Complete Guide to Enmyoji Temples: A Thorough Explanation of the History, Access, and Highlights of Enmyoji Temples Nationwide
The temple name “Enmyoji” is used by several temples throughout Japan. Each has its own unique history and characteristics, and has been cherished as a center of local faith. This article provides a detailed explanation of major Enmyoji temples, from those on the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage to temples that influenced Osaka’s market culture.
Enmyoji Temple, Temple No. 53 of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage (Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture)
Basic Information and History
Located in Wake-cho, Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture, Enmyoji Temple is a Shingon sect Chizan-ha temple, also known as Sugazan Shochiin. Its principal image is Amida Buddha, and it is an important sacred site visited by many pilgrims as the 53rd temple of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage.
According to temple tradition, the temple was founded by Gyoki Bodhisattva during the Tenpyo era (729-749). Later, during the Konin era (810-824), Kobo Daishi Kukai is said to have visited the temple and carved and enshrined the principal image, a statue of Amida Buddha. Although it fell into ruin due to warfare in the Middle Ages, it was restored during the Edo period under the patronage of the Matsuyama domain lord.
Highlights of the Temple Grounds
The grounds of Enmyoji Temple include the main hall, the Daishi Hall, the bell tower, and the guest hall. The main hall houses the principal image, a statue of Amida Buddha, and is enveloped in a solemn atmosphere. The Daishi Hall enshrines a statue of Kobo Daishi, and many pilgrims offer fervent prayers here.
The temple grounds are dotted with ancient trees, some hundreds of years old, allowing visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the four seasons. It is particularly bustling with worshippers and tourists during the cherry blossom season in spring and the autumn foliage season. ### American Researcher and Copper Votive Tablets
Enmyoji Temple preserves a remarkable historical artifact: the oldest copper votive tablet found in a Shikoku temple, discovered in March 1924 (Taisho 13) by Dr. Starr of the University of Chicago during a pilgrimage to the Shikoku pilgrimage sites. This discovery holds significant importance in the historical study of the Shikoku pilgrimage.
American Researcher and Copper Votive Tablets
Enmyoji Temple holds remarkable historical value. ### Visiting Information and Access
Location: 1-182 Wake-cho, Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture
Sect: Shingon-shu Chizan-ha
Principal Image: Amida Buddha
Access:
- Approximately 5 minutes on foot from Iyo Tachibana Station on the Iyo Railway Yokogawara Line
- Approximately 20 minutes by car from Matsuyama IC on the Matsuyama Expressway
- Parking available (approximately 20 regular cars)
Visiting Hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Temple Office)
Temple Offering Fee: 300 yen
Although it is often written as “Enmyoji” in recent years, the official name is “圓明寺”.
Enmyoji Temple (Osaka City), the Originator of Osaka’s Kuromon Market
Historical Relationship Between Kuromon Market and Enmyoji Temple
It’s a little-known historical fact that Kuromon Market, nationally known as Osaka’s kitchen, was called “Enmyoji Market” during the Meiji era.
During the Bunsei era of the Edo period (1818-1830), there was a temple called Enmyoji Temple with a magnificent black-painted gate near what is now Nihonbashi in Chuo Ward, Osaka City. This temple belonged to the Jodo sect and attracted the faith of the local people. There was a large open space in front of the temple gate, and it is believed that the market where fish merchants held their stalls there is the origin of Kuromon Market.
Development of the Market and Relocation of the Temple
The market in front of Enmyoji Temple gradually expanded in size, developing into a vibrant market where merchants dealing in seafood, vegetables, and daily necessities gathered. Initially called “Enmyoji Market” or “Enmyoji Gate Market,” the market’s black-painted temple gate became a beloved symbol, and the nickname “Kuromon Market” (Black Gate Market) gradually became established.
In the Meiji era, due to urban planning and land readjustment, Enmyoji Temple was relocated to Higashisumiyoshi Ward. However, the market’s name, “Kuromon Market,” remained, and it continues to attract many tourists from both Japan and abroad as one of Osaka’s leading food and tourism spots.
Current Enmyoji Temple (Higashisumiyoshi Ward)
After its relocation, Enmyoji Temple is located in Higashisumiyoshi Ward, Osaka City, and continues to function as a local temple. While its former magnificent temple complex is gone, the historical significance that gave rise to the name Kuromon Market is still recounted today.
