Furuichi 4-chome

This temple was built in the Kamakura era but was burned down in war. The current temple was rebuilt in 1758. It is famous for its unique turtle stone legend. A turtle, whose shell had some characters engraved in it, was found at Furuichi in 729, during the reign of the 45th Shomu Emperor. The finders were presented with many rewards and court ranks because in Japan, the turtle symbolizes good luck. Based on some of the letters, the name of era was changed to Tempyo. All of the residents in Furuichi were exempted from taxation for one year. It is said that they engraved a turtle stone in commemoration of their happiness and buried it in the ground. During the restoration in 1979, a turtle like stone was found at the bottom of the pond there. Today, you can see this stone displayed in the center of the pond.

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