Complete Guide to Jotoku-ji Temple (Sapporo, Kita-ku, Hokkaido)
Located in Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Jotoku-ji Temple is a historic temple that carries on the teachings of Shinran Shonin. This article provides detailed information useful for those considering visiting or using Jotoku-ji Temple, including its history, information on the ossuary, perpetual memorial services, annual events, and access methods.
About Jotoku-ji Temple
Jotoku-ji Temple is a temple belonging to the Shinshu Otani sect (commonly known as “O-Higashi”), located at 2-1, Kita 33-jo Nishi 11-chome, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido. The Shinshu Otani sect is a branch of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, with Shinran Shonin as its founder and Higashi Hongan-ji Temple (Shinshu Honbyo) in Kyoto as its head temple.
Teachings and Characteristics of the Shinshu Otani School
The teachings of the Shinshu Otani School are based on the teachings of Shinran Shonin, “If you believe in the original vow and recite the Nembutsu, you will become a Buddha.” The principal deity is Amida Buddha (Namu Amida Butsu), and the teachings center on the principle of salvation through the power of others, where all people are equally saved by believing in Amida Buddha’s original vow and reciting the Nembutsu.
Jodo Shinshu is the most numerous Buddhist sect in Japan, and within it, the Shinshu Otani School forms the core of the sect known as “O-Higashi.” The teachings opened by Shinran Shonin, as a Buddhist path open to all people regardless of social status or gender, continue to be a spiritual anchor for many people today.
History and Role of Jotoku-ji Temple
Jotoku-ji Temple belongs to the 4th group of the Hokkaido Diocese and has long served as a center of faith for the region centered around Kita-ku, Sapporo City. In Hokkaido, Shinshu Otani-ha temples have a long history of playing a vital role as spiritual pillars for local residents since the pioneering era.
Jotoku-ji Temple, too, as a temple deeply rooted in the community, has deepened its ties with parishioners through memorial services, funerals, and annual events. In modern times, it is adapting to new needs such as columbariums and perpetual memorial services, operating as a temple in line with the times.
Information on Jotoku-ji Temple’s Columbarium
One of the major features of Jotoku-ji Temple is its well-equipped columbarium. In recent years, with the increasing number of people who feel anxious about maintaining graves or who lack successors, columbariums are attracting attention as a new form of memorial service.
What is a Columbarium?
A columbarium is an indoor facility for housing the remains of the deceased. Unlike traditional cemeteries, it offers the advantages of being able to visit regardless of the weather and reducing the burden of management. The columbarium at Jotoku-ji Temple is a solemn space based on the teachings of the Shinshu Otani sect, where you can quietly remember your loved ones and offer your prayers.
Features of Jotoku-ji Temple’s Columbarium
The columbarium at Jotoku-ji Temple has the following features:
- Perpetual Management: The temple will take responsibility for perpetual management and memorial services.
- Open to All Sects: Although it is a Shinshu Otani sect temple, it may be available to people of other sects (please contact the temple for details).
- Convenient Access: Easily accessible from the center of Sapporo.
- Clean and Comfortable Environment: As it is an indoor facility, you can visit comfortably regardless of the season or weather.
- Parking Available: Convenient for those visiting by car.
How to Use the Columbarium
If you are considering using the columbarium, we recommend that you first contact Jotoku-ji Temple directly. Tours are available, so you can see the facility in person before making a decision.
The general process is as follows:
- Inquiry/Visit Reservation: Contact us by phone or through our website.
- Facility Visit: See the actual columbarium.
- Consultation/Application: Receive detailed explanations about usage conditions and fees.
- Contract Procedures: Gather necessary documents and sign the contract.
- Interment Ceremony: A memorial service will be held when the remains are interred.
About Perpetual Memorial Services
Jotoku-ji Temple also offers perpetual memorial service. Perpetual memorial service refers to the temple performing perpetual memorial services for the deceased.
Reasons for Choosing Perpetual Memorial Services
In modern society, the following are some reasons why people choose perpetual memorial services:
- Issues of successors: Having no children, or not wanting to burden children.
- Living far away: Difficulty managing a grave due to living away from one’s hometown.
- Reducing financial burden: Wanting to minimize the cost of maintaining a cemetery plot.
- Simple memorial service: Desiring a memorial service that is not bound by formalities.