Location: Higashisumiyoshi Ward, Osaka City (For details, please contact Higashisumiyoshi Ward Office)
Phone: Higashisumiyoshi Ward Office, Osaka City 06-4399-9625
Historical Significance: The temple that gave its name to Kuromon Market
Narutakiyama Enmyoji Temple (Izumisano City, Osaka Prefecture)
A historic temple affectionately known as “Narutaki no Ofudo-san”
Narutakiyama Enmyoji Temple, located on the border between Izumisano City, Osaka Prefecture and Wakayama Prefecture, is a Rinzai Zen Myoshinji sect temple and is affectionately known as “Narutaki no Ofudo-san” by the local people. It is a venerable temple boasting a history of 1300 years.
Founding and History
According to temple tradition, it was founded by Gyoki Bodhisattva during the Yoro era (717-724) of the Nara period. Initially a Shingon sect temple, it converted to the Rinzai sect in the medieval period. The principal deity is Fudo Myoo, who has long been revered as a powerful Buddha for fire prevention and protection against misfortune.
Temple Grounds and Annual Events
The temple grounds include the main hall, Fudo Hall, and bell tower, surrounded by abundant nature. The Fudo Hall, in particular, houses the principal image of Fudo Myoo and attracts many worshippers.
On the 28th of each month, a Goma fire ritual is performed as a memorial day for Fudo Myoo, and many believers participate. Various events are also held throughout the year, including Setsubun (bean-throwing festival) and the spring and autumn festivals.
Access Information
Location: Ōki, Izumisano City, Osaka Prefecture
Sect: Rinzai Zen Myoshinji School
Principal Image: Fudo Myoo
Access:
- Approximately 30 minutes by bus from Izumisano Station on the Nankai Main Line
- Approximately 20 minutes by car from Izumisano IC on the Hanwa Expressway
- Parking available
Official Website: https://www.narutaki-fudouson.org/
Hirabokusan Enmyōji Temple (Kani City, Gifu Prefecture)
Temple Associated with the Toki and Kiso Minamoto Clans
Located in Kukuri, Kani City, Gifu Prefecture, Hirabokusan Enmyōji Temple is a temple of the Koyasan Shingon sect. Its principal image is Yakushi Nyorai (Medicine Buddha), and it is said to have been built by Toki Akugoro, a warrior of the Muromachi period.
Relationship with the Toki Clan
The Toki clan was a prestigious samurai family that ruled Mino Province, and was descended from the Minamoto clan. Enmyoji Temple played an important role as the Toki clan’s family temple. The ruins of Akugoro Castle remain on the hillside behind the temple, preserving the history of the medieval period.
Cultural Properties and Highlights
The statue of Yakushi Nyorai (Medicine Buddha) enshrined in the main hall is believed to be a work from the Muromachi period and is designated as a city cultural property. Furthermore, numerous stone monuments and memorial towers related to the Toki clan are scattered throughout the temple grounds, making it a popular destination for history enthusiasts.
Location: Kukuri, Kani City, Gifu Prefecture
Sect: Koyasan Shingon Buddhism
Principal Image: Yakushi Nyorai (Medicine Buddha)
Official Website: https://www.enmeimituji.com/
Enmyoji Temple (Inuyama City, Aichi Prefecture)
An Ancient Temple in Inuyama Castle Town
Enmyoji Temple, located in Inuyama Higashi-Koken, Inuyama City, Aichi Prefecture, is a temple situated in a corner of Inuyama Castle Town. It harmonizes with the historical landscape of Inuyama Castle and the castle town, and is an important presence that conveys the region’s history and culture.
History and Temples of Inuyama
Inuyama developed as a castle town of Inuyama Castle, built by Oda Nobuyasu, the uncle of Oda Nobunaga. Enmyoji Temple is thought to be one of the temples established during the formation period of the castle town, and has attracted the faith of samurai and townspeople.
Location: 595 Inuyama Higashikoken, Inuyama City, Aichi Prefecture
Access: Approximately 15 minutes on foot from Meitetsu Inuyama Line “Inuyama Station”
Hōryōzan Enmyōji Temple (Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture)
A Temple of the Shinshu Ōtani School
Hōryōzan Enmyōji Temple, located in Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture, is a temple of the Shinshu Ōtani School (Higashi Honganji School). The founder is Shinran Shōnin, and the principal image is Amida Buddha.
Teachings of Jōdo Shinshū
The Shinshu Ōtani School is a branch of Jōdo Shinshū Buddhism, teaching that by believing in the original vow of Amida Buddha and chanting the Nembutsu, one can be reborn in the Pure Land. The principal scriptures are the Three Pure Land Sutras (the Sutra of Immeasurable Life, the Sutra of Contemplation of Immeasurable Life, and the Sutra of Amida Buddha).
