Complete Guide to Myogo-ji Temple (Miyagi Prefecture), a Honmon Butsuryu Sect Temple | History, Access, and Visiting Information
Located in Mukaiyama, Taihaku-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture, Myogo-ji Temple, a Honmon Butsuryu Sect temple, practices the Lotus Sutra based on the teachings of Nichiren Shonin. This article provides a comprehensive overview of Myogo-ji Temple, including its history, the characteristics of the Honmon Butsuryu Sect, detailed access information, visiting information, and even how to consult about funerals and memorial services.
Basic Information on Myogo-ji Temple
Myogo-ji Temple is one of Miyagi Prefecture’s leading temples belonging to the Honmon Butsuryu Sect. Located in the Mukaiyama district, close to the center of Sendai City, it has long been a center of faith for many believers and visitors.
Location and Contact Information
- Address: 4-30-20 Mukaiyama, Taihaku-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture 982-0841
- Phone Number: 022-223-8726
- Sect: Honmon Butsuryu-shu
- Mountain Name: Shinkyozan
- Temple Name: Myogo-ji Temple
- Chief Priest: Reverend Kyoyo Kondo
Myogo-ji Temple accepts consultations regarding funerals and memorial services from both believers and non-believers. Please feel free to contact us at the above phone number if you have any concerns.
History and Background of Myogo-ji Temple
The history of Myogo-ji Temple dates back to the early Showa period. We introduce the temple’s journey, which has continued to support local faith while changing locations with the times.
From its establishment in 1929 to the present day
In 1929 (Showa 4), Myogo-ji Temple was established as a branch temple of Josen-ji Temple, a Honmon Butsuryu-shu temple in Tokyo. This marked the beginning of Myogo-ji Temple. Initially, the temple was located in Higashi-Yonbancho, Aoba-ku, Sendai City. Higashi-Yonbancho was close to Sendai Station and situated in the heart of Sendai.
However, with the changing times and urban development, the environment surrounding the temple changed significantly. Against this backdrop, Myogo-ji Temple relocated to its current location in Mukoyama, Taihaku-ku, Sendai City, and began a new chapter in its history. The Mukoyama area is located in the southern part of Sendai City and has developed as a residential area.
On October 1, 1952 (Showa 27), it was officially registered as a religious corporation and continues to support local faith as an important base for the Honmon Butsuryu-shu sect in Miyagi Prefecture to this day.
Relationship with the Honmon Butsuryu Sect
Myōgo-ji Temple is a temple within the Honmon Butsuryu Sect, faithfully adhering to its teachings while conducting missionary activities. The Honmon Butsuryu Sect is a Nichiren-based sect with approximately 260 temples nationwide, and Myōgo-ji Temple is one of its important bases in the Tohoku region.
What is the Honmon Butsuryu Sect? Its Characteristics and Teachings
This section provides a detailed explanation of the origins and characteristics of the Honmon Butsuryu Sect to which Myōgo-ji Temple belongs.
History of the Honmon Butsuryu Sect
The Honmon Butsuryu Sect is a Nichiren-based sect that inherits the teachings of Nichiren Shonin. It was founded in 1861 by Nagamatsu Seifū (Nichisen Shonin). Nichisen Shonin studied Nichiren Shonin’s teachings more deeply and established his own unique doctrine that emphasizes the “Eight Chapters of the Honmon.”
The name “Butsuryu” in Honmon Butsuryu-shu means “the Buddha stands,” representing the vibrant and active application of Buddhist teachings in everyday life.
Practice of Lotus Sutra Faith
In Honmon Butsuryu-shu, the Lotus Sutra is considered the fundamental scripture, with particular emphasis placed on the latter half of the sutra, known as the “Honmon.” It teaches that by chanting the title “Nam Myoho Renge Kyo” in daily life, anyone can approach the state of Buddhahood.
The following are some of the characteristics of the practice of faith:
- Okō: Regular Buddhist services held at temples or in the homes of believers
- Gokankin: Buddhist chanting performed by monks during visits to believers’ homes
- Daily Service: Practice of faith through morning and evening services
- Genshō Rikaku: A teaching that emphasizes happiness in this world
Health and Faith
In the Honmon Butsuryu sect, health of mind and body and faith are considered to be closely related. There is a teaching that chanting the sacred title stabilizes the mind, which in turn leads to physical health. Myōgo-ji Temple also holds various services to pray for the physical and mental health of its believers.
How to Access Myōgo-ji Temple
This section provides detailed information on how to access Myōgo-ji Temple, located in Mukaiyama, Taihaku-ku, Sendai City, using both public transportation and by car.
