Senpuku-ji Temple

Overview

Senpuku-ji Temple is a Soto Zen temple located in Yokote, Kunisaki-machi, Kunisaki City, Ōita Prefecture. Its mountain name is Myōtokuzan. Legend says it was founded in 1375 (during the Eikō era) by Tahara Yoshikane, a member of the Ōtomo clan, fulfilling his mother's wish, with Mujaku Myōyū Zenji as the opening priest. In 1581 (during the Tenshō era), it suffered a fire attack by Ōtomo Yoshishige (Ōtomo Sōrin), a Christian daimyō (feudal lord), resulting in the loss of all buildings except Kaisandō Hall and Butsuden (main hall). It was later revived in 1605 (during the Keichō era) by Hosokawa Tadakatsu, then the lord of the Nakatsu domain, and flourished as the head temple of Kyushu Soto Zen Buddhism during the Edo period. It is the 32nd temple of the Kunisaki Rokugō Manzan pilgrimage and the 23rd temple of the Usa Jingū Rokugō Manzan pilgrimage. Senpuku-ji Temple houses Kaisandō Hall and Butsuden, both designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan. Kaisandō Hall, built during the Ōei period (1394-1427), served as both a mausoleum and a prayer hall for the founding priest Mujaku Zenji's grave, where his grave and a wooden statue are enshrined. The existing structure was rebuilt in 1636 (during the Kan'ei era) using old lumber. Butsuden was built in 1524 (during the Daiei era) and is a rare example of a late Muromachi-period Zen-style main hall in Kyushu. The temple grounds are designated as a historical site of Ōita Prefecture, offering a serene and dignified atmosphere where you can feel the weight of history and culture. Be sure to visit when you explore the Kunisaki Peninsula.