Enmyoji Temple in Hirosaki is one of the key temples of the Shinshu Otani sect in the Tsugaru region, supporting the religious lives of local followers.
Location: Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture
Sect: Shinshu Otani sect
Principal Image: Amida Buddha
Official Website: https://www.enmyoji-hirosaki.or.jp/
Enmyoji Temple (Hong Kong)
International Buddhist Activities
Enmyoji Temple also exists in the Tuen Mun district of Hong Kong. As a Buddhist temple in the Chinese-speaking world, it serves as a place of worship for local Chinese Buddhists.
Under the leadership of Master Changhai, regular services and Buddhist events are held, and information is actively disseminated through social media such as Facebook. It upholds the teaching, “If you see form, it is emptiness; then you attain great wisdom; if you see emptiness, it is form; then you attain great compassion,” fulfilling the role of Buddhism in modern society.
Location: Tuen Mun, Hong Kong
Official Website: https://www.yuanmingmonastery.org/
Facebook: Yuen Ming Monastery
Etiquette and Manners for Visiting Yuan Ming Monastery
Basic Visiting Etiquette
When visiting Yuan Ming Monastery, please observe the following basic manners:
- Attire: Avoid revealing clothing and aim for clean, modest attire.
- Entering the Temple: Bow at the temple gate before entering the grounds.
- Watering: Cleanse your hands and mouth at the watering basin.
- Worship: Quietly join your hands in prayer at the main hall and offer your prayers with sincerity.
- Photography: Refrain from taking photographs in areas where photography is prohibited.
- Sutra Receiving: When receiving a Goshuin (temple stamp) at the sutra receiving office, please be respectful.
Special Etiquette for the Shikoku Pilgrimage
Pilgrims visiting Enmyoji Temple in Matsuyama City, the 53rd temple of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, should follow this order of worship:
- Bow and clasp hands at the temple gate
- Ring the bell at the bell tower (do not ring it on the return journey)
- Purify oneself at the water basin
- Chant sutras and offer votive slips in the main hall
- Chant sutras and offer votive slips in the Daishi Hall
- Receive a temple stamp at the sutra copying office
- Bow and clasp hands at the temple gate before leaving
Regarding the Name of Enmyoji Temple
The Spelling of “圓明寺” and “円明寺”
In modern times, the spelling “円明寺” is increasingly used, replacing the old character “圓” with the new character “円”. Officially, some temples use the old character, while others use the new character; there is no unified system.
However, the spelling “圓明寺” is often used in historical documents and official temple names, while the older form is generally used in cultural property designations and religious corporation registrations.
Pronunciation of “Enmyōji” and “Enmeiji”
Most Enmyōji temples are pronounced “Enmyōji,” but depending on the region and sect, they may be pronounced “Enmeiji.” It is recommended to confirm before visiting.
How to Enjoy Visiting Enmyōji Temples
A Journey to Visit Enmyōji Temples Across Japan
A journey visiting Enmyōji temples scattered throughout Japan is a valuable opportunity to learn about the history and culture of each region. Even with the same temple name, the sect, principal image, and historical background differ, allowing you to experience diverse Buddhist cultures.
Seasonal Attractions
Spring: During cherry blossom season, the temple grounds are beautifully in full bloom. Enmyōji Temple in Matsuyama City, in particular, is known as a famous cherry blossom viewing spot.
Summer: Enjoy a refreshing breeze while visiting the temple grounds, surrounded by lush greenery.
Autumn: During the autumn foliage season, the grounds are ablaze with red and yellow, offering breathtaking scenery.
Winter: The tranquil winter atmosphere of the temple grounds is perfect for a peaceful and contemplative visit.
Summary: The Diversity and Charm of Enmyoji Temple
The name Enmyoji has been used for temples with long histories throughout Japan. These temples have played unique roles, such as welcoming pilgrims as part of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, being the origin of Osaka’s market culture, and serving as samurai family temples.
Even today, these Enmyoji temples continue to serve as centers of faith for local people and important institutions for conveying history and culture. Visiting Enmyoji temples throughout Japan allows you to experience the diversity and richness of Japanese Buddhist culture.
When planning your visit, we recommend checking the latest information on each temple’s official website or local tourism information site beforehand, and visiting in appropriate attire and with proper etiquette. A heartfelt visit will surely make for a fulfilling experience.
