Myohonji Temple

Overview

Myohonji Temple is said to have been established in 1275 (Kenchi 1), during the middle Kamakura period, when Date Dansho Tomoyoshi took up the post of local governor. It is said that Tomoyoshi witnessed the Dragon's Mouth Persecution and converted to Nichiren Buddhism. In 1281 (Koan 4), he is said to have built the temple northeast of his residence. The year before the temple's construction, in 1280 (Koan 3), Tomoyoshi visited Minobu-san to request a visit from Nichiren, but Nichiren declined due to seclusion and instead promised to send Niccho (later Niccho), who was appointed the temple's founder. However, Niccho was also too busy to visit, and finally met Tomoyoshi in Kyoto in 1293 (Einin 1), bestowing upon him a large mandala and thirty Banshin (guardian deities). Date Tomoyoshi is said to have died at the age of 66 in 1306 (Tokuji 1). After Tomoyoshi's death, during the Showa period (1312-1317), Daikaku, a senior disciple of Niccho, visited. Daikaku used this temple as a base to propagate Buddhism in western Japan. Most temples in the vicinity of Myohonji Temple converted to Nichiren Buddhism, and the temples and parishioners in this region are known as "Noyama Hokke." From 1330 (Gentoku 2) in the Nanbokucho period to 1570 (Genki 1) in the Sengoku period, the temple was reportedly uninhabited. Therefore, the temple complex was largely destroyed, and a major renovation is said to have been carried out in 1583 (Tensho 11). Every year, on April 12th and September 12th, the Myohonko is held. Myohonji Temple has long been cherished as a base for the propagation of Nichiren Buddhism in western Japan, and is affectionately known as "Nishi Minobu." In particular, the "Myohonji Banshindo hall," built during the Momoyama period, is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan and boasts exquisite carvings and architectural style. Thirty Hokke guardian deities reside within the hall, conveying the religious practices of that time. It is also said that visiting Myohonji Temple offers the same merit as visiting Kuonji Temple on Minobu-san, the head temple of Nichiren Buddhism, making it a recommended destination for Nichiren Buddhists.