“Named after a Buddhist name” is something you do not hear every day. That is exactly the case with Kyusho-in Temple. Let us step inside this special sub-temple of Kenninji Temple together.
Kyusho-in Temple stands within Kenninji Temple’s grounds. It is the Okudaira clan’s family temple. Nobumasa Okudaira founded it in 1608. He was the first lord of the Kano Han. The temple’s name, Kyushoin, may come from Nobumasa’s Buddhist name.
This temple usually stays closed to the public. However, special opening events sometimes occur.
Nobumasa Okudaira distinguished himself in the Battle of Nagashino in 1575. He fought alongside Nobunaga Oda and Ieyasu Tokugawa. They defeated Katsuyori Takeda’s army. Nagashino Castle served as a crucial base for the Tokugawa family. Takeda forces besieged it. Nobumasa defended the castle as a general. He held out until the Oda/Tokugawa forces arrived. His contribution was vital to their victory. As a reward, Oda Nobunaga granted him a letter from his own name.
Nobumasa gained an important role in the Tokugawa family. He married Ieyasu’s eldest daughter, Princess Kame. He fought in the Battle of Sekigahara. Ieyasu appointed him as Kyoto’s first governor soon after. When he died in 1615 at age 61, he was buried at Kyushoin Temple. Sadly, his burial place is not open for viewing.
Kyusho-in Temple holds significant treasures. Its principal image is a statue of Yakushi Nyorai. It dates back to the Muromachi period. Kamehime offered this statue as a Buddhist prayer.
The temple also possesses “Nagashino Kassen Zu.” Ukita Ikkei painted this during the Edo period. It depicts Torii Sunemon’s escape from Nagashino Castle. He sought help from Ieyasu to save the besieged castle. Ukita Ikkei was a leading Yamato-e painter. He claimed descent from Ukita Hideie. Ukita Hideie was one of Toyotomi Government’s Five Great Elders.
South of the hojo lies a beautiful pond garden. You can relish the autumn leaves here in late November.
The shoin “Takamatsuken” sits west of the Hojo. Next to it, to the north, is the tea ceremony room “Enshu Bessho no Seki.” The Okudaira family used this space. They visited the graves of their lords throughout the Edo period.
Kyushoin Temple is a short walk from Kenninji’s main building. Other sub-temples reside nearby, such as Shoden Eigen-in Temple.
Kyusho-in Temple offers a glimpse into Kyoto’s rich history. It showcases the legacy of Nobumasa Okudaira and the Okudaira clan. While often closed, its treasures and serene garden hold immense cultural value.