Yokohama｜The Yokohama Kanteibyo: Rebuilt Four Times, A Branch of Tainan's Wumiao Temple

This Kanteibyo temple in Yokohama has witnessed the city's modern history. Originally a small shrine for Chinese worshippers after Yokohama opened its port, it housed a wooden statue. Over the years, it endured the Great Kanto Earthquake, air raids, and fires. The current structure, rebuilt in 1990, stands as a testament to the unity and dedication of the Chinese community, who contributed significantly to its reconstruction each time. As the largest Kanteibyo temple in Japan, its glazed tiles, dragon pillars, and roof carvings of dragons might make you feel like you're visiting a temple in Taiwan rather than Yokohama Chinatown. Interestingly, the worship rituals here are similar to those in Taiwanese temples: first, you pay respects to the Heavenly God, followed by the main and side halls. The only difference is the offering box placed in the worship hall, akin to those in Japanese shrines—a nod to local customs. Arriving in the evening, after paying respects, you can admire the statues and architecture from outside the hall. A quick search reveals that last year, the Guan Sheng Dijun deity from Tainan's Wumiao Temple was enshrined here. In this temple, Guan Yu oversees commercial prosperity and exam success. 📍Address: 140 Yamashitacho, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0023, Japan 🚗 A 10-minute walk from Motomachi-Chukagai Station.