What is Chishoin? A Comprehensive Guide to Chishoin Temples Across Japan [Kyoto, Gifu, Iwate]
There are several temples named Chishoin (or Chishoin) throughout Japan. Each has a different historical background and characteristics, and has played an important role as a center of local faith and culture. This article provides a comprehensive explanation of the history, characteristics, cultural assets, and access methods for each Chishoin temple located in Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture; Motosu City, Gifu Prefecture; and Ichinoseki City, Iwate Prefecture.
Table of Contents
- Chishoin (Kyoto City) – A sub-temple of Myoshinji Temple
- Chishoin (Motosu City) – The family temple of the Kano clan lords
- Chishoin (Ichinoseki City) – Japan’s first tree burial site
- People associated with Chishoin
- Access information for each Chishoin temple
Chishoin (Kyoto City) – A sub-temple of Myoshinji Temple
Overview and History
Located in Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, Chishoin is one of the sub-temples of Myoshinji Temple, the head temple of the Myoshinji branch of the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism. A sub-temple is a small temple located within the grounds of a large temple. Myoshinji Temple has approximately 46 sub-temples, and Chishoin occupies an important position among them.
Myoshinji Temple is a Zen Buddhist temple founded in 1337 (Kenmu 4) by Emperor Hanazono and is known as one of the largest Zen temples in Japan. Throughout its history, Chishoin has functioned as a Zen training ground and a center for the transmission of culture.
Architecture and Gardens
The temple complex of Chishoin exhibits typical Zen Buddhist architecture. Centered around the Hojo (main hall), the shoin (study hall) and kuri (kitchen/living quarters) are arranged, creating a simple yet dignified spatial configuration characteristic of Zen temples.
Regarding the garden, many of Myoshinji’s sub-temples possess excellent dry landscape gardens, and Chishoin is also thought to have a garden space that expresses the spirituality of Zen. These gardens abstractly represent natural landscapes through stone arrangements and sand patterns, visualizing Zen enlightenment and cosmology.
Religious Activities and the Present
At Chishoin, zazen (seated meditation) and Buddhist services based on the teachings of the Rinzai school are conducted. As a sub-temple of Myoshinji, it continues to uphold the Zen tradition while fulfilling its role as a modern Buddhist institution.
Regarding public access, many of Myoshinji’s sub-temples are normally closed to the public, but may be accessible during special openings or by prior reservation. Those wishing to visit are advised to check in advance.
Chishoin Temple (Motosu City) – Family Temple of the Kano Domain Lords
Basic Temple Information
Located in Gunfu, Motosu City, Gifu Prefecture, Chishoin Temple belongs to the Soto Zen sect and its mountain name is Daijisan. Its principal image is the Holy Kannon Bodhisattva, and it is particularly known as the family temple of the Toda Matsudaira clan, the lords of the Kano Domain.
The Soto Zen sect is a branch of Zen Buddhism introduced to Japan by Zen Master Dogen, and it emphasizes “shikantaza,” that is, single-minded devotion to seated meditation. Chishoin Temple has also functioned as a place of training and faith based on this teaching.
Historical Background and Relationship with the Kano Domain
Chishoin Temple holds particular significance as the family temple of the Toda Matsudaira clan, the lords of the Kano Domain. The Kano Domain was a domain that existed in Mino Province (present-day Gifu Prefecture) and played an important role throughout the Edo period.
The Toda Matsudaira clan was a family of hereditary daimyo with deep ties to the Tokugawa family, producing many individuals who held important positions in the Edo shogunate. Chishoin Temple houses the tombs of successive feudal lords and their families, making it a valuable historical site that conveys the relationship between Edo-period samurai culture and Buddhist faith.
Cultural Properties and Highlights
Chishoin Temple is believed to preserve cultural properties and historical materials related to the feudal lords of the Kano domain. The stone pagodas and tombstones in the burial grounds are masterpieces of Edo-period stone art, important for understanding the technological level and aesthetic sensibilities of the time.
Furthermore, the Buddhist statues, including the principal image of the Holy Kannon Bodhisattva, and other temple treasures are valuable cultural heritage that tell the story of the region’s religious history. These may be viewable during regular visits or special exhibitions.
Role in the Region
Chishoin Temple is not merely a historical building; it continues to function as a center of faith in the Motosu City and Gunfu region. The temple serves as a spiritual pillar for the community, hosting funerals, memorial services, and annual events for local residents.
Chishoin Temple (Ichinoseki City) – Japan’s First Tree Burial Site
Pioneer of Tree Burial
Located in Tochigura, Hagiso, Ichinoseki City, Iwate Prefecture, Chishoin Temple is nationally known as the first temple in Japan to offer tree burials. In 1999, it established a tree burial cemetery, proposing a new burial method that harmonizes with nature, distinct from traditional gravestone burials.
Chishoin Temple’s tree burials are not simply scattering of ashes; they employ a system where one flowering tree is planted at each burial site. This groundbreaking approach maintains clarity as a place to remember the deceased while contributing to the preservation and regeneration of the natural environment.
Characteristics and Philosophy of Tree Burial
Chishōin Temple’s tree burial differs from the so-called symbolic tree type (where multiple sets of remains are buried around a single large tree). Instead, it involves planting a flowering tree at each individual burial site. This results in the following characteristics:
Philosophy of Environmental Conservation By utilizing the satoyama (traditional rural landscape) as a cemetery, the aim is to protect the landscape and ecosystem, and to preserve and regenerate the rich natural environment. The underlying principle is a paradoxical idea: cemetery development does not lead to environmental destruction, but rather contributes to the maintenance of the natural environment.
Integration with Woodland Creation This is a unique concept that combines cemetery and forest conservation, simultaneously cultivating a woodland while serving as a cemetery. Over time, the entire cemetery will grow into a lush forest.
