Genryuji Temple (Ogaki City, Gifu Prefecture) | Complete Guide to History, Access, Perpetual Memorial Services, and Visit Reservations
Genryuji Temple, located in Furumiya-cho, Ogaki City, Gifu Prefecture, is a historic temple belonging to the Shinshu Otani sect. It is a beloved place of faith rooted in the community, and also offers modern forms of memorial services such as perpetual memorial graves and tree burials. This article provides detailed information about Genryuji Temple, from its history to the cost of perpetual memorial services, access methods, and the process for making a visit reservation.
Basic Information about Genryuji Temple
Genryuji Temple is a Shinshu Otani sect temple located at 769 Furumiya-cho, Ogaki City, Gifu Prefecture. The nearest station is Mino-Aoyagi Station on the Yoro Railway Yoro Line (Kintetsu Yoro Line), and it is also accessible from Tomoe Station. Located in a quiet residential area of Ogaki City, it has long been a beloved center of faith and memorial services for the local community.
Location and Contact Information
- Address: 769 Furumiya-cho, Ogaki City, Gifu Prefecture
- Sect: Shinshu Otani-ha (Higashi Honganji-ha)
- Nearest Station: Mino-Aoyagi Station and Tomoe Station, Yoro Railway Yoro Line
- Region: Ogaki City, Gifu Prefecture
The Shinshu Otani-ha is a branch of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, founded by Shinran Shonin, and is a traditional sect with Higashi Honganji as its head temple. Genryuji Temple also adheres to this teaching, preaching salvation through the power of Amida Buddha’s vow.
History and Origin of Genryuji Temple
Regarding the founding date and detailed history of Genryuji Temple, it has a long history of maintaining faith in Furumiya-cho, Ogaki City, as a local temple. As a temple of the Shinshu Otani-ha, it has conveyed the teachings of Shinran Shonin to the community and has served as a spiritual anchor for its parishioners and local residents.
Ogaki City has long flourished as a transportation hub, and during the Edo period, it developed as a castle town of the Ogaki Domain. Genryuji Temple is one of the temples that has walked hand in hand with Ogaki’s history.
The Teachings of the Shinshu Otani School
The Shinshu Otani School, to which Genryuji Temple belongs, is a sect centered on the teaching of “reliance on the power of others.” It inherits the teachings of Shinran Shonin, who believed that everyone can be saved equally by believing in the power of Amida Buddha’s vow and chanting the Nembutsu. This teaching is based on the idea of equality, that all people can be saved regardless of their social status or education level.
How to Access Genryuji Temple
For those considering visiting Genryuji Temple, we provide detailed access information.
Access by Train
The nearest station is Mino-Aoyagi Station on the Yoro Railway Yoro Line (Kintetsu Yoro Line). Genryuji Temple is within walking distance from the station. It is also accessible from Tomoe Station.
- From Mino-Aoyagi Station: Approximately 10-15 minutes on foot
- From Tomoe Station: Approximately 15-20 minutes on foot
The Yoro Railway Yoro Line connects Ogaki Station and Kuwana Station and is an important means of transportation in the region. You can easily access Genryuji Temple by transferring to the Yoro Railway from Ogaki Station.
Access by Car
If you are visiting by car, the following routes are convenient:
- Meishin Expressway: Approximately 15 minutes from Ogaki IC
- Tokai-Kanjo Expressway: Approximately 20 minutes from Ogaki-Nishi IC
Please set your car navigation system to 769 Furumiya-cho, Ogaki City, Gifu Prefecture as your destination. It is recommended to check with the temple in advance regarding parking availability and capacity.
Public Transportation Information
Ogaki Station is a major station served by the JR Tokaido Main Line and the Yoro Railway Yoro Line. From Nagoya, take the Tokaido Main Line to Ogaki Station (approximately 30 minutes), then transfer to the Yoro Railway and travel to Mino-Aoyagi Station (approximately 10 minutes).
Costs for Genryuji Temple’s Perpetual Memorial Graves, Tree Burials, and Columbariums
In modern times, perpetual memorial graves, tree burials, and columbariums are gaining attention as alternatives to traditional family graves. Genryuji Temple also offers some of these modern memorial options.
What are Perpetual Memorial Graves?
Perpetual memorial graves are a type of grave where the temple provides perpetual memorial services and management. They are chosen by those without heirs or those who do not want to burden their children.
