Gently rising above the surrounding streets stands \u6b63\u5149\u5bfa. It is a testament to resilience and faith. This temple has a story etched in its very foundations. Let’s uncover its past.
\u6b63\u5149\u5bfa’s history began as a branch temple. It belonged to Gofukuji Temple. Gofukuji Temple is now better known as Honganji Temple Hiroshima Betsuin. At that time \u6b63\u5149\u5bfa was named Kyodoji Temple. It served the villages of Nakayama and Nukushina.
However the winds of change swept through the region. During the Horeki era the hall keeper of Kyodoji Temple decided to act. The hall keeper’s name was either Naniwa or Nanba. He separated parts of Nakayama and Nukushina villages. He then established a new temple in Nakayama village. This led to Kyodoji Temple relocating. It moved to a new site in Nukushina village. Around 1872 or 1873 a thatched-roof building was constructed there. This served as a temporary location.
In 1874 a proper temple hall was erected. This new hall also functioned as a combined elementary school and a teaching space. A significant event occurred in March 1880. The original \u6b63\u5149\u5bfa located in Bingo Province had fallen into disrepair. The temple name was transferred to Nukushina village. This marked the birth of \u6b63\u5149\u5bfa in its current location.
Interestingly the main hall you see before you has its own unique story. It was once part of Hachiman Shrine in Funairi. When the shrine was abolished in 1874, the building was purchased. It was then reconstructed to become the main hall of \u6b63\u5149\u5bfa.
Today \u6b63\u5149\u5bfa stands as a place of worship. It is located in Hiroshima City. It is easily accessible from Hiroshima Station. You can take the Hiroshima bus lines 28 or 29. Alight at the Shimo Nukushina bus stop. From there it is a short walk.
The temple is near the Nukushina community center. \u6b63\u5149\u5bfa also offers funeral services. Several nearby funeral halls can be found. These include Hiroshima City West Funeral Hall and Kurokami Funeral Hall.
Consider also the story of its main hall. It was repurposed from a Shinto shrine. This blending of histories adds to the temple’s unique character. As you reflect on the temple’s journey remember the people who shaped it. Their dedication ensured that \u6b63\u5149\u5bfa continues to be a beacon of faith for generations to come.