Japan's Largest Wooden Fish and Painted Ceiling: Peach Rock Temple (Part 1)

Peach Rock Temple, a historic Soto Zen Buddhist temple, was completed in 1554. Despite being located in the bustling city of Nagoya, it offers a serene and tranquil atmosphere. To reach the temple, visitors must first walk along a path flanked by rows of trees, where the gentle breeze and the sounds of chirping birds and insects create the illusion of being in a forest. Passing through a red-roofed square archway, you'll find a stone purification basin with an inscription on either side that reads, "Draw pure water; cleanse the body of impurities." At the top of the couplet, there are Sanskrit seed syllables from esoteric Buddhism, adding a meaningful touch. The courtyard also features a solemn statue of the Compassionate Kannon. Unlike most temples, the main hall's plaque does not bear the usual inscription of "Great Hero Hall" but instead displays the words "Truth, Goodness, Beauty." Inside the main hall, visitors can pay homage to the principal deity, the Holy Kannon Bodhisattva. The hall also houses Japan's largest wooden fish, crafted from camphor wood over 100 years old. It is said that touching this wooden fish can help eliminate karmic obstacles. Another unique highlight is the painted ceiling of the main hall. Some of the designs are elegantly traditional, while others are vividly colorful. These centuries-old artworks showcase the beauty of Japanese-style artistry. This lesser-known yet incredibly charming temple is highly recommended for travelers who prefer to avoid crowded tourist spots!