A Thorough Explanation of the History and Charm of Mantokuin Temple | Three Mantokuin Temples in Hiroshima, Iwakuni, and Koto Ward
There are several temples in Japan named Mantokuin. While each has a different historical background, they are particularly known for their deep connection to the Sengoku period warlord, the Kikkawa clan. This article provides a detailed explanation of the history, cultural value, and highlights of the Mantokuin ruins in Kitahiroshima Town, Hiroshima Prefecture, the Mantokuin in Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, and the Mantokuin in Koto Ward, Tokyo.
What is Mantokuin?
Mantokuin is a Shingon Buddhist temple, officially named Fukumitsu-ji Mantokuin. “Mantoku” means “the protection of many gods and Buddhas,” and it was a temple built by a warlord during the Sengoku period as a symbol of faith and authority. Currently, three Mantokuin temples hold historically significant positions.
Overview of the Three Mantokuin Temples
- Oasa Mantokuin (Kitahiroshima-cho, Hiroshima Prefecture): The site of a temple built by Kikkawa Motonaga in 1574 (Tensho 2), designated as a national historic site and place of scenic beauty.
- Iwakuni Mantokuin (Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture): A temple rebuilt when the Kikkawa family moved to Iwakuni after the Battle of Sekigahara.
- Koto-ku Mantokuin (Koto-ku, Tokyo): A Koyasan Shingon sect temple founded in 1629 (Kanei 6), known as the “Sumo Temple.”
History of Oasa Mantokuin (Kitahiroshima-cho, Hiroshima Prefecture)
Established by Kikkawa Motonaga
Oasa Mantokuin is a temple built by Kikkawa Motonaga, the grandson of the Sengoku daimyo Mori Motonari, between 1574 (Tensho 2) and the following year. Kikkawa Motonaga, the eldest son of Kikkawa Motoharu, was a warrior who played a key role in the Mori clan and was primarily active in the San’in region.
Motonaga established Mantokuin Temple as a temple of “multi-sect learning,” and used it as a second residence during his lifetime. “Multi-sect learning” was a progressive concept for its time, involving the study of various Buddhist teachings without being bound by a specific sect. This temple was built with the intention of becoming Motonaga’s family temple and remains a valuable historical site that conveys the spiritual world of a Sengoku period warrior.
Location and Situated Area of Mantokuin Temple Ruins
The Mantokuin Temple Ruins are located in Maizuna, Kitahiroshima-cho, Yamagata-gun, Hiroshima Prefecture, roughly midway between Hiyama Castle and Kikkawa Motoharu’s residence. This location indicates a strategic placement as part of the Kikkawa clan’s castle network. Currently, it is designated as a National Historic Site as one of the Kikkawa clan’s castle ruins and is maintained as the “Mantokuin Temple Ruins Historical Park.”
Scale and Structure of the Temple
In its original form, Mantokuin Temple was a large temple complex comprising a main hall, living quarters, and a bathhouse. As you proceed along the long approach, you will encounter medieval stone walls, allowing you to appreciate the grandeur of the temple architecture of that era. Currently, a full-scale replica of the main hall has been built as a guidance facility, allowing visitors to imagine its appearance in its heyday.
The replica of the main hall faithfully reproduces the architectural style of 1574 (Tensho 2), making it a valuable facility for experiencing Sengoku period temple architecture.
Former Mantokuin Garden: Value as a Nationally Designated Scenic Spot
Garden Characteristics and Cultural Property Designation
The former Mantokuin Garden is protected as a nationally designated cultural property (nationally designated scenic spot). This garden is an important cultural heritage site that demonstrates the aesthetic sense and authority of Sengoku period warlords, and, along with the Yoshikawa Motoharu Residence Garden, speaks to the high level of cultural refinement of the Yoshikawa clan.
The garden is located approximately 1.5 km (about a 20-minute walk) from the site of Yoshikawa Motoharu’s residence. Visiting both gardens allows for a comprehensive understanding of the Yoshikawa clan’s cultural heritage.
Garden Structure and Highlights
The former Mantokuin Garden features elements of a pond-centered strolling garden, with stonework and plantings retaining their original form. It is remarkably well-preserved for a garden from the Sengoku period, making it a valuable resource for studying the landscaping techniques and aesthetic sensibilities of the time.
The garden’s stone walls are particularly impressive, conveying the dignity and technical skill of a medieval temple. These stone walls served not merely as defensive structures but also as symbolic representations of the temple’s status.
Facilities at Mantokuin Historical Park
Mantokuin Historical Park includes a guidance hall. This hall features exhibits on the history of Mantokuin and the entire Yoshikawa clan castle site, helping visitors understand the historical context.
