Sokyōji Temple

Overview

Sokyōji Temple is a Rinzai Zen Buddhist temple of the Daitoku-ji school located in Higashijo, Izushi-cho, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture. Its mountain name is Engaku-zan. It was founded in 1392 (Genchu 9) as the family temple of the Izushi castle lords, the Yamanami clan. The opening monk was Daido-ji Zenji of Tofuku-ji Temple. The temple's name, Sokyōji, is derived from the posthumous Buddhist name of the Yamanami clan head. The temple fell into disrepair for a long time afterward, but was revived in 1616 (Genwa 2) by Soyu Soan at the behest of Yoshihide Koide, the Izushi castle lord. Soan, who served the shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu, frequently returned to his hometown of Izushi, spending a total of over 30 years at Sokyōji Temple. Therefore, it's also commonly known as "Soan-dera." Soan named the temple garden "Fukishikien" and developed it as a pond garden. This garden is also called the "Crane and Turtle Garden," and is said to have been designed by Soan as a "garden of nothingness." Meanwhile, the adjacent Ganjo-ji Temple garden is considered the "garden of the heart," and together, the two gardens are said to represent a "garden of nothingness and heart." One of the highlights of Sokyōji Temple is its bell tower gate. This gate houses the "Dream Bell," which was said to have been discovered after Soan dreamt of its location and had it excavated. Sokyōji Temple offers a tranquil space enveloped in history and nature, where you can spend a peaceful time. Be sure to visit when you explore Izushi Castle Town.