Benefits of Perpetual Memorial Graves:
- The temple provides perpetual management and memorial services.
- Often eliminates the need for a tombstone, reducing costs.
- Provides peace of mind even without a successor.
- Often does not require annual maintenance fees.
About Tree Burial
Tree burial is a nature-oriented burial method that uses a tree as a symbol instead of a tombstone. It has become increasingly popular in recent years due to growing environmental awareness.
Characteristics of Tree Burial:
- Based on the philosophy of returning to nature.
- Economical as there are no tombstone costs.
- Allows you to experience nature throughout the seasons.
- Often does not require a successor.
Options for Columbariums
A columbarium is a facility where cremated remains are kept indoors. A key feature is that visits are possible regardless of the weather.
Advantages of a Columbarium:
- Indoors, allowing visits regardless of weather
- Clean and well-maintained
- Easy to install even in urban areas
- Many facilities are barrier-free
Estimated Costs
The cost of perpetual memorial graves, tree burials, and columbariums varies depending on the type and duration of memorial service, and whether individual interment is included. General cost estimates are as follows:
- Perpetual Memorial Grave: Approximately 100,000 to 500,000 yen
- Tree Burial: Approximately 200,000 to 800,000 yen
- Columbarium: Approximately 300,000 to 1,000,000 yen
For specific costs, we recommend contacting Genryuji Temple directly. Costs may vary depending on the individual interment period and the content of the memorial service.
Booking a Visit to Genryuji Temple’s Perpetual Memorial Graves, Tree Burials, and Columbariums
If you are considering perpetual memorial services or tree burials at Genryuji Temple, we recommend visiting first. Visiting the temple in person allows you to assess its atmosphere, environment, and accessibility.
How to Book a Visit
- Contact by Phone or Email: First, contact Genryuji Temple and express your desire to visit.
- Schedule Adjustment: Determine a visit date that suits both the temple’s and your schedule.
- On the Day of Visit: Visit Genryuji Temple at the reserved time.
- Receive Explanation: Receive detailed explanations about perpetual memorial graves and tree burials from the head priest or staff.
- Questions and Answers: Ask any questions or clarify any doubts.
- Consideration: After the visit, discuss with your family and make a decision.
Points to Check During Your Visit
When visiting, it is recommended to check the following points.
- Location and Environment: Is it quiet and peaceful?
- Access: Is it easy for family members to visit regularly?
- Cleanliness of Facilities: Is it well-maintained?
- Cost Details: Initial costs, annual management fees, and any additional fees.
- Contents of Memorial Service: What kind of memorial service will be performed?
- Contract Details: Contract period, individual interment period, etc.
Flow of Interment at Genryuji Temple
This outlines the general process for using the perpetual memorial grave or columbarium at Genryuji Temple.
Step 1: Consultation and Visit
First, contact Genryuji Temple to schedule a consultation and visit. At this stage, you can communicate your desired memorial service type and budget to receive appropriate suggestions.
Step 2: Contract
After the visit, if you are satisfied, you will enter into a contract. The following documents may be required at the time of contract.
- Application Form
- Identification Document
- Burial Permit (if cremation has already taken place)
- Seal/Stamp
Step 3: Payment of Fees
Payment of the perpetual memorial service fee and interment fee is made at the time of contract or before interment. Please confirm payment methods with the temple.
Step 4: Scheduling the Interment Ceremony
The date of the interment ceremony is coordinated with the temple. In Buddhism, it is common to inter the ashes in conjunction with memorial services such as the 49th day or the first anniversary, but it is also possible to accommodate the family’s schedule.
Step 5: Interment Ceremony
The interment ceremony is held on the scheduled date and time. The head priest chants sutras and offers incense, and the remains are placed in the perpetual memorial grave or ossuary.
Step 6: Regular Memorial Services
After interment, the temple performs regular memorial services. Family members are also welcome to visit freely.
Genryuji Temple Facilities Information
We recommend checking the facilities of Genryuji Temple before visiting. Typical temple facilities include the following:
Basic Facilities
- Main Hall: A place for holding memorial services and Buddhist ceremonies.
- Guest Hall: May be available for meals after memorial services.
- Parking: Parking space for visitors.
- Restrooms: Facilities available for visitors.