The building is a full-scale replica of the main hall, and visitors can learn about temple life and architectural techniques of the time. The exhibits are regularly updated to reflect the latest research findings.
History of Iwakuni Mantokuin Temple (Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture)
Relocation after the Battle of Sekigahara
Following the defeat of the Mori family in the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600, their territory was reduced to Suo and Nagato provinces. Consequently, Kikkawa Hiroie, the head of the Kikkawa family and a senior retainer, was also transferred to Iwakuni in Suo Province.
With the Kikkawa family’s relocation to Iwakuni, Mantokuin Temple was also rebuilt in Iwakuni. This relocation was not merely a move of a temple, but held significant meaning in establishing the Kikkawa family’s history and traditions in a new location.
The Role of Mantokuin Temple in Iwakuni
In Iwakuni, Mantokuin Temple inherited its role as the Kikkawa family’s ancestral temple and maintained a deep connection with the Kikkawa family throughout the Edo period. It remains located within Iwakuni City and is an important historical site that tells the history of the Yoshikawa family.
Access to Mantokuin Temple in Iwakuni is via a steep road, and even on sunny days, tires can slip, so caution is advised when visiting. This location also reflects the characteristics of temples situated in mountainous areas.
Mantokuin Temple, Koto Ward: A Temple Known as a Sumo Temple
History of Founding and Relocation
Mantokuin Temple, located in Eitai, Koto Ward, Tokyo, was founded in 1629 (Kanei 6) in Hatchobori Zaimokucho as a temple of the Koyasan Shingon sect. Later, in 1643 (Kanei 20), it relocated to its current location, and has a history that continues from the Edo period to the present day.
Characteristics as a Sumo Temple
Mantokuin Temple in Koto Ward has been affectionately known as the “Sumo Temple” since the Edo period. The temple’s cemetery contains numerous graves of sumo wrestlers, stablemasters, referees, and other people involved in sumo, demonstrating its deep connection to the sumo world. This characteristic stems from the fact that during the Edo period, as sumo wrestling developed as a form of entertainment for the common people, many sumo-related individuals chose this temple as a place of worship. Even today, it remains an important historical site of sumo culture, visited by sumo fans and those involved in the sport.
Cultural Value of Mantokuin Temple, Koto Ward
Mantokuin Temple in Koto Ward is a valuable historical site that demonstrates the relationship between Edo-period popular culture and Buddhist faith. The connection between sumo, a traditional Japanese culture, and a Buddhist temple symbolizes the diversity of Japanese religious culture.
Relationship between the Yoshikawa Clan Castle Site and Mantokuin Temple
Overall Picture of the Yoshikawa Clan Castle Site
The Mantokuin Temple site is included as part of the Yoshikawa Clan Castle Site, a nationally designated historical site. The Yoshikawa Clan Castle Site is a comprehensive group of historical sites consisting of Hiyama Castle, the Yoshikawa Motoharu Residence Site, and the Mantokuin Temple Site, providing a valuable historical site for comprehensively understanding the life and culture of a warlord during the Sengoku period.
The Relationship Between Kikkawa Motoharu and Kikkawa Motonaga
Kikkawa Motoharu, the second son of Mori Motonari, was an important military commander who played a key role in the Mori clan’s military and political affairs in the San’in region. His eldest son, Kikkawa Motonaga, succeeded his father and played an active role as the head of the Kikkawa family.
It is believed that Motonaga built Mantokuin Temple due to his religious faith, influenced by his father Motoharu, and his desire to demonstrate his own authority. The construction in 1574 (Tensho 2) coincides with the period when the Mori clan was establishing its hegemony in the Chugoku region, making it a project symbolizing the Kikkawa family’s power.
Preservation and Utilization of the Mantokuin Temple Site
Cultural Property Protection Efforts
The Mantokuin Temple site is a nationally designated historic site and is protected under the Cultural Properties Protection Law. Kitahiroshima Town in Hiroshima Prefecture is actively working on the preservation and utilization of the historic site, conducting regular maintenance, management, and research.
Various efforts are being made to pass on the historical site to future generations, including the preservation and repair of the stone walls, vegetation management, and the improvement of drainage facilities.
Development as a Historical Park
The Mantokuin Ruins Historical Park has been developed as a facility where visitors can learn about and experience history. At the guidance facility, you can learn about the history of Mantokuin and the activities of the Kikkawa clan through exhibition panels and video materials.
Walking paths have been developed within the park, allowing you to imagine the appearance of the temple during the Sengoku period while exploring the approach, stone walls, and garden remains.
