Taku Seibyo

This hall was built by Taku Domain’s 4th lord Taku Shigebumi in 1708, who honored Confucianism. The building enshrines Confucius, the Chinese holy man and the founder of Confucianism, and is Japan’s oldest existing Confucius Temple, counted as one of Japan’s three great Confucius Temples. Familiar as a god of education, many come to worship Confucius here during the entrance examination season. The interior is decorated with Chinese-style carved and lacquered giraffes and phoenixes in a sublime atmosphere.

In every April and October, a ritual is performed to thank Confucius and his disciples. While the imperial court music is played, ritual officers dressed in the ancient Chinese attire offer food and sweet rice wine, play drums carried on their hips and also harps, and perform a dance. The sacred hall is usually closed but you can look at the Confucius statue and the dragon painting on the ceiling on this day. This festival with more than 300 years of history since its foundation is designated as Saga’s important intangible folk cultural asset.

Junior volunteer guides will give you a guided history tour upon reservation throughout the year.