History of Myōhonji Temple
Foundation in the Kamakura Period
The history of Myōhonji dates back to 1275, during the middle of the Kamakura period. According to tradition, Date Danjō Tomoyoshi, who had been appointed local estate steward, became a follower of Nichiren after witnessing the persecution of the Buddhist teacher known as the Tatsunokuchi Persecution. In 1281, Tomoyoshi is said to have established a temple north-east of his own residence.
The year before the temple’s establishment, in 1280, Tomoyoshi reportedly visited Mount Minobu in an attempt to invite Nichiren to the area. Nichiren declined, explaining that he had withdrawn from public life, but promised to send his disciple Kyōichimaru, later known as Nichizō, in his place.
Nichizō was also unable to visit because of his other commitments. However, when he met Tomoyoshi in Kyoto in 1293, he is said to have presented him with a Great Mandala and an image of the Thirty Guardian Deities, known as the Sanjūbanshin.
Expansion as a Center of Nichiren Buddhism
Date Tomoyoshi died in 1306 at the age of 66. During the Shōwa era of the early fourteenth century, specifically between 1312 and 1317, Daigaku, a senior disciple of Nichizō, visited Myōhonji and used the temple as a base for spreading Nichiren Buddhism throughout western Japan.
Many temples in the surrounding area subsequently converted to Nichiren Buddhism. The local temples and their lay followers became known collectively as the Noyama Hokke community, reflecting the region’s strong connection with this Buddhist tradition.
Periods of Decline and Restoration
According to tradition, Myōhonji remained without a resident priest for approximately 240 years, from 1330 during the Nanboku-chō period until 1570 in the Sengoku period. During this long interval, the temple buildings fell into serious disrepair.
Major renovation work was carried out in 1583, followed by further reconstruction and repairs over the centuries. Today, the temple continues to attract worshippers for its traditional religious gatherings, known as Myōhonkō, held every year on April 12 and September 12.
Cultural Properties of Myōhonji Temple
Bangū Shrine — Important Cultural Property of Japan
The Bangū Shrine, formally known as the Myōhonji Chinju Sanjūbanshin-dō, is dedicated to the Thirty Guardian Deities who protect the Buddhist faith. It is a small shrine built in the nagare-zukuri architectural style, with a single bay at the front, an ornate karahafu gable over the entrance, and a wooden-shingle roof known as kokera-buki.
The shrine is traditionally associated with 1497, during the late Muromachi period. According to an account of its history, Urabe Kanetomo, a prominent figure in Yoshida Shinto, was impressed by Nigu, the temple’s seventh head priest, and donated the shrine.
The present building dates from the Momoyama period. Its richly colored decorative carvings are especially noteworthy. Recognized for its architectural beauty and historical importance, the Bangū Shrine was designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan in 1927.
Main Hall — Important Cultural Property of Okayama Prefecture
The main hall is traditionally believed to date from either 1275, the year associated with the temple’s founding, or 1281, when the temple was reportedly established. It suffered severe deterioration during the long period without a resident priest and was rebuilt in 1583. Further repairs were carried out toward the end of the Edo period.
Following those repairs, the hall had a hōgyō-style pyramidal roof. Between 1989 and 1991, a major dismantling and restoration project returned the building to its original hip-and-gable roof design. The main hall was designated an Important Cultural Property of Okayama Prefecture in 1956.
Bizen Ware Jars and Large Storage Vessels
A total of 37 Bizen ware jars and large ceramic storage vessels have been excavated from the temple grounds. These artifacts date from different periods and are valued as important evidence of the area’s history and ceramic traditions.
The collection, together with a Seto bottle decorated with stamped patterns beneath a brown glaze, was designated an Important Cultural Property of Okayama Prefecture in 1998.
Group of Gorintō Stone Monuments
The temple grounds contain a group of gorintō, traditional five-tiered Buddhist stone monuments representing the five elements. These monuments serve as memorials for members of the Date family, later known as the Noyama family.
The group stands beside Shōkandō, a memorial hall associated with Date Danjō Tomoyoshi. Together, these remains provide a valuable record of the families and religious traditions that shaped the region.
Former Branch Temples of Myōhonji
In 1941, Nichiren Buddhism abolished its traditional head-temple and branch-temple system. Nevertheless, the former branch temples associated with Myōhonji continue to reflect the history of the faith in the surrounding area.
These include Myōsenji Temple in Kita, Kibichūō Town, originally a Shingon Buddhist temple that converted to Nichiren Buddhism and was founded by Date Tomoyoshi in 1304; Myōkyōji Temple in Soya, which Daigaku Myōjitsu converted from Shingon Buddhism in 1320; Izumiji Temple in Miyaji, founded by Hōjōin Nichiji in 1304; Honjakuji Temple in Nishi, another former Shingon temple converted to Nichiren Buddhism by Date Tomoyoshi in 1304; and Enmanji Temple, also in Nishi, which Daigaku Myōjitsu converted during the Kakureki era, from 1326 to 1329. The former branch temples also include Shinjōji Temple on Mount Myōken in Kibi, Kita Ward, Okayama City.
With its centuries-old Buddhist traditions, nationally designated shrine architecture, historic artifacts, and tranquil woodland setting, Myōhonji offers visitors a deeper understanding of the religious and cultural heritage of Kibichūō Town.