Glimpses of a bygone era linger here at the 法円坂寺跡. What remains of the 法円坂寺跡 invites us to step back in time. This temple’s story is intertwined with Osaka’s very beginnings.
The name Osaka itself has roots in this area. Rennyo, a prominent figure in the Jodo Shinshu Honganji Buddhist sect, is credited with first using the name Osaka in text. This was around 1498. He built the foundations for Ishiyama Honganji Main Temple.
Ishiyama Honganji was attacked by Oda Nobunaga. Nobunaga was a powerful shogun. The attack occurred around the time of Kennyo. Kennyo was the 11th generation head of the temple. After a reconciliation with Nobunaga, the temple was burned to ashes. Its exact location remains unknown today.
Rennyo’s arrival marked a turning point. He sought a quiet retreat. But devotees and followers quickly gathered around him. A small temple grew. Homes and buildings followed to house the growing community. By Rennyo’s death, the Ishiyama Honganji had taken shape.
The temple acted as the primary center for the Ikko sect after 1532. This was after the destruction of Yamashina Mido in Kyoto. Contributions flowed in from devotees. Brokers based in Sakai managed the collection.
Strategically located, the temple-fortress seemed impenetrable. Roughly one hundred priests patrolled. Ten thousand could be summoned by a bell. Priests came from Osaka, Kaga, and Echizen. The Mōri clan supplied the fortress under siege. Uesugi Kenshin and Takeda Shingen indirectly aided the Ikki.
Oda Nobunaga’s forces besieged the Hongan-ji in 1570. It stood firm for 11 years. This became the longest siege in Japanese history. In 1580, Abbot Kōsa surrendered. The temple complex was set aflame. This was to deny Nobunaga any gains. The destruction marked the end of the sect as a militant force.
Toyotomi Hideyoshi began building Osaka Castle on the same site three years later. This area facing Osaka Bay served as a crucial transportation point. Ishiyama became suitable as a Buddhist land. It grew into a large temple town. Around 40000 people lived there. They enjoyed privileges like free trade and tax exemptions. This accumulated enormous wealth.
Nobunaga wanted to control the transportation hub. He demanded that Honganji leave Ishiyama. Kennyo pleaded to protect the Buddhist land. After failed negotiations, Kennyo ordered an uprising in 1570. Thus began the Ishiyama War. Osaka Honganji Temple transformed into Ishiyama Castle.
Here at 法円坂寺跡, remember the monks. Remember the battles. Remember the rise and fall of empires. They all shaped Osaka.