Features of Perpetual Memorial Services at Jotoku-ji Temple
Jotoku-ji Temple’s perpetual memorial services are based on the teachings of the Shinshu Otani sect, and are conducted under the belief that all people are equally saved by the original vow of Amida Buddha. Through regular memorial services, prayers for the repose of the deceased continue.
There are several forms of perpetual memorial services, including individual and communal burial. You can choose the most suitable plan according to your family’s wishes and budget. Please contact Jotoku-ji Temple for details.
Annual Events and Memorial Services
At Jōtoku-ji Temple, following the traditions of the Shinshu Ōtani sect, various annual events and memorial services are held throughout the year.
Main Annual Events
The main annual events generally observed at Shinshu Otani sect temples include the following:
- Shushōe: A Buddhist service to welcome the New Year and pray for a safe year (January)
- Shunki Higane: A Buddhist service held during the spring equinox (March)
- Gōtane: A Buddhist service celebrating the birth of Shinran Shonin (May)
- Urabon-e: A Buddhist service for the Obon festival (August)
- Shūki Higane: A Buddhist service held during the autumn equinox (September)
- Hōonkō: The most important Buddhist service commemorating the anniversary of Shinran Shonin’s death (November)
In particular, Hōonkō is considered the most important event in the Shinshu Otani sect, providing an opportunity to express gratitude for Shinran Shonin’s blessings and reaffirm his teachings.
Consultation Regarding Memorial Services
Jotoku-ji Temple offers individual memorial services in addition to its annual events:
- Funeral: An important ceremony to send off the deceased
- Memorial Services (Annual Memorial Services): First seven days, forty-ninth day, first anniversary, third anniversary, etc.
- Obon Memorial Services: A memorial service held during the Obon period to remember ancestors
- Other Memorial Services: We offer consultations regarding various Buddhist services.
Please contact Jotoku-ji Temple directly regarding the dates and details of memorial services. Our experienced head priest will provide courteous assistance.
Jotoku-ji Temple Information
Basic Information
- Temple Name: Jotoku-ji Temple
- Sect: Shinshu Otani-ha (Higashi Honganji)
- Principal Image: Amida Buddha (Namu Amida Butsu)
- Affiliation: Shinshu Otani-ha Hokkaido Diocese 4th Group
- Address: 2-1, Kita 33-jo Nishi 11-chome, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 001-0033
- Phone: 011-738-6636
- Parking: Available
Facilities and Services
- Main Hall
- Columbarium
- Perpetual Memorial Service
- Parking
- Memorial Service Facilities
How to Contact
You can contact Jotoku-ji Temple using the following methods:
- Phone: 011-738-6636 (Please inquire directly regarding reception hours)
- Homepage: You can also find information on our official website.
- Visit: You can also visit us directly after contacting us in advance.
Please feel free to contact us with any questions, such as viewing the ossuary, discussing perpetual memorial services, or requesting memorial services.
Access Map and Directions
Jotoku-ji Temple is located in Kita-ku, Sapporo City, and is easily accessible by both public transport and car.
Access by Public Transport
If using the Subway
- Approximately 15 minutes on foot from Kita 34-jo Station on the Sapporo Municipal Subway Namboku Line
- Kita 34-jo Station is the third station from Sapporo Station, making it easily accessible.
If using JR
- Approximately 9 minutes on foot from Shinkawa Station on the JR Gakuen Toshi Line (Sassho Line)
- Shinkawa Station is approximately 10 minutes from Sapporo Station.
While both stations are within walking distance, taking a taxi is convenient if you have a lot of luggage or if the weather is bad.
Access by Car
Jotoku-ji Temple has ample parking, so you can visit with peace of mind even if you come by car. The following routes are convenient from central Sapporo:
- Head north on National Route 5 (Soseigawa-dori) and turn west at Kita 33-jo
- Alternatively, use the Ring Road towards Kita-ku.
If using a car navigation system, please search using the address “2-1, Kita 33-jo Nishi 11-chome, Kita-ku, Sapporo” or the phone number “011-738-6636”.
Surrounding Environment
Jotoku-ji Temple is located in a quiet residential area of Kita-ku, Sapporo. Nearby facilities include:
- Hokkaido University (approximately 10 minutes by car)
- Sapporo Station (approximately 10 minutes by subway)
- Various commercial facilities
If you wish to have a meal with your relatives after the memorial service, there are many restaurants in the surrounding area, making it convenient.
