The Origins and Development of Tōshōji
The temple’s history dates back approximately 1,300 years, when it was originally established as a Hossō Buddhist temple. In 1412, during the Muromachi period, the Zen master Kizan Shōsan revived the temple as a Sōtō Zen institution with the support of Shō Suruga-no-kami, the lord of Sarukake Castle.
Following its revival, Tōshōji developed into a major center of Zen practice. By the Edo period, its network of affiliated temples had grown to more than 1,200. In 2014, a specialized monastic training center for foreign Buddhist monks, operated by the Sōtō Zen Buddhist denomination, was established alongside the temple. Today, the institution welcomes practitioners regardless of nationality or gender, continuing its tradition of Zen training while opening its doors to a wider international community.
The Meaning of Funakizan and the Temple’s Foundation
The mountain name Funakizan is linked to a local tradition concerning Empress Jingū’s expedition to the Korean Peninsula. According to the story, the area supplied timber for the construction of military vessels. The land was reportedly known as Sentō Misato, where pine trees were planted and the name “Tōshō no Tsukasa” was bestowed upon it.
Tradition also holds that during the Asuka period, when Emperor Tenji visited the area, the Buddhist figure Kōshō Bosatsu was invited from Kōfukuji Temple and a Buddhist sanctuary was built. This is said to have marked the foundation of Funakizan Tōshōshiin, a Hossō Buddhist temple. The Wake clan later developed an extensive temple complex with the traditional seven main buildings and 36 sub-temples.
Revival from the Medieval Period to the Muromachi Era
In 1184, when Emperor Antoku was relocated westward during the Genpei War, a vessel was reportedly wrecked. The temple is said to have offered hundreds of pieces of timber for shipbuilding and was subsequently renamed Tōshōji.
The temple later declined, but it was revived in 1412 at the request of the Shō clan, lords of Sarukake Castle. Kizan Shōsan, a monk from Daidōin in Enshū, led the restoration. He became the temple’s second-generation abbot and designated his own teacher, Jonchū Tengin, as its founding abbot.
This revival established Tōshōji as an important Zen training center, attracting many monks and strengthening its religious influence. Its reputation as a place of disciplined practice grew over the following centuries.
Rotating Abbots and Distinguished Zen Masters
Beginning with the fifth-generation abbot, Sōshi Seitai, Tōshōji adopted a rotating abbot system. Under this arrangement, abbots from affiliated temples and branches took turns serving at the main temple, helping maintain and develop the institution.
This system continued for approximately 200 years, until the Meireki era (1655–1657), during which 80 abbots served in succession. It was subsequently replaced by a permanent abbot system established through consultation, and the temple welcomed Tokuju, the sixth abbot under the new arrangement.
Cultural Properties and Historical Documents
The Tōshōji Documents
Tōshōji preserves 43 historical documents dating from the Muromachi and Sengoku periods. Known collectively as the Tōshōji Documents, they include land-sale deeds, donation records, and documents relating to temple holdings. These materials provide valuable insight into economic activity in the southern part of Bitchū Province during the medieval period.
In 2004, the documents were designated an Important Cultural Property of Okayama Prefecture. They are now deposited at the Yakage Cultural Center for preservation.
Nationally Registered Tangible Cultural Properties
On July 25, 2011, a number of buildings and structures at Tōshōji were registered as Tangible Cultural Properties of Japan. These include the following:
Main Hall: The temple’s principal hall.
Founder’s Hall and Memorial Tablet Hall: Buildings dedicated to the temple’s founding lineage and memorial tablets.
Zen Hall and Reception Building: Facilities associated with monastic practice and receiving guests.
Abbot’s Quarters and Study: Traditional buildings used for residence, administration, and scholarly activities.
Kitchen and Living Quarters: The temple’s kitchen and associated facilities.
Bell Tower: The structure housing the temple bell.
Gessenen Study: A traditional study building.
Main Gate and Earthen Walls: The entrance structures and surrounding walls.
Second Gate: An additional gate within the temple grounds.
Stone Waterway, Stone Walls, and Stone Bridge: Features illustrating the historic layout and landscape of the temple complex.
Okayama Prefecture Designated Cultural Properties
The temple also preserves several cultural properties designated by Okayama Prefecture, including a wooden seated statue traditionally identified as Jonchū Tengin and a wooden seated statue traditionally identified as Kizan Shōsan. The Tōshōji Documents are also included in this category, although they are deposited at the Yakage Cultural Center.
Yakage Town Designated Cultural Properties
Additional cultural properties designated by Yakage Town include the temple’s Sanmon main gate, a hōkyōintō pagoda associated with Shō Motosuke, and another hōkyōintō associated with Mōri Motokiyo. An ancient Bizen-style jar and vessel from the Muromachi period are also recognized; these objects are deposited with the Yakage Town Board of Education.
A Living Center of Zen Practice and Cultural Heritage
Tōshōji Temple is an important repository of the region’s history, preserving centuries-old documents, statues, architecture, and religious traditions. Its long development from an early Buddhist temple into a major Sōtō Zen training center reflects the enduring influence of Buddhism on the cultural landscape of Okayama.
While carefully maintaining its historic character and monastic traditions, Tōshōji continues to welcome practitioners from Japan and abroad. For visitors interested in Zen Buddhism, Japanese temple architecture, and the history of medieval and early modern Japan, the temple offers a meaningful glimpse into a living tradition of religious practice.