The go-benden was moved to the grounds of Seirin-ji Temple──

The go-benden was built in the Meiji Era for the crown prince, the person who would go on to become Emperor Taisho. Why would someone so important come to Wakura? His visit came right after the end of the Russo-Japanese War (1904-05). Some say he may have been visiting to show his gratitude for the people who fought in the war. Either way, the people of Wakura really did do a lot to prepare for his visit.

The Go-benden hall is made with the same kind of Hinoki cypress wood that was used in Ise Shrine; and even in the hallways, which would be easily damaged, they used the high-quality Akita cedar wood. You should be able to tell they were indeed large and aged trees by their tree rings. The ceiling is made in an s-shaped center-raised ceiling style, and the boards used in the ceiling are designed with a tiger stripe design called “torafu”.

Looking at the go-benden, you can’t help but notice its extravagance. But the emperor was only in the space for a mere 2 hours. He took a bath in a specially prepared bathtub, and looked out from the railing at the dolphin fishing famous in this area. The railing attests to the fact that the ocean was much closer than it is now.