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2022.7.24
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Flower ceiling of Honryuji Temple

A valuable temple from the early Edo period still exists [Honryuji Temple]

The head temple of the Shinmon school of the Lotus Sect, located in Nishijin, was founded by Priest Nisshin in 1488. It is also known as the "temple that did not burn down" because the main hall and the ancestral hall were not destroyed by fire during the two major fires of the Edo period (1603-1868). In the inner sanctuary of the Soshidō Hall, more than 150 mirrored panels in the coffered ceiling are painted with various plants, with the background in a deep blue color. The background is characterized by a deep blue.

1.Honryuji Temple and flower ceiling

The head temple of the Shinmon school of the Lotus Sect, standing in the old streets of Nishijin. It was founded by Priest Nisshin in 1488. It is also known as "the temple that did not burn down" because the main hall and ancestral hall escaped destruction in two major fires during the Edo period. The main hall, an important cultural property, was built in Meireki 3 (1657) and is the oldest of the 16 head temples of Nichiren Buddhism in Kyoto. In the inner sanctuary of the Soshidō Hall, which is said to have been built slightly later than the main hall, more than 150 mirrored panels in the coffered ceiling are decorated with various plants. The background is a deep blue, and although the colors have faded, remnants of the vivid colors can still be seen in some places. The main hall is currently undergoing restoration, which is scheduled to be completed next year.

Entrance to Honryuji Temple
Flower ceiling of Honryuji Temple

More than 150 mirrored panels with a blue background. The artist and date of production are unknown, but the work is believed to be from the Edo period. Note the black-lacquered kakurin (rim) of the coffered ceiling.

2.The oldest ancestral hall of the 16th main temple in Kyoto that holds a flower ceiling

The Soshidō Hall, an Important Cultural Property, is the oldest of the sixteen head temples in Kyoto and is a valuable example of the old style of Soshidō architecture. The juxtaposition of the main hall and the ancestral hall is a typical arrangement of Nichiren Shoshu temples, and is highly valuable as a representation of the early to mid-Edo period. Restoration is scheduled to begin in the summer of 2023, following the restoration of the main hall.

Ancestral Hall of Honryuji Temple

3.Pine tree where an anecdote dwells to stop crying at night

In front of the ancestral hall stands a "pine tree that stops crying at night," which bears the legend of the fifth Nichidai Shonin, and it is said that if you walk around the pine tree, your baby will stop crying at night. It is also said that placing a leaf or bark of the pine tree under a child's pillow will also cure nighttime crying.

Pine tree to stop crying at night at Honryuji Temple

4.Fire-prevention talisman reflecting Kishimojin (goddess of childbirth)

A fire prevention talisman given to worshippers who make a donation. It depicts Kishimojin, who appeared in human form at the time of the Great Fire of Tenmei and protected the main hall and other buildings by drawing water from a well. It is best pasted in the kitchen or on the front door for blessings.

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5.Beautifully colored in the season of fresh green and autumn leaves

A giant Takao maple tree stretches out its branches northeast of the main hall. It is designated as a preserved tree by Kyoto City, and its leaves are smaller than those of most Japanese maples, making it a spectacular sight to behold as it turns brilliant red in late November or early December.

Takao maple at Honryuji Temple

6.Interviewed by: Kengo Sasagi, steward of Honryuji Temple

Steward of Honryuji Temple

Hongryuji Temple

  • main current of thought
  • 330 Monya-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
  • 15 minutes walk from Karasuma-Imadegawa Subway Station
    5 min. walk from bus stop "Imadegawa Omiya
  • Tel. 075-441-5762
  • 9:00-16:00
  • 7 days a week
  • Precincts freedom
  • Parking available
  • Reservations required at least one day in advance for flower ceiling
    Payment: 2,000 yen per couple (up to 5 people) *Guided tours are available.
*Please note that the information contained herein is subject to change without notice.
*Since this site uses automatic translation, the translation may differ from the original Japanese content.

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