Enzu-in Temple was built as a temple for the worship of Kannon Bodhisattva (Goddess of Mercy). In 1633, it was converted to a Soto sect temple at the wish of Akimoto Yasutomo when he became feudal lord of the Gunnai region. Three generations of Akimoto rulers governed Gunnai thereafter and left many structures in the precincts of Enzu-in Temple, including a temple bell and stone bridge that are designated Cultural Properties of Tsuru City.
The bridge is one of five stone bridges that were built over Kachugawa River. The bridges were taken down one after another during the Showa Period (1926–1989), but the “Stone Bridge of Gensaka” was restored and brought to the pond at Enzu-in Temple, where it exhibits its erstwhile appearance today.
The temple bell was made in 1686 by a famous metal caster who also forged Tokugawa Ieyasu’s tomb at Nikko Toshogu Shrine. Many bells were requisitioned to produce munitions during the war, but this was one of the few bells that escaped such a fate.
The bridge is one of five stone bridges that were built over Kachugawa River. The bridges were taken down one after another during the Showa Period (1926–1989), but the “Stone Bridge of Gensaka” was restored and brought to the pond at Enzu-in Temple, where it exhibits its erstwhile appearance today.
The temple bell was made in 1686 by a famous metal caster who also forged Tokugawa Ieyasu’s tomb at Nikko Toshogu Shrine. Many bells were requisitioned to produce munitions during the war, but this was one of the few bells that escaped such a fate.