Butsuden 仏殿

The Tokugawa shoguns (1603–1867) became supporters of the temple during the seventeenth century, after the appointment of Tokugawa Ieyasu (1543–1616) to shogun in 1603. The Tokugawa funded the rebuilding of Kenchoji, and donated the current Butsuden to the temple in 1647. The building was previously located at Zojoji Temple in Edo (now Tokyo), the Tokugawa family temple.

Because of its association with the Tokugawa family, the hall is much more richly decorated than a typical Zen temple building. The ornate, carved panels on the walls and gilt decorations on the ceiling reflect the power and influence of the Tokugawa at the time it was built. The ceiling is decorated with auspicious birds on a brilliant gilded background.

The Butsuden was constructed between 1624 and 1644, and is designated an Important Cultural Property. It is open to everyone, regardless of religious affiliation.

The Butsuden (Buddha Hall) is one of the most important buildings of Kenchoji Temple. The large statue inside depicts the bodhisattva Jizo, the main Buddhist deity of the temple.

Many buildings at Kenchoji, including the Butsuden, were lost in a number of devastating fires during the 1400s and 1500s. The temple was badly in need of repair, and lacked a patron as well. In the 1600s, the Tokugawa family founded the Edo shogunate (1603–1867) and began rebuilding Kenchoji. In 1647, they donated this building from Zojoji, their family temple in Edo (now Tokyo).

Because of its association with the Tokugawa family, the hall is more richly decorated than a typical Zen temple building. The ceiling features images of auspicious birds on a brilliant gilded background.

The Butsuden is designated an Important Cultural Property. It is open to everyone, regardless of religious affiliation.