Access and Visiting Information for Mantokuin
Access to the Oasa Mantokuin Ruins
The Mantokuin Ruins Historical Park in Kitahiroshima Town, Hiroshima Prefecture, is easily accessible by car. It is located approximately 30 minutes from the Chiyoda Interchange on the Chugoku Expressway. If using public transportation, you will need to take a bus or taxi from Shiwaguchi Station on the JR Geibi Line.
Access to Iwakuni Mantokuin Temple
Mantokuin Temple in Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, can be accessed by bus or taxi from JR Iwakuni Station. As mentioned above, the road is a steep slope, so caution is required when driving.
Access to Koto Ward Mantokuin Temple
Mantokuin Temple in Koto Ward, Tokyo, can be accessed in about 10 minutes on foot from Monzen-Nakacho Station on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line. Because it is located in the city center, public transportation is convenient.
Cultural Significance of Mantokuin Temple
Temple Architecture of the Sengoku Period
Mantokuin Temple is a valuable historical site that preserves the temple architecture of the Sengoku period. The layout of the main hall, living quarters, and bathhouse provides important information for understanding the function and structure of temples at that time.
Established under the philosophy of “combining various Buddhist sects,” Mantokuin Temple is also noteworthy as an example of the diversity of religious thought during the Sengoku period.
Warlords and Buddhist Faith
The background to Kikkawa Motonaga’s construction of Mantokuin Temple lies in the unique faith of Sengoku period warlords. Warlords who lived through a time of war sought spiritual support by building family temples, praying for peace after death.
Mantokuin Temple is a facility where the faith and authority of warlords are intertwined, and it is an indispensable historical site for understanding the spiritual culture of the Sengoku period.
Importance in Local History
Mantokuin Temple forms an important part of the local history in each of its locations. In Kitahiroshima Town, Hiroshima Prefecture, it contributes to the formation of local identity as a historical site that conveys the history of the Kikkawa clan; in Iwakuni City, it conveys the history of the Kikkawa family’s transfers; and in Koto Ward, it conveys the commoner culture of Edo.
Visiting Related Historical Sites
Connection to the Kikkawa Motoharu Residence Site
When visiting the Mantokuin Temple site, we recommend also visiting the Kikkawa Motoharu Residence Site. The two historical sites are approximately 1.5 km apart and can be visited on foot in about 20 minutes. The garden at the site of Yoshikawa Motoharu’s residence is also a nationally designated scenic spot, and comparing the two gardens allows for a deeper understanding of the Yoshikawa clan’s landscape architecture philosophy.
Connection to Hiyama Castle Site
Hiyama Castle is known as a mountain castle of the Yoshikawa clan and, together with the Mantokuin Temple site, constitutes the Yoshikawa clan’s castle and residence site. The castle structure, which integrates three elements—a mountain castle, a flatland residence, and a temple—is a valuable example of the lifestyle of a warlord during the Sengoku period.
Current Status and Challenges of Mantokuin Research
Archaeological Investigation
Continuous archaeological investigations are being conducted at the Mantokuin Temple site. Excavations are revealing the layout and scale of the buildings, as well as the tiles and ceramics used. These findings are important materials for elucidating the temple architecture and lifestyle culture of the Sengoku period.
Future Research Topics
Research on Mantokuin still faces many challenges. In particular, further documentary research and archaeological verification are needed regarding the specific practical application of the concept of “combined learning of various sects” and the religious thought of Yoshikawa Motonaga.
Further research is expected regarding the relationships between the three Mantokuin temples and the details of their relocation to Iwakuni.
Summary
Mantokuin is a temple established in 1574 by Kikkawa Motonaga. Currently, there are related temples in Kitahiroshima Town, Hiroshima Prefecture, Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, and Koto Ward, Tokyo. In particular, the Mantokuin site in Kitahiroshima Town is protected as a nationally designated historic site and scenic spot, and is a valuable cultural heritage site that conveys the temple architecture and gardens of the Sengoku period.
The former Mantokuin garden is an important historical site demonstrating the high level of cultural sophistication of the Kikkawa clan, and together with the Kikkawa Motoharu residence site, it forms part of the Kikkawa clan’s castle site. The Mantokuin in Iwakuni tells the history of the Kikkawa family after the Battle of Sekigahara, and the Mantokuin in Koto Ward has its own unique cultural value as a “sumo temple.”
By visiting these Mantokuin temples, one can experience the diversity of Japanese history and culture from the Sengoku period to the Edo period and up to the present day. It is our important responsibility to pass on valuable cultural heritage to future generations through the preservation and utilization of historical sites.
At the guidance facility in the Mantokuin Ruins Historical Park, visitors can see a full-scale replica of the main hall, experiencing the scale and grandeur of the temple at that time. Walking along the long approach and gazing at the stone walls, one can contemplate the faith and authority of the Sengoku period warlords—a valuable experience for history enthusiasts.
