Jikoji

Set in the mountains of Gosen City, Jikoji is an ancient Soto Zen temple that sits at the foot of the sacred Mount Hakusan. It is said to have been revived around 1403 by the Zen master Ketsudo Nossho, held to be a direct descendant of Kusunoki Masashige, and it is counted among the four old training halls of Echigo. The cedar-lined approach leading up from the Kogane no Sato hall at the foot of the hill draws visitors into a quiet world of prayer.

Along the approach rise 136 great cedars, said to be 300 to 500 years old and six to seven meters around the trunk, and this solemn scene, stretching some 500 meters, is designated a natural monument of the prefecture.

Highlights

• A cedar avenue of 136 trees stretching some 500 meters along the approach, a prefectural natural monument.
• The Dragon God Cedar, said to resemble a dragon rising to heaven, with marks that a great serpent is said to have left coiling around it.
• A White Mountain serpent legend and a tengu legend, with the old tale of a high priest who calmed the great serpent.
• The cool air of the approach, walked to the murmur of the Takiyagawa stream.

Enjoying the Seasons

In fresh-green season light filters through young leaves among the cedars, and summer shade is refreshingly cool. Autumn colors the surrounding hills, and winter dusts the cedar branches white. The precinct, hushed through all four seasons, is perfect when you wish to settle your heart.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: Hiruno, Gosen City, Niigata Prefecture
• Access: Park at the Kogane no Sato hall (878-13 Hiruno, Gosen City) at the foot of the hill and walk the cedar approach to Jikoji. The approach is a footpath running alongside the Takiyagawa stream.
• The Kogane no Sato hall is usually open from April 1 to November 30 and closed in winter, from December to the end of March. Check its status before visiting.

Practical Travel Notes

• Best season: early summer greenery and autumn foliage. Note that the Kogane no Sato hall is closed in winter.
• Avoiding crowds: apart from autumn-foliage weekends it is fairly quiet, and walking the cedar avenue in the clear morning air is recommended.
• Time needed: about one to one and a half hours for the round trip along the approach and worship.
• Nearby spots: the Kogane no Sato hall serves handmade soba made with buckwheat flour from local Bessho. The tulip fields of central Gosen in spring are another attraction.
• Budget guide: worship and the walk are free. It is easy to enjoy even including a meal such as handmade soba. A car is convenient.

A Quick Tip

The approach is an earth-and-stone path, so easy-walking shoes are recommended. Stroll slowly while gazing up at the great cedars, and you can fully savor the solemn air found only at an ancient temple.

📚 Sources

This article is based on public information from Jikoji, guidance from Gosen City and the Gosen Tourism Association, published materials on the cedar avenue designated a prefectural natural monument, and on-site information boards. The Kogane no Sato hall at the foot closes in winter and its opening varies by year, so please confirm with the Gosen Tourism Association or the hall before setting out.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: Allow about one to one and a half hours for the approach round trip and worship.
• What to prepare: Easy-walking shoes, as the approach is an earth-and-stone path.
• When to go: Note that the Kogane no Sato hall is closed in winter, from December to end of March.
• How to tour: Park at the hall and walk the cedar avenue along the stream to the temple.
• Before you go: Confirm the hall opening status in advance, as it may change.