Higashitsumuriyama Gyogan Temple 東頭山行元寺

The orgins of master artists

I'm teasing you with these photos of the exterior of Gyoganji, a temple with a 1200-year history and magnificent images. Modern Isumi City is home to a handful of temples with stunning carvings and paintings. The main temple hall is elaborately decorated with images created by Takamatsu Matahachi, an 18th century artist. But even more amazing images are in the adjacent receiving rooms. A standing screen with a stippled landscape was created by Hokusai's master Tsutsumi Torin. Arching over the room are transoms that depict waves and jewels created by Nami no Ihachi, the master carver. The temple keepers and art historians say that Hokusai was inspired by these works. I'm teasing you, as you cannot take photos and have to see the works for yourself. The nearest station is Kuniyoshi Station on the Isumi Railway.