Kai Zenkoji Temple

Japanese name： 甲斐善光寺
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Main Image Wooden Seated Minamoto no Yoritomo Category Other

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DignityNobilityDepth

Description

Displayed in the Treasure Museum of Kai Zenkoji Temple, this wooden seated portrait represents Minamoto no Yoritomo, founder and first shogun of the Kamakura shogunate. The figure measures 96.1 cm high. An ink inscription inside records Yoritomo's death date and the year 1319. Recent conservation and research indicate that the highly realistic head dates to the first half of the 13th century, while the body was reworked during the 1319 restoration. Its lowered brows, prominent nose, and firmly set mouth create a powerful presence. It is regarded as the oldest surviving sculptural portrait of Yoritomo. In March 2026, the Council for Cultural Affairs recommended that it and the temple's portrait of Minamoto no Sanetomo be designated together as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.

Basic Information

Spot ID 5237
Temple / Site Kai Zenkoji Temple
Visiting Area Treasure Museum
Visiting Status Regularly on display (Treasure Museum / 9:00–16:30)
Address 山梨県甲府市善光寺3-36-1

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Other Buddhist images at this spot

Wooden Amida Nyorai and Two Attendants (Amida Triad) Treasure Museum View details Gilt-bronze Standing Amida Nyorai and Two Attendants (Zenkoji Nyorai) Shrine Cabinet in the Kondo Hall View details Wooden Seated Minamoto no Sanetomo Treasure Museum View details

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