Nenbutsu-ji Temple

This temple carries a unique legend that differs from generally excepted historical fact. In it, it is said that Tokugawa Ieyasu narrowly avoided death after being defeated in Yamashiro Province by the army of Sanada Yukimura during the Winter Siege of Osaka in 1614 by escaping to Nara and hiding at the temple inside of an Okeya no Hitsugi (cooper's coffin). The temple is lined with numerous and diverse stone monuments and Buddhist images, including a large Muromachi- period image of the K?itigarbha and the grave of Matsudaira Sadakatsu, giving the temple grounds an atmosphere reminiscent of a hidden temple. The main temple gate is clearly marked with the Tokugawa family crest.