Entoku-in Temple

This is the temple where Nene, the famous historical figure and wife of shogun Toyotomi Hideyoshi lived for 19 years, being built in his memory. It's most well known for its landscaped zen garden and painted sliding doors. After the death of Hideyoshi, Nene moved here and brought with her from the castle, the garden and a room that held very special memories for her. After her move she still remained very respected and influential, being visited by popular artists, politicians, military leaders, and other respected figures. The current Entokuin is known as a temple that houses a shrine dedicated to the ”Three Sided Daikokuten" which is the god Toyotomi Hideyoshi believed was the reason for his ascension to supreme ruler of Japan. The three sided Daikokuten is a statue of the three "ten" union with three faces, with Daikokuten in front, Bishamonten on the right, and Benzaiten on the left; the body being Daikokuten. It is believed that Hideyoshi worshipped this god from a young age. The garden Nene moved from Fushimi Castle and then arranged by the famous Kobori Enshu, is called the “North Garden”. It is rare in that the garden incorporates large boulders. The garden is also one of the finest examples of garden design from the Momoyama period of Japanese history.