About Myokaiji Temple – A Nichiren Buddhist Temple in Katsuura City, Chiba Prefecture, Living with the Sea
Myokaiji Temple is a Nichiren Buddhist temple located in Shinkan, Katsuura City, Chiba Prefecture. Its official mountain name is Shoeizan, and its name means “a temple embraced by the wondrous sea,” reflecting its location on a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Founded in 1359 (Enbun 4) during the early Muromachi period, it is a historic temple that has served as a center of local faith for over 660 years.
History and Origins of Myokaiji Temple
Circumstances of Founding
Myokaiji Temple was founded in 1359 (Enbun 4) in Izumi, Katsuura, by Nichikai Shonin (5th abbot of Mobara Sobara-ji Temple). Its former head temple was Mobara Sobara-ji Temple (Minobu school), and it belongs to the Konishi lineage. Since its founding, Myokaiji Temple has attracted the faith of local residents who make their living from fishing, and has developed as a spiritual haven for people who live in harmony with the sea.
Connection with Nichiren Shonin
An essential part of the history of Myokaiji Temple is its deep connection with Nichiren Shonin. In 1258, Nichiren Shonin stayed in this area on his way to Jissoji Temple in Iwamoto, Fuji City. Records show that he performed eight days of prayers for protection against tsunamis in a small hall called “Nyoraido,” illustrating the strong ties between this region and the Nichiren sect.
Principal Image and Temple Treasures
The principal image of Myokaiji Temple is the Ten Realms Mandala, believed to have been handwritten by Nichiren Shonin himself. This mandala is an important object of worship in the Nichiren sect, and is deeply revered by parishioners and believers as a visual representation of the truth of the universe and the compassion of Buddha. Enshrined in the main hall, this principal image provides visitors with a serene space for prayer.
Principal Image and Temple Treasures
The principal image of Myokaiji Temple is the Ten Realms Mandala, believed to have been handwritten by Nichiren Shonin. This mandala is an important object of worship in the Nichiren sect, and is deeply revered by parishioners and believers as a visual representation of the truth of the universe and the compassion of Buddha. This principal image, enshrined in the main hall, provides visitors with a tranquil space for prayer. ## Location and Scenery of Myokaiji Temple
Spectacular Location
One of the greatest features of Myokaiji Temple is its location. Situated on a hill overlooking Katsuura Bay, the temple grounds offer a magnificent panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean. The clear, beautiful sea, often called “Japan’s Maldives,” stretches out before you, deeply impressing visitors.
On clear days, you can see all the way to the horizon, and the sight of the rising sun illuminating the sea is exceptional. The sea breeze blows through the grounds, and the sound of waves can be heard, making it an ideal place for visitors seeking tranquility and peace away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Temple Grounds
The temple grounds are meticulously maintained, with the main hall and other temple buildings neatly arranged. Upon passing through the temple gate, the magnificent main hall welcomes visitors. The view from the temple grounds changes with the seasons, offering fresh greenery in spring, a vibrant blue sea in summer, a beautiful sunset in the crisp autumn air, and the powerful spray of waves in winter. Throughout the year, one can experience both the beauty and harshness of nature.
Activities of Myokaiji Temple in the Modern Era
A Temple that Fulfills the Effort of “Living a Better Life”
The current head priest, Reverend Kyodo Sasaki, was born in Chiba Prefecture in 1977. After graduating from the Faculty of Buddhist Studies at Rissho University, he entered Myokaiji Temple. Currently, he is engaged in various activities exploring the possibilities of temples in the modern era, with the theme of “living a better life.”
While cherishing traditional temple activities, Reverend Sasaki actively undertakes new initiatives that meet the needs of modern society. He redefines the role of temples in the local community, based on three pillars: “being reliable,” “harmonizing mind and body,” and “fostering good connections.”
Workation and Coworking Space
One of Myokaiji Temple’s innovative initiatives is the provision of a coworking space suitable for workations. Leveraging its stunning location overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this facility provides a quiet and focused work environment for business travelers and creative individuals visiting Katsuura.
Working while overlooking the sea enhances creativity and effectively refreshes mind and body. With a reliable Wi-Fi environment, it offers a comfortable work environment despite being far from urban areas. This initiative is also being carried out in collaboration with the Katsuura City Tourism Association in Chiba Prefecture, contributing to regional revitalization.
Temple Lodging “Nami no Oto” (Sound of Waves)
Myokaiji Temple also operates the temple lodging “Nami no Oto.” Located in a renovated private house just below the temple gate, it offers a unique accommodation experience overlooking a small harbor, surrounded by the scent of salt.
At the temple lodging, guests can participate in morning services and engage in conversations with the head priest, offering experiences unique to a temple. Spending time away from daily life, listening to the sound of waves, provides a valuable opportunity for mental cleansing and self-reflection. Reservations can be made through temple lodging booking sites such as Terahaku, and it attracts many visitors from all over Japan.
Annual Events and Activities
Main Ceremonies and Events
At Myokaiji Temple, various ceremonies and events are held throughout the year, following the traditions of the Nichiren sect.
Oeshiki is one of the most important annual events, held around October 13th, the anniversary of Nichiren Shonin’s death. A lantern procession and memorial service are solemnly held, attracting many parishioners and believers.