Barrier-Free Accessibility
For elderly visitors and those using wheelchairs, it is advisable to check for barrier-free accessibility beforehand. Information such as the presence of steps, ramps, and wheelchair-accessible restrooms can be confirmed during your visit.
Recommended Points of Genryuji Temple
Here are some advantages of choosing Genryuji Temple.
A Traditional Temple of the Shinshu Otani School
Genryuji Temple is a traditional temple belonging to the Shinshu Otani School. You can receive respectful memorial services based on the teachings of Shinran Shonin.
A Peaceful Environment in Ogaki City
Located in a quiet residential area of Furumiya-cho, Ogaki City, Gifu Prefecture, you can visit in a peaceful environment. It is characterized by a tranquil atmosphere, far removed from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Convenient Access
It is within walking distance of the nearest Mino-Aoyagi Station, making it easily accessible by train. It is also conveniently located, approximately 15 minutes by car from the Ogaki Interchange.
A Temple Rooted in the Community
This temple has been deeply rooted in the Ogaki City community for many years, maintaining strong ties with local residents.
Finding Other Affordable Cemeteries in Ogaki City
Besides Genryuji Temple, there are several other temples and cemeteries in Ogaki City, Gifu Prefecture. We recommend comparing multiple options based on your budget and desired form of memorial service.
Major Temples and Cemeteries in Ogaki City
Ogaki City has temples of various denominations, including the Shinshu Otani sect. There are also several public and private cemeteries.
- Public Cemeteries: Cemeteries operated by the city, generally lower in cost.
- Private Cemeteries: Often open to all religions, offering a wide range of choices.
- Temple Cemeteries: Cemeteries managed by temples of various denominations.
Points to Reduce Costs
Here are some points to reduce the cost of perpetual memorial services and tree burials.
- Shorten the Individual Interment Period: The shorter the individual interment period, the lower the cost.
- Choose a Communal Interment Type: Communal interment from the start tends to be less expensive.
- Compare Multiple Temples: Visit multiple temples and cemeteries and compare costs and services.
- Don’t Be Too Obsessed with Location: Costs are generally lower in suburban areas than in urban centers.
Reviews and Reputation of Genryuji Temple’s Perpetual Memorial Graves, Tree Burials, and Columbariums
When choosing a temple, reviews and reputations from actual users are also helpful. Regarding Genryuji Temple’s reputation, you should check the following points.
Points to Check
- The attitude of the head priest and staff: Are they polite and kind?
- The condition of the facility: Is it kept clean?
- The thoroughness of the memorial service: Are regular memorial services held?
- Convenience of access: Is it actually easy to visit?
- Reasonableness of cost: Is the cost commensurate with the services provided?
How to find reviews
You can find reviews in the following ways:
- Online temple information websites
- Local bulletin boards and social media
- Information from acquaintances who have actually used the service
- Observe other users during your visit
However, reviews are only for reference. Ultimately, it is important to see for yourself.
We can also guide you to nearby temples and cemeteries
There are several other temples and cemeteries around Genryuji Temple. By comparing multiple options, you can find the most suitable place for memorial services.
Temples in and around Ogaki City
In addition to the Shinshu Otani sect, Ogaki City has temples of various other sects, including Jodo, Soto, and Rinzai. Each temple has its own unique history and characteristics, and the details of perpetual memorial graves and tree burials differ.
Options in Yoro Town and Kaizu City
Yoro Town and Kaizu City, adjacent to Ogaki City, also have temples offering perpetual memorial graves and tree burials. Considering accessibility and cost, it’s a good idea to explore a wider area.
Recommendation to Visit Multiple Locations
If possible, we recommend visiting multiple temples and cemeteries. Comparing them will clarify the differences in characteristics and costs, allowing you to make a more informed decision.
Memorial Services and Buddhist Rites at Genryuji Temple
At Genryuji Temple, in addition to using perpetual memorial graves and columbariums, various memorial services and Buddhist rites can also be held.
Main Types of Memorial Services
- Funeral: A ceremony to send off the deceased
- 49th Day Memorial Service: A memorial service held on the 49th day after death
- First Anniversary: A memorial service held one year after death
- Third Anniversary: A memorial service held two years after death (full 2 years)
- Seventh Anniversary: A memorial service held six years after death (full 6 years)
- Obon: A ceremony to welcome the spirits of ancestors
- Ohigan: A seven-day memorial service centered around the spring and autumn equinoxes
How to Apply for a Memorial Service
If you wish to hold a memorial service, please contact Genryuji Temple in advance to arrange a date. Please inform them of the content and scale of the service, the number of attendees, etc., and proceed with the preparations.
