Zuishoji Temple (Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture) Complete Guide | History, Access, Perpetual Memorial Services, and Funeral Information
Zuishoji Temple, located in Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, is a Jodo sect temple situated approximately a 5-minute walk from Kintaikyo Bridge. Founded in 1605 by Kikkawa Hiroie, the first lord of the Iwakuni domain, it is a historical temple and, as a direct branch temple of the head temple Chion-in, has played a central role in the Buddhist culture of the castle town of Iwakuni. This article provides a detailed overview of Zuishoji Temple, including its history, highlights, memorial services such as perpetual memorial services and funerals, and access information.
Basic Information about Zuishoji Temple
Official Name: Gan’enzan Zojoin Zuishoji Temple
Sect: Jodo Sect
Principal Deities: Amida Buddha, Kannon Bodhisattva, Seishi Bodhisattva
Address: Iwakuni, Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture
Founder: Kikkawa Hiroie (First Lord of Iwakuni Domain)
Founding Priest: En’yo Shonin (Fifth Abbot of Zuishoji Temple in Yanai)
Established: Keicho 10 (1605)
Zuishoji Temple is located in the temple district, about a 5-minute walk from the scenic Kintaikyo Bridge. It was established as a head temple with many branch temples, directly affiliated with the head temple Chion-in. Currently, the temple is headed by the 35th chief priest, Reverend Akihiro Mitani, and is deeply involved in community activities, such as being involved in the funerals of more than one in ten people cremated at the Iwakuni Crematorium.
History and Origins of Zuisho-ji Temple
Founding History
In 1605 (Keicho 10), the fifth chief priest of Zuisho-ji Temple in Yanai, Reverend En’yo, established Zuisho-ji Temple in Iwakuni, along with the principal image of Amida Buddha, said to have been created by Eshin, which he had brought from Byodo-in Temple in Uji, and the statues of Kannon and Seishi Bodhisattvas. With the patronage of the first lord of the Iwakuni Domain, Lord Hiroie Kikkawa, and his appointment as the temple’s founder, it established its position as a central temple of the Jodo sect in the castle town of Iwakuni.
Relationship with the Iwakuni Domain
Zuisho-ji Temple received the patronage of the Iwakuni Domain and, located in the temple district of the castle town, attracted the faith of samurai and townspeople. As a direct branch temple of the head temple Chion-in, it enjoys high status and has a history of fulfilling its role as a head temple overseeing many branch temples. It contributed to the development of Buddhist culture in Iwakuni throughout the Edo period and has a history spanning over 400 years.
Zuisho-ji Temple in the Modern Era
The head priest, Akihiro Mitani, born in 1989 (Heisei 1), completed the training of the Jodo sect’s transmission of sect and precepts at the head temple Chion-in. While inheriting tradition, he manages the temple to meet modern needs. The temple irregularly holds events to help people become more familiar with Buddhism and aims to be an open temple where people can easily consult about funerals, graves, perpetual memorial services, and ossuaries.
Highlights of Zuisho-ji Temple
Main Hall and Principal Image
The main hall of Zuisho-ji Temple houses the principal image of Amida Buddha, Kannon Bodhisattva, and Seishi Bodhisattva, said to have been brought from Byodo-in Temple in Uji and created by Eshin. These three statues are precious Buddhist images that have been passed down at Zuisho-ji Temple since its founding, and they symbolize the teachings of the Jodo sect. Regular memorial services and Buddhist ceremonies are held in the main hall, making it a central place of worship for parishioners and visitors.
Atmosphere of the Temple Grounds
Despite its convenient location within walking distance of Kintaikyo Bridge, the temple grounds are enveloped in a tranquil atmosphere. Situated in the historical Teramachi area, with nearby landmarks such as Garyukyo Bridge, it can be visited in conjunction with a historical walk through Iwakuni. The temple grounds also have a parking lot, making it accessible by car.
Cultural Assets and Historical Value
Zuisho-ji Temple, with its history spanning over 400 years, preserves Buddhist statues and artifacts that have been passed down since its founding. Documents demonstrating its status as a direct branch temple of the head temple Chion-in, as well as historical materials showing its relationship with the Iwakuni Domain, remain, making it an important temple for understanding the history of Iwakuni.
