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The Sohrintoh Tower is located near the Sanbutsu-doh Hall. 24 bells and ornament of Kinyoraku decorate upper side of the tower. On the contrary, you will find three hollyhocks on the lower side of the tower. Hollyhock is family crest of Tokugawa. 4 subordinate pillars support those three hollyhocks.
In 1643, Bishop Tenkai built this tower because the third successive shogun Iemitsu made a vow. The Sohrintoh tower referred to the first building that Saint Saicho of Tendai sect built. That first tower is located in Enryakuji Temple of Mt. Hiei. There are inscriptions of Saint Saicho and Bishop Tenkai on the surface of the tower.
The Sohrintoh Tower was located in Oku-in (Inner House) of Toshogu Shrine originally, but was relocated to another place near Futarasan Shrine in 1650. After that, the tower was moved to today's place in 1875. The last relocation was caused by the law that Meiji government announced to separate Shinto shrine and Buddhist temple.
Also, there is the lantern, which is called Itowappu-tourou. The Itowappu is a permission to trade silk. Ieyasu Tokugawa gave the privilege trade to farmers and they dedicated the lantern to show appreciation. |