Access by Subway
The nearest station is Atagobashi Station on the Sendai City Subway Namboku Line.
- Access on Foot from Atagobashi Station
- Approximately 15 minutes on foot from Atagobashi Station to Myogo-ji Temple
- Exit the station and head southwest towards the Mukaiyama area.
- Myogo-ji Temple is located beyond the residential area.
Atagobashi Station is approximately 5 minutes from Sendai Station by the Namboku Subway Line, making it easily accessible from central Sendai.
Access by Bus
If using Sendai City Buses:
- From Sendai Station West Exit Bus Pool
- Take a bus route that goes via Aoba-dori
- Board a bus bound for “Mukaiyama” or “Higashi-Nibanchō”
- A few minutes’ walk from the nearest bus stop
Please check the Sendai City Transportation Bureau’s official website for bus schedules and frequencies.
Access by Car
If visiting by car:
- Approximately 10 minutes from central Sendai
- Approximately 15 minutes from Sendai Minami Interchange
- Please inquire with the temple in advance regarding parking availability (Tel: 022-223-8726)
Access Map
The exact location of Myogo-ji Temple can be found using various map apps and services by searching for “Honmon Butsuryu-shu Shinkyozan Myogo-ji” or the address “4-30-20 Mukaiyama, Taihaku-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture”.
About Visiting, Memorial Services, and Funerals at Myogo-ji Temple
Myogo-ji Temple accepts various religious events and consultations.
Daily Visits
Anyone can visit Myogo-ji Temple. As a temple of the Honmon Butsuryu-shu sect, you can quietly put your hands together in prayer and chant the mantra “Namu Myoho Renge Kyo” within the temple grounds.
Please note the following when visiting the temple:
- Please be quiet within the temple grounds.
- Please obtain permission before taking photographs.
- We recommend checking the visiting hours in advance.
Consultation on Memorial Services
Myogo-ji Temple holds the following types of memorial services:
- Annual Memorial Services: First anniversary, third anniversary, seventh anniversary, etc.
- Monthly Memorial Services: Memorial services held on the monthly anniversary of the deceased’s death.
- Special Memorial Services: During O-Higan (autumn equinox), O-Bon (Buddhist festival), etc.
- Prayer Services: For family safety, business prosperity, recovery from illness, etc.
Consultations regarding memorial services are accepted by phone or by visiting the temple directly. We will carefully explain the schedule and details.
Consultation on Funerals
Myogo-ji Temple accepts consultations regarding funerals for both believers and non-believers. This is one of the distinctive features of Myogo-ji Temple.
Funeral-related consultation topics:
- Funeral format (funeral based on the customs of the Honmon Butsuryu sect)
- Funeral scheduling
- Funeral scale and cost
- Regarding posthumous Buddhist names
- Regarding subsequent memorial services
Even in the case of a sudden bereavement, please contact us first by phone (022-223-8726). Our experienced head priest will provide careful and attentive support, empathizing with the feelings of the bereaved family.
Regarding Goshuin (temple stamps)
Honmon Butsuryu sect temples have a unique worship culture that differs from that of typical shrines and temples. Regarding Goshuin, the procedures may vary depending on the temple, so please inquire directly if you wish to receive one.
Myogo-ji Temple Grounds and Facilities
Located in a residential area of Mukaiyama, Taihaku-ku, Sendai City, Myogo-ji Temple is a place where one can practice their faith in a quiet environment.
Atmosphere of the Temple Grounds
The Mukaiyama area is located in the southern part of Sendai City and has developed as a residential area. Despite being located in a residential area, Myogoji Temple maintains a tranquil atmosphere.
The temple grounds include:
- Main Hall: The central building where religious services and prayers are held
- Guest Hall: A facility used for gatherings and consultations of believers
- Other Facilities: Facilities for visitors
For more detailed information and photos of the temple grounds, please visit Myogoji Temple’s official website (https://myougoji.com/).
Cultural Properties and Highlights
Myogoji Temple was built in the early Showa period, making it relatively new compared to ancient temples. However, as an important temple that conveys the faith of the Honmon Butsuryu sect, it possesses significant religious and cultural value.
Surrounding Area and Nearby Shrines and Temples
There are many other temples and shrines in the Mukaiyama area of Taihaku Ward, Sendai City, where Myogoji Temple is located.
Characteristics of the Mukaiyama Area
The Mukaiyama area is a residential area located south of central Sendai City and close to the Hirose River. While situated in a tranquil environment, it offers excellent access to central areas such as Sendai Station and Aoba-dori.
