Izunadera Temple 飯縄寺

Tendai temple woodworking masterpieces

This Tendai Buddhist temple near the Pacific coast in Isumi City is a wonder for its craftsmanship and intriguing details. The place is also known as "the tengu temple" for a carved wooden frieze depicting Ushiwakamaru receiving the secrets of martial skill from a tengu, a long-nosed goblin. The image is a masterpiece created by master carver Yoshinobu Ihachi Takeshi, nicknamed Nami no Ihachi for his stunning depictions of ocean waves. The more you look, the more you notice intimate details - a tengu riding the waves under the eaves of the thatched gate, intricately carved dragons, and an ink painting of a dragon in the ceiling of the main hall. It's way out there, but well worth a visit as a side trip from the beaches. The temple is 40 minutes on foot and about 10 minutes by car from Taito Station on the JR Sotobo line.