Tōsen-ji

Tōsen-ji (東泉寺) is a Buddhist temple, commonly referring to one of several temples in Japan with this name. The name literally translates to "Eastern Spring Temple." The most notable Tōsen-ji is likely the one located in Tokyo, particularly known for its connection to the Tokugawa clan and its role in the history of Zen Buddhism in Japan.

The Tōsen-ji in Tokyo's Shinagawa ward was founded in 1612 by Itakura Shigemasa, a feudal lord serving the Tokugawa shogunate. It became a prominent temple affiliated with the Sōtō school of Zen Buddhism. During the Edo period, the temple served as a lodging place for foreign dignitaries and was the site of negotiations with representatives of Western powers in the Bakumatsu period, leading up to the Meiji Restoration. It is also known for its beautiful gardens and architecture, reflecting the aesthetic values of the Edo period.

While the Tōsen-ji in Tokyo is the most well-known, other temples with the same name exist in various locations throughout Japan. These other Tōsen-ji temples may have different histories, affiliations, and architectural styles depending on their location and founding circumstances. Therefore, specifying the location is important when referring to a Tōsen-ji temple.