“Tea and Zen culture? Here in Osaka?” you ask. Indeed, the story of Jisso-ji Temple is not just about ancient architecture. It’s also about the origins of Nishio’s renowned tea culture.
Jisso-ji Temple’s story begins in 1271. Ashikaga Mitsuji of the Kira clan had it built. It served as the Kira clan’s family temple. Then, Shōichi Kokushi arrived. He was the founder of Tofuku-ji Temple in Kyoto. He transformed Jisso-ji.
Imagine a magnificent Buddhist temple. It was modeled after Kyozan-ji temple in China. Jisso-ji flourished as Ankoku-ji temple in Mikawa.
However, the temple faced turbulent times. In 1546, Imagawa Yoshimoto’s military officer, Taigen Sessai, changed the temple’s sect. It became part of the Myoshin-ji sect. This is a branch of Rinzai Zen. Warring with the Oda clan led to many fires. Many temples were lost.
Yet, some structures survived. The Shakado remains. It is a building from the Muromachi period. This is roughly from 1336 to 1573. It stands surrounded by the Mikawa Kuromatsu forest. This forest is a city cultural heritage site.
Each year, the temple celebrates a special festival. On the second Sunday of April, the flower festival called “Buddha-san” occurs. Many worshipers attend this lively event. The statues of Shaka Sanzon and Shiten’no are revealed to the public. These statues are cultural heritage sites.
Jisso-ji Temple holds many other treasures. The Hachiyo Hotakugata Bonsho temple bell exists. Also, the Nyoirin Kannon sitting statue remains. The Hojo and Kuri buildings retain Zen Buddhist styles. They date back to the Edo period.
Now, let’s talk tea. Shōichi Kokushi introduced tea seeds to Nishio around 1271. Some believe that Jisso-ji priests traveled to China. They studied Zen Buddhism. They then brought tea and Zen culture back to Nishio.
The oldest record of tea cultivation is from 1601. Feudal lord Itakura Katsushige reassigned territories. He ordered that “the tea plantations must be established.”
So, as you stand before Jisso-ji Temple, remember its history. Consider its architecture. But also, remember its contribution to Nishio’s tea culture. It’s a place where spirituality and tradition intertwine. It offers a unique glimpse into Japan’s rich past.