Access Map
For detailed maps and the latest access information, please check the official website of Jotoku-ji Temple or contact us directly. You can also check the route from your current location by searching for “Shinshu Otani-ha Jotoku-ji Temple” or its address on online map services such as Google Maps.
About the 4th Group of the Shinshu Otani-ha Hokkaido Diocese
The 4th Group of the Shinshu Otani-ha Hokkaido Diocese to which Jotoku-ji Temple belongs is composed of Shinshu Otani-ha temples in the area centered around Sapporo City.
Scope of Activities of the 4th Group
The 4th Group covers the following areas:
- Sapporo City (mainly Chuo-ku, Kita-ku, Higashi-ku, etc.)
- Ebetsu City
- Ishikari City
- Kitahiroshima City
- Eniwa City
- Chitose City
- Tobetsu Town
- Shinshinotsu Village
Cooperation with Temples within the Group
Temples belonging to the 4th Group cooperate with each other to promote the teachings of Shinshu Otani-ha in the region and improve services for parishioners. Each temple holds regular meetings and joint events to exchange information and engage in further learning.
Reasons to Choose Jotoku-ji Temple
Here’s a summary of why many people choose Jotoku-ji Temple:
1. Excellent Columbarium Facilities
The modern and clean columbarium provides a comfortable environment for visiting regardless of the weather. Perpetual management ensures peace of mind as you remember your loved ones for years to come.
2. Convenient Access
Located a 15-minute walk from Kita 34-jo Subway Station and a 9-minute walk from JR Shinkawa Station, it offers extremely convenient access from within Sapporo city. Parking is also available, accommodating those arriving by car.
3. Tradition of the Shinshu Otani School
As a temple of the Shinshu Otani school, which carries on the teachings of Shinran Shonin, it performs orthodox Buddhist rituals and memorial services. It maintains deep ties with the head temple, Higashi Hongan-ji, ensuring reliable temple management.
4. Community-Based Activities
We have a long track record of contributing to the local community in Kita Ward, Sapporo City, and have built trusting relationships with our parishioners. Through annual events and memorial services, we also play a role as a member of the local community.
5. Flexible Response
We offer services that are in line with modern needs, such as perpetual memorial services and columbariums. Our flexible approach, tailored to the circumstances and wishes of families, is also a major advantage.
Visiting and Sightseeing at Jotoku-ji Temple
Etiquette for Visiting
Here are some basic manners to observe when visiting Jotoku-ji Temple:
- Dress Code: Formal attire is required when attending a memorial service, but for regular visits, clean and understated clothing is acceptable.
- Worship Etiquette: In the Shinshu Otani sect, you should join your hands in prayer and recite the Nembutsu, “Namu Amida Butsu.”
- Photography: If you wish to take photographs on the temple grounds, please obtain permission in advance.
- Quietness: Please be quiet in the main hall and ossuary, and be considerate of other visitors.
Visiting the Ossuary
If you wish to visit the ossuary, we recommend making a reservation by phone in advance. The head priest and temple staff will kindly guide you through the facilities and explain the usage and costs in detail.
When visiting, you may want to ask about the following points:
- Fees and maintenance costs for using the ossuary
- Details and costs of perpetual memorial services
- How to participate in annual events
- Contract terms and required documents
- Restrictions on religious affiliation
Summary
Jōtoku-ji Temple, of the Shinshu Ōtani sect, is a historic temple located at 2-1, Kita 33-jo Nishi 11-chome, Kita-ku, Sapporo City, Hokkaido, that continues to uphold the teachings of Shinran Shōnin. It features well-equipped ossuary facilities, perpetual memorial service services, and excellent access from Kita 34-jo Subway Station and JR Shinkawa Station.
The temple continues to engage in community-based activities through annual events and memorial services, and responds to various needs such as funerals, memorial services, and ossuary use. It belongs to the 4th group of the Hokkaido Diocese of the Shinshu Ōtani sect and is a trustworthy temple with deep ties to the head temple, Higashi Hongan-ji.
Please feel free to contact Jotoku-ji Temple (Tel: 011-738-6636) for any inquiries regarding columbarium tours, perpetual memorial services, or memorial services. Our experienced head priest will provide compassionate consultation regarding your important memorial needs.
If you are looking for a columbarium or perpetual memorial service in Kita-ku, Sapporo, or if you wish to experience the teachings of the Shinshu Otani sect, please visit Jotoku-ji Temple. In a quiet and solemn space, you can remember your loved ones and spend a peaceful moment of solace.
