Church & Religious Site

Tōgan-ji

📍 Tōgan-ji, Nagoya, Japan

1 photos

3.8/ 5.0

★★★★☆

Introduction

A temple of the Myōshin-ji branch of the Rinzai Zen school in Kita ward, Nagoya, founded in the Edo period. The grounds are modest — old trees and timber halls arranged along an approach that keeps the intimate scale of a former residential-district temple. It is best known for the folk custom of the centipede memorial: legend holds that a plague of giant centipedes was subdued here, and a mound was raised in their memory, with rites still held each June. For most visitors it makes a quiet stroll in northern Nagoya, easily paired with the nearby Kurokawa neighborhood.

✨ Highlights

Centipede Memorial

Legend of the subdued centipede plague lives on, with memorial rites each June.

Edo-era Origins

An old Rinzai Zen temple whose halls retain the atmosphere of an Edo-period monastery.

Tree-lined Approach

Shaded by mature trees, the stone path and gate frame a serene scene.

Kurokawa Side-trip

Steps from Kurokawa shopping street — an easy half-day walking combo.

🛈 Practical Info

→Admission：Free to visit; the grounds are open for quiet self-guided viewing.

→Hours：Generally open during daytime; check the gate board for exact times.

→Access：A few minutes on foot from Kurokawa Station on the Meitetsu Komaki Line.

→Nearby：Cafés and indie shops around Kurokawa Station pair well with a stroll.

→Etiquette：Keep quiet on the grounds; do not enter the halls during services.

💡 Tips

• The temple sits inside a residential block — follow navigation for a few minutes after exiting the station.

• The June centipede memorial rites are not held daily; confirm dates before making a special trip.

• On-site parking is minimal; use coin lots near Kurokawa Station if driving.

• Half an hour is enough — treat it as a stroll stop rather than a destination.

• Streets are narrow; watch for cars whether walking or cycling.

FAQ

Any practical tips for visiting Tōgan-ji?

The temple sits inside a residential block — follow navigation for a few minutes after exiting the station. The June centipede memorial rites are not held daily; confirm dates before making a special trip.