2.Shogakuzan Tafukuji Temple

A view of Usuki Castle from the window
of the atmospheric Okugatadera Temple

　Five roads intersect at the center of Usuki City in a star-shaped pattern. At the end of the narrowest of these roads is Tafukuji Temple. The temple was founded in 1601. At the time it was located in Nioza, but in 1631 it was relocated to its current location. This temple was once the residence of Princess Tara, wife of Lord Kazumichi Inaba Kazumichi, the third lord of the domain. Princess Tara’s family temple is the neighboring Gekkeiji Temple, but it is also known as Okugatadera Temple, because her old house was rebuilt there. The view from the hill is outstanding and also very interesting in that it offers scenery that transcends time and space, as it is the same view of Usuki Castle that Princess Tara had. The temple’s main hall and the bell tower opposite it were built around 1813. In particular, the bell tower, with the flared, skirt-like lower portion adorned with vertical paneling, is famous for being the work of Dannai Takahashi Dannai, a master craftsman from Usuki. The main hall still retains the Onari entrance for the exclusive use of the lord, which serves to highlight this temple’s long history. Not only are the facilities in the precincts of the temple wonderfully maintained, but the road and stone steps leading up to the temple are also quite fascinating. The fun of touring this temple has begun before you even arrive.