Complete Guide to Eitoku-ji Temple (Kita-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture) | History, Access, and Cemetery Information
In Kita-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture, lies Eitoku-ji Temple, a Soto Zen Buddhist temple with a long history. This article provides detailed information about Eitoku-ji Temple, from its basic information and history to access methods and cemetery information, for those considering a visit or those interested in learning about local temples.
Basic Information about Eitoku-ji Temple
Eitoku-ji Temple is a Soto Zen Buddhist temple located in Kita-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture. Since there are several Eitoku-ji temples in Kita-ku, Kobe City, it is important to confirm the address accurately before visiting.
Sect and Principal Image
Sect: Soto Zen
The Soto Zen sect is a branch of Zen Buddhism and one of the major sects of Japanese Buddhism, founded by Zen Master Dogen. It emphasizes the practice of seeking enlightenment through seated meditation (shikantaza), based on the principle of “just sitting” (shikantaza).
Principal Deity: Eleven-Faced Kannon Bodhisattva
The Eleven-Faced Kannon Bodhisattva is one of the manifestations of Kannon Bodhisattva, who saves all sentient beings with compassion. It is said to have eleven faces on its head, watching over people from all directions and extending a helping hand.
Positioning as a Sacred Site
Eitoku-ji Temple is known as the 7th temple of the Arima-gun Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage. Pilgrimages have long been a popular form of faith, and the temple has played a central role in local religious beliefs.
Location Information for Eitoku-ji Temple in Kita-ku, Kobe City
There are several temples with the same name, “Eitoku-ji,” in Kita-ku, Kobe City. Since they are located in different areas, it is necessary to select the correct temple according to your purpose.
Eitoku-ji Temple in Yoshio, Hata-cho
Address: 714 Yoshio, Hata-cho, Kita-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture 651-1353
Eitoku-ji Temple has an attached cemetery called “Fumon no Sato” and is widely known to those considering burial plots or perpetual memorial services. It is accessible from the “Taoji” and “Okaba” stations on the Kobe Electric Railway Sanda Line, and is conveniently located for those traveling by car.
Eitoku-ji Temple in Kizu, Ogo-cho
Address: 398 Kizu, Ogo-cho, Kita-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture 651-1614
Located in Ogo-cho, Eitoku-ji Temple is also a Soto Zen Buddhist temple. It attracts followers primarily from the local community and stands in a tranquil environment.
How to Access Eitoku-ji Temple
Access to Eitoku-ji Temple in Yoshio, Hata-cho
Access by Train and Bus
- Approximately 6 minutes by car from Taoji Station on the Kobe Electric Railway Sanda Line
- Approximately 7 minutes by car from Okaba Station on the Kobe Electric Railway Sanda Line
If using public transportation, we recommend taking a taxi from the nearest station or checking the bus routes. Since Kobe City’s Kita Ward is located in a mountainous area, access on foot from the station may be difficult.
Access by Car
From central Kobe City, head north on National Route 428 towards Hata-cho. Entering the address “714 Yoshio, Hata-cho, Kita-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture” into your car navigation system is convenient. We recommend contacting the temple in advance regarding parking availability.
Access to Eitoku-ji Temple in Kizu, Ogo-cho
Ogo-cho is located in the northern part of Kobe City’s Kita Ward and is a naturally rich area. This location is also easily accessible by car, via National Route 428 and Prefectural Route 38.
About Eitoku-ji Temple’s “Fumon no Sato” Cemetery
Eitoku-ji Temple in Yoshio, Hata-cho, has a cemetery called “Fumon no Sato” attached to it. This cemetery is chosen by many as a place to remember loved ones in a quiet environment surrounded by nature.
Cemetery Features
- Religious Affiliation: While it is a Soto Zen temple cemetery, it may accept people of all religious affiliations. Please contact the temple directly for details.
- Environment: A tranquil environment surrounded by the rich nature of Kita-ku, Kobe City.
- Management: Appropriate management is carried out by the temple.
Types of Cemeteries
Eitoku-ji Temple’s “Fumon no Sato” may offer not only general burial plots but also perpetual memorial graves. In recent years, more people are choosing perpetual memorial graves due to a lack of successors and the need to reduce the burden of management.
About Perpetual Memorial Services
Perpetual memorial services are a system where a temple performs perpetual memorial services for the deceased. It is gaining attention as a suitable option for those without heirs to their graves or those who do not want to burden their descendants.
For details on perpetual memorial services at Eitoku-ji Temple, we recommend confirming the following points with the temple:
- Type of perpetual memorial service (communal grave, individual grave, etc.)
- Cost (initial cost, whether or not there is an annual maintenance fee)
- Method and frequency of memorial services
- Contract period and conditions
The Teachings of the Soto Zen School and Eitoku-ji Temple
History of the Soto Zen School
The Soto Zen school was introduced to Japan during the Kamakura period by Zen Master Dogen. Dogen, who studied the Soto Zen school in China, opened Eihei-ji Temple after returning to Japan and spread his teachings through works such as “Shobogenzo.”
Characteristics of the Soto Zen School
The greatest characteristic of the Soto Zen school is “Shikantaza (just sitting).” This means “simply and wholeheartedly practicing Zen meditation,” and it is not seen as a means to seek enlightenment, but rather as the very essence of Buddhahood.