Ohigan Memorial Services are held twice a year, in spring and autumn, for the remembrance of ancestors. During the Ohigan period, special prayers and memorial services are held in the main hall, allowing parishioners to renew their feelings of gratitude and remembrance for their ancestors.
In addition, seasonal events such as the Obon memorial service and the New Year’s Shusho-e are carefully observed.
Modern Events and Activities
In addition to traditional ceremonies, Myokaiji Temple also holds various events to meet modern needs. We conduct activities that convey Buddhist teachings in an easy-to-understand manner through Zen meditation sessions, sutra copying sessions, and Buddhist lectures.
We also actively engage in community exchange events and social contribution activities such as beach cleanups, fostering a positive connection with the local community as an “open temple.”
The Danka System and Support for Believers
Devotion as a Danka
Myokaiji Temple builds deep bonds with its believers through the danka system. By becoming a danka, believers can receive attentive support from the head priest in all aspects of Buddhist affairs, including funerals, memorial services, and ancestral worship.
Danka members receive regular announcements of memorial services and information through the temple newsletter. The head priest also provides compassionate support for consultations at life’s milestones and for everyday worries.
Services for Non-Danka Members
Myokaiji Temple is open to non-danka members as well. We accept people of all denominations for prayers, memorial services, and various consultations. We especially value creating an atmosphere where people can easily visit as a source of comfort, particularly during life’s turning points or when facing difficulties.
Access
Access by Train
The nearest station to Myokaiji Temple is Katsuura Station on the JR Sotobo Line.
From Tokyo:
- From JR Tokyo Station (Keiyo Line platform), take the Limited Express Wakashio to Katsuura Station (approximately 90 minutes).
- If using local trains, transfer to the Sotobo Line at Chiba Station (approximately 2 hours 30 minutes).
From Katsuura Station to Myokaiji Temple:
- Approximately 8 minutes by taxi (approximately 3 km), fare around 1,000 yen.
- Local buses are also available, but due to limited service, taxis are more convenient.
Access by Car
From Tokyo:
- Take the Keiyo Expressway → Tateyama Expressway → Ken-O Expressway (Ichihara Tsurumai IC) → National Route 297 → National Route 128 to Katsuura City.
- Travel time is approximately 90 minutes (depending on traffic conditions).
Parking:
- There is parking space for visitors on the temple grounds.
- Temporary parking may be provided during large events.
Address and Contact Information
Location: Shinkan, Katsuura City, Chiba Prefecture (Please check the official website for the exact address)
When visiting, we recommend checking the latest information on the official website beforehand. The official website also provides information on the schedule of memorial services and events, as well as the availability of temple lodgings.
The Charm and Significance of Visiting Myokaiji Temple
A Place to Harmonize Mind and Body
Modern society is an environment filled with information overload and stress. Myokaiji Temple offers an ideal place to escape from such daily life and harmonize mind and body. The tranquil environment overlooking the sea, the sound of waves, and the sea breeze—these natural elements heal the mind and body of visitors.
The quiet time spent in prayer in the main hall is a precious opportunity to confront oneself and reflect on one’s life. Through dialogue with the head priest, you can also experience Buddhist wisdom and gain hints for applying it to your daily life.
Connections with the Community
Myokaiji Temple has walked alongside the Katsuura community for over 660 years. It has a history of being close to the lives of the local people, who are centered around fishing, and sharing both their joys and sorrows.
Even today, the temple actively participates in local festivals and events, playing a central role in the local community. Visiting the temple allows you to experience the history, culture, and daily life of Katsuura.
Initiatives for the Future
Myokaiji Temple is a temple that, while preserving tradition, is not afraid of change in response to the times. It actively utilizes modern technology, such as a co-working space for workation, information dissemination via social media, and online delivery of Dharma talks.
These initiatives aim to convey the value of Buddhism and temples to younger generations, and to pass on faith and culture in new forms. The temple’s commitment to being a “reliable” place open to people of all generations is a major attraction.
Photo Gallery and Social Media
The beautiful scenery and daily life of Myokaiji Temple are shared on its official Instagram (@myo_kaiji). You can experience the charm of Myokaiji Temple through photographs of the stunning Pacific Ocean views, the temple grounds in each season, and scenes from events.
Checking social media before your visit allows you to learn about current events and other information, enabling you to plan a more fulfilling pilgrimage.
Summary – The Value Offered by Myokaiji Temple
Shoeizan Myokaiji Temple is more than just a historical building. With a history spanning over 660 years, it is a living place of faith that undertakes innovative initiatives to meet the needs of modern society.
Its breathtaking location overlooking the Pacific Ocean, its deep connection to Nichiren Shonin, its generous support for parishioners and believers, its strong ties to the local community, and its various activities supporting “living a better life”—all of these make Myokaiji Temple a special place.
Located approximately 90 minutes from Tokyo, yet completely detached from the hustle and bustle of the city, it offers a place to find inner peace and new insights. That is Myokaiji Temple.
Regardless of your religious beliefs, Myokaiji Temple is a place worth visiting when you are at a turning point in your life, seeking peace of mind, or exploring new ways of working or living. By listening to the sound of the waves and taking time to reflect on yourself, you can bring a new perspective and vitality to your daily life.
When you visit Katsuura, be sure to stop by Myokaiji Temple and experience the charm of a temple that lives in harmony with the sea. We recommend checking the latest information on their official website and social media before your visit.