Information on Perpetual Memorial Services and Columbarium
Features of Zuishoji Temple’s Perpetual Memorial Columbarium
Zuishoji Temple offers perpetual memorial columbarium services tailored to modern lifestyles and values. Known as “Iwakuni Kintaikyo Joen,” the columbarium caters to a variety of needs, including those without heirs to their graves, those who wish to avoid burdening their children, and those who wish to use services regardless of religious affiliation.
Perpetual Memorial Service Plans
Zuishoji Temple’s perpetual memorial columbarium offers plans tailored to individual, couple, and family memorial needs. Because the temple takes responsibility for perpetual memorial services, there is no need to worry about grave management or inheritance. We also offer comprehensive consultations regarding end-of-life planning, allowing you to find the memorial service that best suits your needs.
About Tree Burial
We also offer tree burial, which has been gaining attention in recent years. Based on the concept of returning to nature, this memorial method is suitable for those who desire an environmentally conscious burial. For details, please contact the temple directly for specific plans and costs.
Memorial Service for Stillborn Children
Zuishoji Temple also offers memorial services for stillborn children. The head priest sincerely assists those grieving the loss of a precious life, providing a respectful memorial service to help them find peace of mind. Individual memorial services with respect for privacy are also available; please feel free to inquire.
Funeral and Memorial Service Information
Funeral Service Information
Zuishoji Temple accommodates various funeral styles, from traditional funerals following the customs of the Jodo sect to family funerals tailored to modern needs. Head priest Akihiro Mitani has been involved in the funerals of more than one in ten cremations at the Iwakuni Crematorium, and conducts funerals with extensive experience and knowledge, providing compassionate support to bereaved families.
Funeral Features
- Sect: While we primarily follow the Jodo sect’s funeral customs, we also accept consultations from those of other sects.
- Scale: We handle everything from large-scale funerals to family funerals and one-day funerals.
- Support: We support smooth funeral proceedings through collaboration with funeral homes.
- Pre-Funeral Consultation: We readily accept consultations regarding funeral arrangements and end-of-life planning, even before death.
Memorial Services
Zuishoji Temple handles all types of memorial services, from the seventh day after death to the forty-ninth day, the first anniversary, the third anniversary, and other annual memorial services. We offer services in the main hall, as well as on-site services at your home or facility. We provide careful advice on the preparation and conduct of memorial services, so even first-timers can consult with us with confidence.
Various Prayers
Throughout the year, we accept various prayers, including protection from misfortune, family safety, business prosperity, and success in examinations. Please feel free to consult with us at any milestone in your life or when you have an important wish.
Buddhist Events and Activities
Regular Events
Zuishoji Temple irregularly holds events to help people become familiar with Buddhism. From memorial services during the equinox and Obon festivals to Dharma talks and sutra copying sessions, we provide opportunities to experience Buddhist teachings through events open to non-parishioners as well.
Community Involvement
Located in the temple district of the castle town of Iwakuni, Zuishoji Temple values its connection with the local community as an integral part of the region’s history and culture. As an open temple where local residents can easily visit, we offer various consultations.
Support for Positive End-of-Life Planning
Zuishoji Temple supports people in positively approaching end-of-life planning and facing the end of their lives in a way that reflects their individuality. We offer comprehensive consultations on all aspects of end-of-life planning, including funerals, graves, and memorial services, working together with individuals and their families to find a plan that is satisfactory to them.
Access and Visiting Information
Access by Train
Nearest Station: JR Sanyo Main Line “Iwakuni Station” or Nishikigawa Railway “Kawanishi Station”
- Approximately 5 minutes on foot from Iwakuni Station
- Within walking distance from Kawanishi Station
- Convenient location, approximately 5 minutes on foot from Kintaikyo Bridge
Iwakuni Station is also close to Shin-Iwakuni Station, where the Shinkansen stops, making it easily accessible from Hiroshima and Yamaguchi.
Access by Car
From Iwakuni Kintaikyo Airport: Approximately 10 minutes by car
Sanyo Expressway: Approximately 10 minutes from Iwakuni Interchange
The temple grounds have ample parking, making it possible to visit by car. Its location is convenient for those visiting in conjunction with sightseeing at Kintaikyo Bridge.
Visiting Hours and Inquiries
While visits are generally possible during daytime hours, it is recommended to contact the temple in advance for memorial services, funerals, viewings of the ossuary, and various consultations. For detailed times and reservations, please inquire via the official website or by phone.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Kintaikyo Bridge
Located about a 5-minute walk from Zuishoji Temple, Kintaikyo Bridge, one of Japan’s three most famous bridges, is a representative tourist attraction of Iwakuni. This beautiful wooden bridge with five arches offers stunning scenery throughout the seasons. Visiting it in conjunction with a visit to Zuishoji Temple allows you to deeply experience Iwakuni’s history and culture.
