the city of Futsukana in Shinkō Prefecture. Constructed and founded in 1503, it is known as being one of the largest, most lavishly-decorated temples of its time. For centuries it has been a popular place of worship, with its imposing wraught-iron gates, elegant sweeping architecture and adjacent rose gardens. Kaganetsu Temple is also very popular as a kanmon site (the first visit to a place of worship on New Year's Day). It has become something of a symbol for Futsukana and attracts a steady influx of tourists to the city.
== History ==
Kaganetsu Temple was commissioned in 1503 by the High Priest of Shinkō Prefecture, Nōda Kisho, and was at the time the largest and most visually-impressive temple in north Kanton. The temple's name, meaning 'iron gates', originates with the appearance of its entrance, consisting of a pair of 8-foot tall iron gates in a style wholly unique during the 16th century. The novelty of such a design attracted many visitors to the temple, although contemporaries criticised the use of iron, calling it a 'heathen and unrefined metal', with some suggesting that copper should have been used instead.
The temple served as a temporary residence for Emperor Ikei on his tour of western Kanton, and he stayed in its holy chambers for six days, taking part in various sacred rites of fortune and good health. These chambers were converted during the early 1800s, becoming a dormitory for shrine workers who were boarding there.
Category:Temples