There is a large stone here. It was once used as a well for purifying one’s hands, but perhaps it may be a far greater treasure than that.

Long before the arrival of Buddhism to Japan, the Kashiwade-no-Omi family ruled over Wakasa. In Japanese, the name comes from “Kashiwade,” which represents festive, four-legged trays on which food was served. This name may have also originated from the fact that the Emperor ate from such trays. It’s also said the name comes from the fact that the family provided salt and fish for the Imperial Palace. There is a story here that shows the ancient bond between Wakasa and the capital.

A long time ago, Kashiwade, lord of Wakasa, was called to the Emperor’s banquet. It was an elegant party on a boat floating in a pond. As Kashiwade poured sake into the Emperor’s cup, sakura cherry blossom petals gently whirled and scattered. It should have been an impossible sight, as it was winter and cherry blossoms cannot bloom in that season. Elated by the small miracle, the Emperor bestowed upon Kashiwade the name of “Wakasakurabe-no-Omi.” This is said to be the origin of the name “Wakasa.”
Kofun-era burial mounds and graves, from the fourth to sixth centuries, remain all over Wakasa pointing to Kashiwade. You are standing above the Taiko-ji Ancient Burial Mound, a place said to be the last of the Kashiwade’s barrows. Why the last? Because, with the arrival of Buddhism, temples were built instead of burial mounds. This is why roof tiles that resemble those of the Heijō-Kyō Palace in Nara were discovered here, just like in Jingu-ji. Kashiwade learned Buddhism in Nara, and chose to build Taiko-ji Temple instead of a traditional barrow. This was, perhaps, another harbinger of great change.

This, then, is said to be the cornerstone of Taiko-ji Temple. Its huge size implies that this may have been a pillar that supported a large tower. One can imagine just how large a temple it must have been, once upon a time.