Complete Guide to Kyukinji Temple (Miyagino-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture) | History, Access, and Funeral Information for a Jodo Sect Temple
Kyukinji Temple, located in Miyagino-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture, is a historic temple belonging to the Jodo sect. Conveniently located within walking distance of Tsutsujigaoka Station, it has long been a place of faith for local residents and a venue for funerals and memorial services. This article comprehensively introduces information useful for those considering a visit or seeking a funeral home, from basic information and access methods to details of the temple’s funeral hall and funeral information.
Basic Information about Kyukinji Temple
Location and Contact Information
Kyukinji Temple is located at 3-10-10 Higashikidomeoka, Miyagino-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture. While some sources list it as “3-10-10 Tsutsujigaoka,” the correct address is Higashikidomeoka. This area is close to the center of Sendai City and is known for its convenient transportation.
Basic Information:
- Sect: Jodo-shu (Pure Land Buddhism)
- Location: 3-10-10 Higashikidomeoka, Miyagino-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Normal Hours)
- Temple Funeral Hall: Available
- Parking: Space available for several cars
About Jodo-shu
Kuchikaji Temple belongs to the Jodo-shu sect, a Japanese Buddhist sect founded by Honen Shonin (1133-1212). It teaches that by chanting “Namu Amida Butsu,” one can attain rebirth in the Pure Land through the power of Amida Buddha’s vow. Jodo-shu temples enshrine Amida Buddha as their principal image, and religious activities center around chanting the Nembutsu.
At Kyūkinji Temple, Buddhist services and funerals are conducted based on the teachings of the Jōdo sect, and the temple functions as an open place not only for local parishioners but also for the general public.
Access and Transportation Information
Access by Train
Kyūkinji Temple is within walking distance of several train stations, making it very convenient to access by public transportation.
Main Access Routes:
- From JR Senseki Line “Tsutsujigaoka Station”:
- Approximately 3-4 minutes on foot
- This is the closest station, located immediately outside the station exit.
- It’s easiest to access by heading south after exiting the ticket gate.
- From Sendai City Subway Tozai Line “Miyagino-dori Station”:
- Approximately 7 minutes on foot
- A convenient route for subway users.
- Head east from the station.
- From JR Tohoku Main Line “Sendai Station”:
- Approximately 15-20 minutes on foot, or about 5 minutes by taxi.
- It’s easiest to start from the east exit of Sendai Station.
The convenient location near the station is a major advantage for those attending funerals and memorial services. Especially for relatives traveling from afar and elderly attendees, minimizing travel burden is a crucial point.
Access by Car and Parking Information
For those visiting by car, there are several parking spaces available at Kyūkinji Temple. However, if a large number of attendees are expected for funerals or memorial services, please note the following points as parking space is limited:
Parking Tips:
- Due to limited parking spaces, we recommend using public transportation whenever possible.
- For funerals and memorial services, we recommend checking parking availability with the temple in advance.
- There are coin-operated parking lots nearby; if the main parking lot is full, please use a nearby paid parking lot.
The temple is easily accessible from central Sendai and is conveniently located near major roads such as National Route 45 and the Sendai-Shiogama Prefectural Road.
Temple Funeral Hall Facilities and Features
About the Temple Funeral Hall
Kyukinji Temple has an attached temple funeral hall where funerals and memorial services can be held. A temple funeral hall is a funeral facility operated by a temple, referring to a place where funerals can be held in the main hall or a similar facility.
Advantages of a Temple Funeral Hall:
- A Funeral in a Religious Atmosphere
- You can remember the deceased in the sacred setting of a temple.
- A funeral held in the main hall creates a solemn and heartfelt atmosphere.
- Smooth Coordination with Priests
- As the funeral is held at a temple, the arrangement of priests is reliable, and chanting and sermons proceed smoothly.
- You can expect a respectful funeral service in accordance with the customs of the Jodo sect.
- Cost-Effective Advantages
- Venue usage fees may be lower compared to general funeral homes.
- Further preferential treatment may be available for temple parishioners.
- Easy Access
- Its location within walking distance of Tsutsujigaoka Station reduces the burden on attendees.
- It is also easily accessible from Sendai Station for attendees traveling from afar.
Funeral Formats and Available Plans
Kuchikaji Temple offers various funeral formats. In response to the increasing diversification of funerals in recent years, the following options are available:
Main Funeral Formats:
- Traditional Funeral
- A traditional format where the wake and funeral service are held over two days.
