The temple was renamed Kasuisai by the shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu after he encountered a monk laughing at a stream, referencing the phrase 'Kasu' (laughing at the water).
It houses one of the largest collections of Daruma dolls in Japan, ranging from miniature sizes to massive ceremonial versions.
The temple is home to a dedicated shrine for Ususama Myoo, the deity of toilets, who is believed to protect the cleanliness of the household.
The site hosts a notable annual wind chime festival (Furin Matsuri) during the summer months.
The temple grounds contain a path dedicated to the 33 Kannon pilgrimage route, allowing visitors to simulate the journey within the complex.
Kasuisai Temple is a prominent Soto Zen Buddhist temple located in Fukuroi, Shizuoka, with a history spanning over 600 years. The temple is renowned for its vast collection of thousands of Daruma dolls, donated by devotees seeking good fortune. Its expansive grounds feature a traditional Japanese garden designed to display changing seasonal aesthetics. The site includes a significant main hall, several sub-temples, and a historic toilet deity hall dedicated to Ususama Myoo. Architecture includes ornate wood carvings and traditional temple gates. The temple serves as a center for Zen practice and historical study in the Enshu region.
The path lined with hundreds of glass wind chimes during the summer festival, or the main gate entrance framed by seasonal foliage.
Visit the temple shop to purchase a small Daruma doll, which you can have blessed and painted with your own goal or wish.
Walk the full circuit of the Japanese garden to see the seasonal blooms and koi ponds.
Check the temple's official calendar for dates of seasonal festivals like the Furin Matsuri or autumn foliage illuminations.
Do not take photographs of the interior altars or monks performing religious rites without prior explicit permission.
The temple remains open daily throughout the year, though specific seasonal events like the Wind Chime Festival have limited date ranges.
Remove shoes when entering temple buildings; remain quiet and respectful near areas where monks are chanting or practicing meditation.
