Jōei-ji Temple

Overview

Jōei-ji Temple was founded in 1563 (during the Eiroku era) by Mōri Motonari to mourn the sudden death of his son, Takamoto. News of Takamoto's death reached Kyoto, and the following year, Emperor Ōgimachi bestowed a calligraphic tablet upon the temple. After the Battle of Sekigahara, when the Mōri clan was transferred to Chōshū Domain, they appropriated Kokusei-ji Temple (the temple for Ōuchi Morimi) in Yamaguchi and renamed it Jōei-ji. Later, in 1863 (Bunkyu era), when the Chōshū Domain moved its administrative center from Hagi Castle to Yamaguchi, Dōshun-ji Temple (Motonari's family temple, originally located in Yoshida, Aki Province) was also transferred to Yamaguchi and integrated with Jōei-ji, which had previously served as the temple for Takamoto's wife, Ozaki no Tsuki (Myōju Daishi). The current buildings were reconstructed in 1931 (Shōwa 6) after a fire in the Taishō era. Jōei-ji Temple is particularly famous for its "Sesshū Garden," attributed to Sesshū Tōyō. This garden, blending karesansui (dry landscape) and chisen kaiyūshiki (pond and strolling garden) styles, is a harmonious space of tranquility and beauty, designated as a Historic Site and Place of Scenic Beauty. The scenery created by moss-covered stones, trees, and the surface of the pond is a true embodiment of traditional Japanese aesthetics. Furthermore, the Sesshū Garden represents the Muromachi period's garden style well, making it historically invaluable. Jōei-ji Temple is deeply connected to the history of the Mōri family and is an important site preserving various cultural heritages. Besides the Sesshū Garden, there are many other highlights such as the main hall and the mountain gate. Those seeking a moment of tranquility infused with history and natural beauty should definitely visit.