Built in 1450, it is the oldest temple in Kakunodate town. The sanmon gateway is Akita prefecture’s tangible cultural property. The guaridan deva is a work of Emazo, the composer of the Donpan folk song. Also the thousand Buddha statues of Shiraiwa ware, is a magnificent piece of art.

Matsuo Bashō, born Matsuo Kinsaku, then Matsuo Chūemon Munefusa, was the most famous poet of the Edo period in Japan. During his lifetime, Bashō was recognized for his works in the collaborative haikai no renga form; today, after centuries of commentary, he is recognized as the greatest master of haiku.