Training and Activities at Eitoku-ji Temple
Eitoku-ji Temple also holds Buddhist services and events based on the teachings of the Soto Zen sect. In addition to services for parishioners, there may also be events for interaction with local residents and Zen meditation sessions. Please contact the temple directly for details.
Temple Culture in Kobe’s Kita Ward
Characteristics of Kobe’s Kita Ward
Kobe’s Kita Ward is the largest of Kobe’s nine administrative districts and is blessed with abundant nature. It boasts many tourist attractions, including Arima Onsen, and is dotted with historical temples and shrines.
Local Faith and Temples
Besides Eitoku-ji Temple, many other temples exist in Kobe’s Kita Ward. These temples serve as centers of the local community, playing a role not only in funerals and memorial services but also in preserving local culture and traditions.
Points to Note When Visiting Eitoku-ji Temple
Etiquette for Visiting a Temple
When visiting a temple, please observe the following basic manners:
- Attire: Please wear clean, understated clothing.
- Greetings: Bow when passing through the temple gate and be quiet within the temple grounds.
- Photography: Please confirm whether photography is permitted and refrain from taking pictures inside the main hall, etc.
- Offering: If requesting a memorial service or prayer, please prepare an appropriate offering.
Recommendation to Contact in Advance
If you are visiting for a cemetery tour, to inquire about perpetual memorial services, or to request a memorial service, it is recommended that you contact the temple by phone in advance. This will allow you to avoid visiting when the head priest is absent or during a memorial service, and ensure a smooth experience.
Memorial Service and Memorial Services at Eitoku-ji Temple
Funeral and Memorial Services
Eitoku-ji Temple offers funeral and various memorial services for its parishioners. A solemn ceremony will be held in accordance with the customs of the Soto Zen sect.
- Funeral: Wake, funeral service, and memorial service
- Annual Memorial Services: First anniversary, third anniversary, seventh anniversary, thirteenth anniversary, etc.
- Obon/Higan: Joint memorial service or individual memorial service
Interment and Perpetual Memorial Service
Fumon no Sato Cemetery also offers interment and perpetual memorial service services. A variety of memorial service options may be available to meet recent needs.
Pet Memorial Service
Some sources also provide information on pet memorial services at Eitoku-ji Temple. For those who cherished their pets as family members, a pet memorial service at a temple can be a source of comfort. It is recommended to directly contact the temple regarding the availability and details of pet memorial services.
Points to Consider When Choosing a Cemetery
When considering a temple cemetery like Eitoku-ji Temple’s “Fumon no Sato,” please check the following points.
Location and Access
- Distance and travel time from home
- Accessibility via public transportation
- Availability and size of parking
- Accessibility for the elderly and wheelchair users
Costs
- Perpetual use fee (grave plot usage rights fee)
- Gravestone cost (freedom of choice of stonemason)
- Annual maintenance fee
- Other miscellaneous expenses (funeral service costs, etc.)
Environment and Facilities
- Atmosphere and sunlight of the cemetery
- Facilities such as water sources and toilets
- Availability of rest areas and management offices
- Quietness of the surrounding environment
Religious Affiliation/Sect
- Is membership in a temple required?
- Is religious affiliation/sect not a requirement?
- Conditions for reburial (grave closure)
Management System
- History and stability of the temple
- Cleaning and landscaping maintenance status
- Emergency contact system
Temple Tours in and around Kobe’s Kita Ward
When visiting Eitoku-ji Temple, we recommend also visiting other temples in Kobe’s Kita Ward and the surrounding areas.
Temples and Shrines around Arima Onsen
- Onsen-ji Temple: An ancient temple known as the guardian temple of Arima Onsen
- Nenbutsu-ji Temple: A temple associated with Toyotomi Hideyoshi
- Yuzumi Shrine: A shrine dedicated to the guardian deity of Arima Onsen
Historical Temples in Kita Ward
Kobe’s Kita Ward is home to many old temples founded during the Heian and Kamakura periods. Enjoy a historical stroll while experiencing the local culture.
Summary: Recommendation to Visit Eitoku-ji Temple
Eitoku-ji Temple in Kita Ward, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture, is a historical temple that transmits the teachings of the Soto Zen sect and also provides facilities that meet modern needs through the “Fumon no Sato” cemetery.
For those seeking a burial plot or perpetual memorial service, those wishing to hold a memorial service at a Soto Zen temple, or those wishing to remember their loved ones in a peaceful environment, Eitoku-ji Temple may be a suitable option.
When visiting, it is recommended to contact the temple in advance to confirm access information. The time spent quietly offering prayers amidst the rich natural surroundings of Kobe’s Kita Ward will be a precious moment away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
For the latest information and details regarding Eitoku-ji Temple, please contact the temple directly or refer to the official websites of Kobe City and the Soto Zen sect.
—
Contact Information
Eitoku-ji Temple (Yoshio, Hata-cho)
714 Yoshio, Hata-cho, Kita-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture 651-1353
Eitoku-ji Temple (Kizu, Ogo-cho)
398 Kizu, Ogo-cho, Kita-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture 651-1614
*For detailed contact information such as phone numbers, please check the official Soto Zen temple portal site, “Soto Zen Navi.”
