桃巌寺 （名古屋大仏）

Toganji Temple, also known as the Nagoya Great Buddha, is a Buddhist temple located in Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture. It is famous for its 15-meter-tall Great Buddha statue, often called the Nagoya Daibutsu. Made of bronze, the statue is characterized by its green color, which was intentionally applied in 2006. However, the mole, eyes, mouth, and ears are covered in gold leaf, with the mole made of pure gold. The pedestal features ten elephant statues supporting the main image. The statue has not undergone a consecration ceremony. Toganji is also known for the Sleeping Benzaiten, which is opened to the public twice a year and draws many visitors. This vividly colored Benzaiten statue is especially popular. A wooden fish drum made from a 100-year-old camphor tree, with a diameter of one meter, is said to erase past misdeeds simply by touching it. Visitors can also write their wishes and names on a prayer stone and place it in the offering box (1,000 yen), a practice believed to grant wishes. The temple’s garden is equally impressive, spanning 4,000 tsubo and offering seasonal beauty throughout the year. Access to Toganji Temple is a 5-minute walk from Motoyama Station on the subway.