SAITAMA

Takedera

Saitama’s unique temple-shrine serving traditional vegan shojin ryori cuisine

This picturesque location nestled in the mountains near Hanno is the only place in eastern Japan where Buddhism and Shinto beliefs are still fused together.

Nature & Outdoor Cuisine Experience Temples & Shrines

Access

Combining the Best of Buddhist and Shinto traditions

Visitors to Takedera, the Bamboo Temple, will quickly realize the origin of its name. A sprawling bamboo forest covers the mountainside next to the main buildings, the perfectly straight green shoots creating a scene that is iconic Japan. Look carefully, however, and along the path through the bamboo forest you’ll notice several torii gates constructed from bamboo. Torii gates are usually associated with Shinto shrines, not temples. You’ve discovered one of the unique characteristics of Takedera, a religious site that is both Buddhist and Shinto.

When the Meiji government took power from the Shogunate in the late 19th century, places like Takedera were forced to become either fully Shinto or fully Buddhist as shrines or temples. In a mystery that will forever remain unsolved, Takedera was overlooked from the enforcement of this policy, becoming the only location in Eastern Japan where Buddhist and Shinto practices remain fused together. Takedera is dedicated to the Buddhist deity Gozu Tenno, the “Ox-headed Heavenly King” who originated in India, but also maintains an ancient Shinto shrine further up the mountain beyond another torii gate.

An Incredible Presentation of Shojin Ryori Vegan Cuisine

One practice inherited from its Buddhist roots is shojin ryori, the vegan medicinal　and cuisine eaten by Buddhist monks. The staff at Takedera have elevated shojin ryori to an art form, creating seasonal dishes from ingredients found around the mountain and presented in exquisitely beautiful forms. From delicate tempura maple leaves in the autumn to tender bamboo shoots harvested from the forest in spring, the delicious dishes that are completely free of animal products will amaze you.

Access to Takedera

From Hanno Station on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line, it is easiest to get to Takedera by rental car, with several rental car companies near the station. You can also take a taxi, but you’ll have to arrange a pick up when you are finished. For those with dining reservations at Takedera, round-trip transportation provided by the temple can be arranged from Hanno Station for a fee. Hiking is another popular way to visit the temple, with hikers disembarking at Nishi-Agano Station.

Address

Takedera 704 Minami, Hanno City, Saitama 3570214

Contact

Tel: +81 429-77-0108
Web Form: https://takedera.net/contact/

Business hours

Meal Times:
11:30 / 12:00 / 12:30 / 13:00 / 13:30
You can make a reservation for any of the above time slots.

Contact Hours:
09:00 - 16:00

WEB site

https://takedera.net/