Zuisenji Temple
Night Museum

Step into the stunning world
of Inami wood carving,
where light and shadow intertwine.

Often called “an art museum of woodcarving,” Zuisenji is a temple adorned by countless exquisite wooden sculptures. Its proud history spans over 250 years, and despite multiple fires it has been rebuilt each time by skilled Inami artisans who learned their craft from masters in Kyoto.

Interestingly enough, the temple’s carvings true splendor is revealed not during the day but at night. A special illuminated tour led by Inami sculptors allows visitors to admire the delicate woodwork and artisans’ extraordinary talent in a whole new light (or rather, lack thereof.) Furthermore, the carvers’ firsthand explanations offer a chance to learn the history, behind-the-scenes details, and techniques behind each piece and gain a new appreciation for the wonders of Inami woodcarving.

The tebasami (decorative rafter struts) in the Main Hall and Taishido in particular showcase intricate, lifelike phoenixes and dragons carved in the kagobori technique. Exploring the carvings from every angle is a truly extravagant experience!

Thanks to this light-up tour at Zuisenji, I felt the deep connection between history and craftsmanship and saw the beauty of the sculptures from a fresh perspective.