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Spot guide · Fushiki–ToyamaZuiryuji Temple
Three National Treasures, ten minutes from Takaoka Station
Zuiryuji is the Maeda family temple, finished in 1663 as the memorial for Maeda Toshinaga, who died in Takaoka in 1614. His brother Toshitsune, third lord of Kaga, spent about twenty years building it. The Sanmon gate, the Butsuden and the Hatto hall became National Treasures in 1997. Shokoji, near the Fushiki berth, joined that rank in 2022.
The plan is Soto Zen at its most orderly. Gate, hall and hall sit on one axis, with covered corridors running round the whole courtyard. Those corridors are the point for a cruise day. The compound follows a Chinese Zen model, with the main gate standing outside the walls. On a wet day you can see almost all of it without an umbrella.
Five things the plaques won't tell you
- The temple car park holds 13 coaches. Arriving at the 9:00 opening gives you the courtyard before the groups.
- The Sanmon you see is the second one: the 1645 gate burnt in 1746 and was rebuilt between 1814 and 1818.
- If you use the Himi line, note the return trains: Takaoka 13:47, 15:23, 16:22 and 17:25. Gaps run up to 95 minutes.
- Takaoka Station is not Shin-Takaoka. The Shinkansen station is a 15-minute walk the other way; the shuttle and tram use Takaoka.
- Volunteer guides exist but need an application in advance through the temple website; there is no guide desk on the day.
On a wet day you can see almost all of it without an umbrella.
Guided ways to do Zuiryuji Temple
Booked before you sail — there is no tour desk at the pier. Booking through these links supports the site.
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Questions people ask here
How do I get to Zuiryuji from the cruise ship?
Big ships dock at Manyo Wharf No. 3 in Fushiki, 8.5 km from Takaoka Station. Princess runs a paid shuttle to the station; otherwise a taxi is about ¥4,500 (our estimate) and 14 minutes. The cheap route is a 20-minute walk to JR Fushiki Station and the hourly Himi line, ¥210, 14 minutes. From the station the temple is a 10-minute walk south.
Is Zuiryuji worth it on a rainy day?
Yes, more than most things here. The covered corridors link the gate and the halls, so most of the visit is under a roof. The Tateyama view at Amaharashi disappears in rain; the temple does not.
Does Zuiryuji take cards?
Not confirmed. Bring ¥500 per person in cash; there is no ATM at either berth, so get cash at Takaoka Station.