Maintaining Individuality By planting a single flowering tree at each burial site, the individuality of the deceased is respected, allowing bereaved families to visit the grave in a specific location. This is a clear difference from scattering ashes.
Osako Tree Burial Cemetery
Osako Tree Burial Cemetery is one of the tree burial cemeteries operated by Chishoin Temple. This cemetery is a satoyama-type tree burial cemetery, situated in a rich natural environment.
Various flowering trees and shrubs are planted within the cemetery grounds, displaying different scenery with each season. From cherry blossoms and kerria in spring, to fresh greenery in summer, autumn leaves in fall, and snowscapes in winter, one can remember their loved ones amidst the beauty of nature throughout the seasons.
Social Impact of Tree Burial
Chishoin Temple’s tree burial program has been running for over 20 years and has become a model for tree burials nationwide. Many temples and cemeteries now offer tree burials, and many have been influenced by Chishoin Temple’s approach.
Tree burial is attracting attention as a solution to social problems such as the aging society, the rise of nuclear families, and the shortage of successors for graves. Chishoin Temple’s tree burial program can be considered an advanced initiative that integrates the traditional Buddhist spirit of memorial service, the needs of modern society, and environmental conservation.
Costs and Usage
To utilize Chishoin Temple’s tree burial service, it is recommended to request information and visit the temple in advance. Costs include perpetual memorial service fees, burial fees, and the cost of flowers and trees, but it is recommended to inquire directly with the temple for details.
It is often available regardless of religion or sect, and pre-arrangements are possible. For those who wish to rest in nature, Chishoin Temple’s tree burial service is an attractive option.
People Related to Chishoin Temple
The Toda Matsudaira Clan, Lords of the Kano Domain
The Toda Matsudaira clan, lords of the Kano Domain, have a deep connection to Chishoin Temple in Motosu City, Gifu Prefecture. The Toda clan were hereditary vassals of the Tokugawa family since Mikawa and were a prestigious family granted the Matsudaira surname.
The Kano Domain was located at a strategic point in Mino Province, governing a strategically important region connecting the Tokaido and Nakasendo roads. Many of the successive lords held important positions in the Edo Shogunate, such as Roju (senior councilor) and Wakadoshiyori (junior councilor), wielding significant influence over shogunate politics.
Chishoin Temple served as a spiritual pillar of the Kano Domain, serving as a temple to commemorate the successive feudal lords and their families. The lords patronized Chishoin, contributing to its development through land donations and improvements to its buildings.
The Monk Who Devised Tree Burial
The monk who devised and implemented tree burial at Chishoin Temple in Ichinoseki City, Iwate Prefecture, questioned the traditional cemetery system and sought a new burial method that emphasized harmony with the natural environment.
Against the backdrop of growing environmental concerns, a shortage of cemetery plots, and problems with grave maintenance, he realized tree burial, which combines the original Buddhist idea of returning to nature with modern needs. This initiative is highly regarded as an innovative attempt in the Buddhist world.
Access Information to Each Chishoin Temple
Access to Chishoin Temple (Kyoto City)
Location: Hanazono Myoshinji-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Public Transportation:
- Approximately 5 minutes on foot from JR Sagano Line “Hanazono Station”
- Immediately after alighting at “Myoshinji-mae” bus stop (Kyoto City Bus)
- Approximately 3 minutes on foot from “Myoshinji Kitamon-mae” bus stop (Kyoto City Bus)
By Car:
- Approximately 30 minutes from Meishin Expressway “Kyoto Minami IC”
- Use the Myoshinji Temple visitor parking lot (paid)
Since the Myoshinji Temple grounds are vast, it is recommended to confirm the exact location of Chishoin Temple before visiting.
Access to Chishoin Temple (Motosu City)
Location: Gunfu, Motosu City, Gifu Prefecture
Public Transportation:
- Take a taxi or bus from JR Tokaido Main Line “Hozumi Station”
- Walk or take a taxi from Tarumi Railway “Motosu Station”
By Car:
- Approximately 15 minutes from Tokai-Kanjo Expressway “Ono-Kobe IC”
- Accessible via National Route 157
Due to limited public transportation in the Gunfu area of Motosu City, access by car is recommended.
Access to Chishoin Temple (Ichinoseki City)
Location: 73-193 Tochikura, Hagiso, Ichinoseki City, Iwate Prefecture
Public Transportation:
- Approximately 31 minutes by car from Hiraizumi Station on the JR Tohoku Main Line
- Taking a taxi from Ichinoseki Station is convenient
By Car:
- Approximately 25 minutes from Hiraizumi-Maezawa Interchange on the Tohoku Expressway
- Via Prefectural Road from National Route 4
If you wish to visit the tree burial cemetery, it is recommended that you contact and make a reservation in advance. Especially the Osako Tree Burial Cemetery is located in a mountainous area, so access conditions may vary depending on the season and weather.
Summary
There are three temples named Chishoin (or Chishoin) in Kyoto, Gifu, and Iwate, each with its own unique history and characteristics.
Kyoto’s Chishoin, as a sub-temple of Myoshinji Temple, one of Japan’s largest Zen temples, inherits the tradition of Zen. Chishoin Temple in Motosu City, Gifu Prefecture, serves as the family temple of the Toda Matsudaira clan, lords of the Kano Domain, and preserves the relationship between Edo-period samurai culture and Buddhist faith. Chishoin Temple in Ichinoseki City, Iwate Prefecture, was the first in Japan to practice tree burial, presenting a new form of burial in modern society.
These three temples play important religious and cultural roles in their respective regions and serve as excellent examples of the diversity and richness of Japanese Buddhist culture. Those wishing to visit or tour these temples are advised to understand the characteristics of each temple and access them in an appropriate manner.