Garyukyo Bridge
Located in the Teramachi area, Garyukyo Bridge is another spot where you can feel the history of Iwakuni. The area around Zuishoji Temple is dotted with historical buildings and temples, making it an ideal area for a stroll.
Iwakuni Castle
Beyond Kintaikyo Bridge, on the summit of Shiroyama Mountain, is Iwakuni Castle, built by Lord Kikkawa Hiroie, who also founded Zuishoji Temple. You can take a ropeway to the summit and enjoy panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea and Iwakuni city.
About the Jodo Sect, the Same as Zuishoji Temple
Teachings of the Jodo Sect
The Jodo Sect, to which Zuishoji Temple belongs, is a Buddhist sect founded by Honen Shonin. It teaches that by chanting “Namu Amida Butsu,” anyone can attain rebirth in the Pure Land through the vow of Amida Buddha.
Relationship with the Head Temple, Chion-in
Zuishoji Temple holds the status of a direct branch temple of the head temple, Chion-in, in Kyoto. The current head priest, Reverend Akihiro Mitani, completed the doctrinal and preceptual training at Chion-in, thus inheriting the orthodox teachings of the Jodo Sect.
Differences from Other Sects
While the Jodo Sect differs in doctrine and practices from other Buddhist sects such as Jodo Shinshu, Soto Zen, and Shingon, Zuishoji Temple accepts consultations regarding funerals and memorial services regardless of sect. We carefully explain the differences between sects and propose memorial service arrangements suitable for each family.
Inquiries and Consultations with Zuisho-ji Temple
Topics of Consultation
Zuisho-ji Temple readily accepts consultations on the following topics:
- Funeral Matters: Pre-consultations, funeral formats, costs, etc.
- Perpetual Memorial Services and Columbariums: Plan details, costs, and viewing appointments
- Tree Burial: Natural burial methods, locations, and costs
- Buddhist Memorial Services: Scheduling, preparations, and procedures
- Memorial Services for Stillborn Children: Individual memorial service methods and timing
- Grave Matters: Availability of burial plots, inheritance issues
- End-of-Life Planning: Pre-death preparations, end-of-life notebooks, wills, etc.
- Buddhist Rituals: Buddhist altars, memorial tablets, Obon, Higan, etc.
Consultation Process
- Inquiry via Phone or Website: Please feel free to contact us first.
- Scheduling: We will schedule a meeting date and time according to the content of your consultation.
- Temple Visit or On-site Consultation: In addition to consultations at the temple, on-site consultations are also available as needed.
- Detailed Explanation and Plan Proposal: The head priest will provide a thorough explanation and propose the most suitable plan.
- Decision After Satisfaction: After careful consideration, you can choose the option that best suits you.
Reasons to Consult with Confidence
Zuisho-ji Temple is a prestigious temple with a history of over 400 years and holds the status of a direct branch temple of the head temple, Chion-in. The current head priest possesses extensive experience and knowledge, and has a proven track record of handling many funerals in the Iwakuni area. It has earned the trust of the community as an open temple where even non-parishioners and those of other denominations can easily seek consultation.
Summary
Zuisho-ji Temple, located in Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, is an ancient Jodo sect temple founded in 1605 by Kikkawa Hiroie, the first lord of the Iwakuni domain. With a history of over 400 years as a direct branch temple of the head temple, Chion-in, it is a temple where visitors can worship in a tranquil atmosphere, despite its convenient location just a 5-minute walk from Kintaikyo Bridge. Currently, under the leadership of the 35th head priest, Reverend Akihiro Mitani, the temple operates while preserving tradition and meeting modern needs. The “Iwakuni Kintaikyo Joen” perpetual memorial ossuary offers diverse forms of memorial services, including tree burials, and provides services to support people through important life milestones such as funerals, memorial services, and memorial services for stillborn babies.
We also offer comprehensive consultations on end-of-life planning, supporting those who are proactively considering the end of their lives, including issues such as grave inheritance and funeral arrangements. As an open temple where people of all denominations can feel free to consult, we continue our activities rooted in the local community.
When visiting Iwakuni, why not visit the historic Zuishoji Temple along with Kintaikyo Bridge and Iwakuni Castle? Buddhist events are held irregularly, so please feel free to visit.
