Nittaiji Temple Nagoya (Japan-Thai Temple)
Nittaiji Temple Nagoya contains a portion of the ashes from the cremation of the historical Buddha, which were donated by the Thai King Chulalongkorn.
Nittaiji Temple Nagoya (Japan-Thai Temple)日泰寺
Nittaiji Temple (Japan-Thai Temple) is close to Kakuozan Station on the Higashiyama Line of the Nagoya subway.
This large non-affiliated temple dates from 1904 when it was called Nissenji (Japan-Siam Temple) and contains a portion of the ashes from the cremation of the historical Buddha, which were donated by the then Thai King Chulalongkorn. The ashes were found in Northern Indian in 1898 by a British colonial period Estate Manager, William C. Peppe. There remains considerable doubt among scholars if the original relics "discovered" by Peppe are genuine or not.
The grounds of Nittai-ji Temple contain the main building, an impressive pagoda (see above), the large main gate and a statue of King Chulalongkorn (1853-1910). King Chulalongkorn also donated a rare bronze Buddhist statue to Nittaiji along with his original gift of ashes, which are contained in a 15m-tall, Gandhara style, granite stone stupa (Hoanto). King Chulalongkorn's grandson, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the previous King of Thailand, later donated another statue of Buddha and a tablet inscribed with his own calligraphy in gold leaf.
Access - Getting There
Nittai-ji 1-1 Hoho-cho Chikusa-ku Nagoya Tel: 052 751 2121
The road leading up to Nittaiji is lined with cafes, restaurants and craft shops and hosts a monthly flea market on the 21st of each month as well as seasonal Kakuozan festivals throughout the year. From Exit 1 of Kakuozan Subway Station turn right and right again at Starbucks. Nearby is the interesting Yoki-so Villa, established by a direct descendant of the founder of the Matsuzakaya department store.