Do you know that the name of the mountain upon which Koryu-ji stands is Myohozan? Koryu-ji is a Nichiren Buddhist temple. It stands in Setagaya, Tokyo.
Koryu-ji’s story begins outside Hamamatsu Castle. A priest named Nichiharu founded it. This was thanks to the patronage of Lady Seishin’in. She was the grandmother of Tokugawa Ieyasu.
As Tokugawa Ieyasu expanded his power, Koryu-ji moved. First, it relocated to Yushima. Later, it moved to Asakusa.
During the Edo period, Koryu-ji flourished. It became a temple of great importance. Koryu-ji managed other temples. It also oversaw eight sub-temples. Koryu-ji even earned a place among the Edo Ten Patriarchal Temples.
The Great Kanto Earthquake devastated Koryu-ji. The temple burned to the ground. In 1927, Koryu-ji found its current home. It relocated to Kitakarasuyama.
Koryu-ji’s main hall enshrines a statue of Daikyoman Mandala. Legend says Tokugawa Iemitsu donated the statue. This was to fulfill a vow.
When you step inside Koryu-ji, notice the wisteria crests. They adorn the temple. These crests connect to the temple’s founding.
Koryu-ji also houses a statue of Kishimojin. This statue is associated with Tokugawa Ieyasu. General Hideada Tadatoshi is said to have dedicated it. He wanted to fulfill a wish of Tokuguawa.
The Daishoin building is impressive. It was originally part of the residence. Emperor Meiji visited it during the Meiji era. It showcases paintings of Kano school artists.
Enter the mountain gate of Koryu-ji. To your right, you will see a hall dedicated to Kato Kiyomasa. A donation box here dates back to 1854. It features a large wisteria crest. Also of note is the portrait of Kiyomasa.
The cemetery contains graves. Among them are the graves of the Hasegawa family. Also buried here is the Ogawara family.
Koryu-ji has faced many trials. Despite fires and earthquakes, it has persevered. Today, Koryu-ji stands as a testament. It is a testament to faith. It is a testament to resilience. It is a testament to history.