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The Sohrintoh Tower is bronze,
is 13.2m high and is located near the Sanbutsu-doh Hall. 24 bells
and ornament of Kinyoraku decorate upper side of the tower. On the
contrary, you will find three hollyhocks on the lower side of the
tower. Hollyhock is family crest of Tokugawa. 4 subordinate pillars
support those three hollyhocks.
In 1643, Bishop Tenkai built this tower because the third successive
shogun Iemitsu made a vow. The Sohrintoh tower referred to the first
building that Saint Saicho of Tendai sect built. That first tower
is located in Enryakuji Temple of Mt. Hiei. There are inscriptions
of Saint Saicho and Bishop Tenkai on the surface of the tower.
The Sohrintoh Tower was located in Oku-in (Inner House) of Toshogu
Shrine originally, but was relocated to another place near Futarasan
Shrine in 1650. After that, the tower was moved to today's place
in 1875. The last relocation was caused by the law that Meiji government
announced to separate Shinto shrine and Buddhist temple.
Also, there is the lantern, which
is called Itowappu-tourou. The Itowappu is a permission to trade
silk. Ieyasu Tokugawa gave the privilege trade to farmers and they
dedicated the lantern to show appreciation.
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