Saifukuji Kaizando Temple
西福寺（開山堂）
Sculpture painting created by Ishikawa Uncho, the Japanese Michealangelo
Ishikawa Uncho was a master woodcarver active in Niigata Prefecture from the late Edo to early Meiji period. He left behind numerous vibrant and dynamic wooden sculptures in temples throughout the region, and his extraordinary talent earned him the title “Michelangelo of Japan.” His artistry was not limited to woodcarving—he also created stone sculptures, paintings, and even contributed to temple design. Today, more than 1,000 of his works remain in Niigata.
Among the many places where his legacy lives on, Saifukuji stands out. With a history of over 500 years, the temple attracts countless visitors who come specifically to admire Uncho’s masterpieces. His sculptures, paintings, and lacquer works fill the temple with life, but the most breathtaking of all is the vividly colored ceiling sculpture. It is a work that must be experienced in person—please come and see it with your own eyes.
General Information
| Address | 新潟県魚沼市大浦174／西福寺 |
|---|---|
| Directions | ●7 minutes by car or 10 minutes by bus from Koide Station(JR Joetsu Line), then 10 minutes on foot |
| Car Park | ●Regular cars: Available |
| Opening Times | 9:00A.M. to 3:40P.M. (Close at 4PM) |
| Prices | 【Admission fee】 |
| Notes | Prefecture designated Tangible Cultural Property. ・Category/Sculpture ・Registered name/Ishikawa Uncho's sculpture works at Kaizando and A pair of fusuma paintings on transom drawn by Uncho ・Registered date: March 29, 1973 ・Property owner: Saifukuji Temple ・Time: After Edo period |
| Contact Name | Saifukuji |
| Telephone Number | 025-792-3032 |
| Fax Number | 025-792-8753 |
| E-mail address | info@saifukuji-k.com |
| Website |
