Taiseki-ji

Tahō Fuji Dainichirenge-san Taiseki-ji, more commonly just Sōhonzan Taiseki-ji, informally known as Head Temple Taiseki-ji, is the administrative center of Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism. It is located in the foothills of Mount Fuji in Kamijo, Fujinomiya, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. Taiseki-ji was founded in 1290 by Nikkō Shōnin, one of Nichiren Daishonin's senior disciples, on a land parcel donated by the pious believer Daigyo Sonrei, commonly known as Nanjo Tokimitsu (1259–1332). The Head Temple is the home of the Dai Gohonzon, Nichiren Shoshu's object of worship, which draws pilgrim believers from various countries. The temple's open grounds are open to the public for sightseeing, though its religious buildings are restricted to believers only. Accordingly, adherents of the Soka Gakkai are not permitted entrance to the Head Temple grounds. Taiseki-ji is Nichiren Shoshu's administrative center, and its chief abbot Chief Priest is simultaneously the high priest (法主) of Nichiren Shoshu. The current 68th High Priest is Nichinyo Hayase (1935 – Present) who assumed the position on 16 December 2005. Taiseki-ji is the home of the Dai Gohonzon, Nichiren Shoshu's object of worship. This image is visited by believers who come on personal pilgrimages, to participate in regular ceremonies, or to take part in large events such as study programs, and similar large meetings. The temple is known for numerous historically significant buildings and gardens, national cultural assets, as well as features like the old weeping cherry trees that line its Tatchū Sando (main path lined with lodging temples). According to Nichiren Shoshu tradition, Taiseki-ji was founded in 1290 by Nichiren's disciple Nikkō on a tract of land called Ōishigahara donated by the district steward, Nanjo Shichiro Jiro Hyoe Taira no Tokimitsu (Buddhist name: Daigyo Sonrei) (1259–1332). The name derives from an alternative reading of the kanji for Ōishi (大石), Tai (Big) - Seki (Stone), and the character Ji (寺), temple. Tokimitsu was a lay follower of Nichiren's and consequently Nikko Shonin.