Daitsūji Temple

Daitsūji was founded in 1602 as a branch of Higashi Honganji in Kyoto, with main buildings dating to the mid-seventeenth century. Its most remarkable feature is the annex, formerly part of Fushimi Castle's palatial residence, relocated here between 1652 and 1654 under the patronage of Hikone domain lord Ii Naotaka. Walking through it is like touring a private museum: gilded sliding partitions bear paintings by Kano school masters Kano Sanraku and Kano Sansetsu. One small room displays a screen with a large tiger illustration; another holds a palanquin belonging to Princess Sachiyo, daughter of the last Ii lord. The impressive two-story gate faces the busy shops along Otemon-dori.