Beyond its peaceful Zen gardens and cascading waterfalls, Kankōji Temple holds a flavorful legacy dating back to the 1578 Otate War. When catastrophic fires engulfed the grounds, monks miraculously preserved 600 scrolls of the Great Prajnaparamita Sutra by submerging them safely inside giant barrels of homemade miso paste. Today, visitors flock to the main hall to sample a spoonful of this rich, sweet-and-salty paste, which is believed to bring good fortune and spiritual blessings. You can also purchase a jar to take home, making for one of the most uniquely savory sacred souvenirs in Japan.
- Temples
- Buddhism
- Historic Sites
- Food Heritage
- Spiritual Spots
Swipe more in Niigata
tryJP is a swipe deck for Japan places — save spots you like and plan a route.
Open tryJP