Nearby Temples and Shrines
Sendai has numerous temples and shrines, which can be visited in conjunction with Myogo-ji Temple:
- Osaki Hachimangu Shrine: A representative shrine of Sendai designated as a National Treasure
- Zuihoden: The mausoleum of Date Masamune
- Rinno-ji Temple: A Rinzai Zen temple located in Aoba-ku, Sendai City
Visiting these temples and shrines allows you to experience Sendai’s rich religious culture.
Nationwide Network of Honmon Butsuryu-shu
Myogo-ji Temple, as a temple of the Honmon Butsuryu-shu sect, forms a network with temples throughout Japan.
Honmon Butsuryu-shu Temples Nationwide
The Honmon Butsuryu-shu sect has approximately 260 temples nationwide, each serving as a center of local faith. Major temples include:
- Yūsei-ji Temple (Kyoto Prefecture): The head temple of the Honmon Butsuryu sect
- Jōsen-ji Temple (Tokyo): The main temple of Myōgo-ji Temple
- In addition, temples are scattered throughout Japan, from Hokkaido to Kyushu.
Collaboration with the Head Office
The Honmon Butsuryu sect has a Head Office that oversees all temples nationwide. Myōgo-ji Temple also works in cooperation with the Head Office to spread the teachings of the sect.
Latest Information and Announcements from Myōgo-ji Temple
Myōgo-ji Temple regularly holds various events and activities.
Regular Events
As a temple of the Honmon Butsuryu sect, the following regular events are held:
- Monthly Service: A regular monthly service
- Obon Service: A special service during the Obon period in August
- Higan Service: A service held around the spring and autumn equinoxes
- Year-End and New Year Events: New Year’s Eve bell ringing, New Year’s prayer service, etc.
How to Obtain Information
The latest information on Myogoji Temple can be obtained in the following ways:
- Official Website: https://myougoji.com/
- Telephone Inquiries: 022-223-8726
- Direct Visit: Check the temple’s bulletin board, etc.
Event dates and content may change, so please check in advance if you wish to participate.
How to Contact Myogoji Temple
Inquiries and consultations to Myogoji Temple are accepted in the following ways:
Contact by Phone
Phone Number: 022-223-8726
We accept inquiries regarding the following:
- Consultations regarding funerals and memorial services
- Inquiries regarding temple visits
- Information about the teachings of Honmon Butsuryu-shu
- Other general questions about the temple
Direct Visit
You can also visit the temple directly. However, the head priest may be absent, so for important consultations, we recommend contacting us by phone in advance.
Address: 4-30-20 Mukaiyama, Taihaku-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture 982-0841
Information Gathering from the Website
The official website of Myogoji Temple (https://myougoji.com/) provides basic information about the temple and a detailed explanation of Honmon Butsuryu-shu.
The Position of Honmon Butsuryu-shu in Miyagi Prefecture
Myogoji Temple plays an important role as a representative temple of Honmon Butsuryu-shu in Miyagi Prefecture.
Missionary Activities in the Tohoku Region
In the Tohoku region, there are relatively few temples of the Honmon Butsuryu-shu sect, and Myogo-ji Temple serves as a center of faith in the Tohoku region, primarily in Miyagi Prefecture. Located in Sendai City, the largest city in Tohoku, it welcomes worshippers and those seeking consultation from a wide area.
Engagement with the Local Community
Myogo-ji Temple values its connection with the local community, not merely as a religious institution. It aims to be an open temple, serving as a spiritual haven for local residents and a consultation center during life’s turning points.
Summary: The Significance of Visiting Myogo-ji Temple
Since its establishment in 1929 (Showa 4), Shinkyo-zan Myogo-ji Temple of the Honmon Butsuryu-shu sect has continued to serve as a center of Lotus Sutra faith in Miyagi Prefecture. Beginning as a branch temple of Josen-ji Temple in Tokyo, it has maintained its unwavering faith while moving locations from Higashi-Yonbancho in Aoba Ward to its current location in Mukaiyama in Taihaku Ward.
It is easily accessible from central Sendai City, within walking distance of Atagobashi Subway Station, and also accessible by bus. Myogo-ji Temple is a welcoming temple deeply rooted in the community, accepting consultations regarding funerals and memorial services not only from believers but also from non-believers.
For those who wish to learn and practice the Lotus Sutra faith based on the teachings of Nichiren Shonin, those who desire memorial services at a temple at important life events, or those who wish to learn about the Honmon Butsuryu-shu sect, Myogo-ji Temple is a valuable place.
Why not visit Myogo-ji Temple, located in the quiet residential area of Mukaiyama, and take some time to quietly offer your prayers? If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us by phone at 022-223-8726.
