“Did you know Oda Nobunaga favored this temple?” That’s a question many ask about Myokakuji Temple. I will tell you a story of history and tranquility.
Myokakuji Temple was founded in 1378. It is now a peaceful escape. Toyotomi Hideyoshi relocated it in 1583. This temple is a gem among Kyoto’s Nichiren Shu Meisho Sanguzan.
Myokakuji has ties to Ashikaga Yoshiteru and Date Masamune. It served as a retreat for Nobunaga. The temple even witnessed the Honnouji Incident’s tragedy.
Myokakuji Temple’s main gate might be from Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s Jurakuji Palace. The Hoshien garden has beautiful maple trees.
Originally, Myokakuji Temple stood in Shijo Omiya. After relocations, it settled here in 1583. This was due to Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s urban planning.
Myokakuji is one of Kyoto’s Nichiren Shu Meisho Sanguzan temples. Myokenji Temple and Ritsuhonji Temple join it. It is also a head temple of Nichiren Soshu in Kyoto.
During the Warring States period, Myokakuji Temple had a large site. The vast building appears in the national treasure Rakuchu Rakugai-zu Byobu.
Myokakuji Temple lodged important figures. Ashikaga Yoshiteru, the 13th Shogun, stayed here. Date Masamune also visited. Sen no Rikyu held tea ceremonies here.
Saito Dosan’s son was the abbot of Myokakuji. Because of this connection, Oda Nobunaga regularly lodged here when he visited Kyoto.
Nobunaga stayed at Myokakuji Temple 18 times. He only stayed at Honnouji Temple three times. That was where Nobunaga died. During the Honnouji Incident, Nobunaga’s eldest son Nobutada stayed at Myokakuji Temple. Nobutada fought back but died.
Myokakuji is officially known as Hokuryuge Gusokuzan Myokakuji. It is a founding temple of Nichiren Buddhism. It is near machiya townhouses and tea ceremony schools.
Shogun Ashikaga Yoshiteru and warlords Oda Nobunaga and Date Masamune linked to it. Oda Nobunaga resided at Myokakuji 18 times. During the Honnoji Incident, his son Nobutada took refuge here. The temple walls were ideal for hiding soldiers.
Myokakuji’s cultural significance is endless. The Rakuchu Rakugai Zu depicts this temple. Sen no Rikyu held tea ceremonies here too.
Myokokuji, Myokenji, and Ryuhonji have “Gusokuzan” in their names. They are called the “Three ‘Gusoku’ of Ryuge”. Ryuge refers to Nichizo, an influential figure in Nichiren Buddhism.
The main hall, Soshido Hall, Kahodo Hall, Kaho Two-Storied Pagoda, and Daimon Gate are Tangible Cultural Properties of Kyoto Prefecture. The wooden statue of Nichiren is an Important National Cultural Property. Find this statue at Soshido Hall.
Usually, these areas are off-limits. But visitors can worship at the main hall and visit the gardens in May and November.
The main gate used materials from Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s Jurakudai Mansion. It looks like a castle gate. The entrance to the chief priest’s quarters has paintings by Hideki Kimura.
The main hall overlooks three gardens. These are Matsu no Niwa, Marumado no Niwa, and Hoshi-en Garden. Matsu no Niwa features pine trees and moss. Marumado no Niwa is framed by a rounded window. Hoshi-en Garden is open to the public in spring and autumn. Its beauty can be enjoyed in any season.
Inside, Myokakuji holds ancient artifacts. Saito Dosan’s will promised Mino Province to Oda Nobunaga. The Urabon Gosho is an instructional letter by Nichiren. The Kano School painted door paintings at Kahodo Hall.
Myokakuji Temple offers a glimpse into Kyoto’s rich history. It is a place where warlords sought refuge. It is a place where tea masters perfected their art.