Characteristics of the Shinshu Otani School and Genryuji Temple
Let’s take a closer look at the Shinshu Otani School, to which Genryuji Temple belongs.
History of the Shinshu Otani School
The Shinshu Otani School is a branch of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, founded by Shinran Shonin. Its head temple is Higashi Honganji (Shinshu Honbyo) in Kyoto. During the Edo period, when Honganji split into East and West, the branch with Higashi Honganji as its head temple became the Shinshu Otani School.
Characteristics of its Doctrine
The central teaching of the Shinshu Otani School is “other-power vow.” This is the belief that salvation comes not from one’s own power (self-power), but from the vow of Amida Buddha (other-power). By chanting the Nembutsu, one expresses faith in Amida Buddha’s salvation and gratitude.
Characteristics of its Funeral Practices
Funeral practices in the Shinshu Otani School have characteristics that differ from other Buddhist sects.
- Attaining Buddhahood Immediately After Death: Unlike other sects that “wish for Buddhahood,” it is believed that one attains Buddhahood immediately after death through the power of Amida Buddha.
- Buddhist Name, Not a Buddhist Name: In Shin Buddhism, the term “Buddhist Name” is used instead of “Buddhist Name.”
- No Purification Salt Used: Because death is not considered a source of defilement, purification salt is not used.
Temple Culture in Gifu Prefecture and Genryuji Temple
Gifu Prefecture is a region where Buddhist culture has flourished since ancient times. Genryuji Temple also plays a part in this Buddhist culture of Gifu Prefecture.
Buddhist History in Gifu Prefecture
Gifu Prefecture has many historically important temples, including ancient temples in Hida Takayama and temples related to the Battle of Sekigahara. Ogaki City is also a region where Jodo Shinshu Buddhism has been popular since ancient times, and there are many Shinshu temples there.
Characteristics of Temples in Ogaki City
Ogaki City has a history of developing as a castle town, and a temple district characteristic of castle towns has been formed. Genryuji Temple is located within this historical temple layout of Ogaki.
Points to Note When Choosing Perpetual Memorial Services
There are several points to note when choosing perpetual memorial graves or tree burials.
Confirmation of Contract Details
Be sure to check the following points before signing a contract.
- Periodic Memorial Service Period: The definition of “perpetual” varies depending on the temple.
- Individual Interment Period: Confirm the period of individual interment.
- Timing of Joint Interment: Confirm when joint interment will occur.
- Presence of Additional Fees: Annual management fees, memorial service fees, etc.
- Cancellation Conditions: Is cancellation possible after signing the contract, and will there be a refund in that case?
Continuity of the Temple
It is important to consider whether the temple you are entrusting with perpetual memorial services will continue to operate in the future. You should check the following points.
- Temple history and size
- Number of parishioners and visitors
- Presence of successors
- Financial status (to the extent possible)
Consultation with family
Perpetual memorial services are an issue that involves family and relatives. It is recommended to consult thoroughly with family members before making a decision, rather than making a decision unilaterally.
Summary: For those considering memorial services at Genryuji Temple
Genryuji Temple, located in Furumiya-cho, Ogaki City, Gifu Prefecture, is a temple that preserves the traditions of the Shinshu Otani sect while also meeting the needs of modern people regarding perpetual memorial graves, tree burials, and columbariums.
If you are considering perpetual memorial services or interment at Genryuji Temple, it is recommended that you first make a reservation to visit the temple in person. By speaking directly with the head priest and staff, you can learn more about the costs, the details of the memorial services, and the atmosphere of the temple.
The temple is conveniently located within walking distance of Mino-Aoyagi Station on the Yoro Railway Yoro Line, and approximately 15 minutes by car from the Ogaki Interchange. If you are looking for a permanent memorial grave or tree burial in Ogaki City, Gifu Prefecture, please consider Genryuji Temple as one of your options.
Choosing a place to honor your loved ones is one of the most important decisions in life. We hope you will compare several options, discuss them thoroughly with your family, and make a choice that you are comfortable with. We hope that Genryuji Temple will become a place of solace for you, a place where you can entrust your loved ones’ memorials with peace of mind.
