Fukuzenji Temple Taichoro

Fukuzenji is a Shingon Buddhist temple founded by the monk Kuya around 950 in the Heian period. Taichoro, a guest hall next to the main hall, was built during the Genroku era of the Edo period and has Approx. 330 years of history, and is also designated as a National Historic Site.

Perched on a small hill, Taichoro was used as a reception hall for the Joseon Tongsinsa (Korean diplomatic missions) during the Edo period. From its tatami rooms, you can take in panoramic views of Tomonoura, including the calm Seto Inland Sea and islands floating offshore. One member of the Joseon Tongsinsa praised the view from here as “Nitto Daiichi Keisho (Japan’s finest scenic view).” From the center of the room, you can clearly see islands right in front of you, such as Sensuijima, Bentenjima, and Kogoshima; if you photograph them with the window frame in your shot, you can capture a picture-like photo—highly recommended.

It is also well known as the negotiation site between the Kaientai led by Sakamoto Ryoma and the Kishu Domain during the “Iroha-maru Sinking Incident,” a collision between the Kaientai steamship “Iroha-maru” and the Kishu Domain-owned “Meiko-maru.” Today, the ferry “Heisei Iroha-maru,” modeled after the Iroha-maru’s exterior, runs between Tomonoura and Sensuijima, and you can also see it from Taichoro.