So Fukuji Sofukuji

Let's find out more! Sofukuji Temple

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  National Treasure: Sofukuji Temple First Gate

  Lucky charms scattered inside the temple

  Sofukuji Temple has a lot of meaning in everything from the layout of the buildings to the design.
  In particular, designs that are said to bring good luck in China are scattered throughout the precincts, making it surrounded by very auspicious things. For example, the peach engraved on the sleeve stone next to the stone steps leading to the First Peak Gate bears fruit once every 3,000 years, and if you eat it, it is the fruit of life that will extend your lifespan. On the back is carved a carp climbing a waterfall, which is respected as a fish for success.
  
  The same goes for the auspicious patterns such as the clouds (Zuiun) drawn under the eaves of the First Peak Gate.
  The same goes for the bats and peonies painted on the red gate.
  There are many other lucky charms, so please take a look at them carefully.

• 

  Lucky charms scattered inside the temple

  Sofukuji Temple has a lot of meaning in everything from the layout of the buildings to the design.
  In particular, designs that are said to bring good luck in China are scattered throughout the precincts, making it surrounded by very auspicious things. For example, the peach engraved on the sleeve stone next to the stone steps leading to the First Peak Gate bears fruit once every 3,000 years, and if you eat it, it is the fruit of life that will extend your lifespan. On the back is carved a carp climbing a waterfall, which is respected as a fish for success.
  
  The same goes for the auspicious patterns such as the clouds (Zuiun) drawn under the eaves of the First Peak Gate.
  The same goes for the bats and peonies painted on the red gate.
  There are many other lucky charms, so please take a look at them carefully.

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  Pay attention to the right cheek of the statue of Emperor Guan and the clear face of Idaten!

  The legend of Idaten is still passed down to this day.

  Gohodo has an interesting legend. Food offerings placed in front of the statue of Emperor Guan were often eaten by rats, so one day when Sokufei hit the statue on his right cheek, part of his cheek peeled off. However, when he looked the next morning, he saw that a mouse had been pierced by Idaten's sword, and it is said that it was as if Idaten had exterminated the mouse on the orders of Emperor Guan. The priest was also surprised by this and had it repaired, but no matter how much lacquer was applied to the peeled parts, it still didn't work, and the traces still remain today.
  
  It's dark and hard to see, but there is definitely a white scar on the right cheek of the statue of Emperor Guan... When I turned my attention to Idaten, I saw it standing there with a calm expression on its face, as if nothing had happened. Even in modern times, people who are fast on their feet are called Idaten, but Idaten may have been the only one able to run around the Gohodo Hall and exterminate the mice quickly.