- Allows many attendees to mourn the deceased.
- Family Funeral
- A small-scale funeral held only with close relatives.
- Estimated cost: Approximately 349,000 yen and up (depending on the affiliated funeral home).
- A format that has seen increasing demand in recent years.
- One-Day Funeral
- A format that omits the wake and holds only the funeral service.
- Reduces the time and financial burden.
- Direct Cremation
- The simplest format, where only cremation takes place without a wake or funeral service.
- Estimated cost: Approximately 79,000 yen and up (depending on the affiliated funeral home).
- This option is increasingly chosen for economic reasons or according to the deceased’s wishes.
Actual funeral costs vary greatly depending on the chosen plan, the number of attendees, the size of the altar, and the number of floral tributes and offerings. For detailed estimates, we recommend contacting the temple or an affiliated funeral home directly.
Memorial Services and Rituals at Kyūkinji Temple
Annual Memorial Services
At Kyūkinji Temple, we can hold annual memorial services on the anniversary of the deceased’s death. In the Jōdo sect, the following annual memorial services are common:
- 7th day, 49th day, 100th day
- 1st anniversary, 3rd anniversary, 7th anniversary
- 13th anniversary, 17th anniversary, 23rd anniversary
- 27th anniversary, 33rd anniversary, 50th anniversary
Memorial services held in the main hall are an important opportunity to remember the deceased and for the bereaved family to find peace of mind. It is important to consult with the temple in advance regarding the date and preparations for the memorial service.
Other Memorial Services
Kyūkinji Temple may offer various memorial services in addition to annual memorial services.
- Perpetual Memorial Service: A memorial service for those without successors or those who do not wish to burden their descendants.
- Memorial Service for Stillborn Children: A memorial service for children who died due to miscarriage or stillbirth.
- Pet Memorial Service: A memorial service for pets that were part of the family (availability must be confirmed).
For details on these services and their availability, please contact the temple directly.
Funeral Knowledge and Procedures
Funeral Process and Preparations
When conducting a funeral at Kyūkinji Temple, the following is a general procedure.
1. From Death to Funeral
- After death, first contact a funeral home or temple.
- Transportation and placement of the body.
- Scheduling the funeral (checking the availability of the temple and crematorium).
- Selecting a funeral plan and obtaining an estimate.
2. Preparation for the Wake
- Deciding on the date and time of the wake (usually the day after or two days after death).
- Contacting attendees.
- Arranging the wake reception.
3. Funeral Service and Cremation
- Conducting the funeral service (generally the day after the wake).
- Departure of the coffin and transfer to the crematorium.
- Cremation and bone collection.
- First seven-day memorial service (often held earlier).
Breakdown of Funeral Expenses
Funeral expenses can be broadly categorized into the following three areas:
1. Basic Funeral Costs
- Altar, coffin, portrait photograph
- Venue usage fee
- Hearse, funeral vehicle
- Staff labor costs
2. Actual Costs
- Cremation fee
- Food and beverage costs
- Gifts of appreciation
- Floral tributes and offerings
3. Gratitude to Religious Officials
- Chanting fee (offering)
- Posthumous name fee
- Transportation and meal expenses
When a funeral is held at Kyūkinji Temple, the service will primarily be conducted by a Jōdo-shū Buddhist priest. The amount of the offering varies depending on the region and temple, but generally, it is estimated to be around 200,000 to 500,000 yen. However, this is only a reference value, and the actual amount will vary depending on the relationship with the temple and the scale of the funeral.
Post-Funeral Procedures
Various procedures are required even after the funeral.
Main Procedures:
- Filing of death certificate (obtaining cremation permit)
- Procedures for suspending pension payments
- Notification of loss of health insurance eligibility
- Inheritance-related procedures (estate division, inheritance tax return, etc.)
- Estate settlement
- Arrangements for scattering ashes, such as scattering at sea, if desired
These procedures are often complex and time-consuming, so consider consulting a specialist (administrative scrivener, judicial scrivener, tax accountant, etc.).
Temple Information in Miyagino Ward, Sendai City
Regional Characteristics of Miyagino Ward
Miyagino Ward is one of the five wards that make up Sendai City, and is located in the eastern part of Sendai, the central city of the Tohoku region. The Tsutsujigaoka area is close to the center of Miyagino Ward and is an area where residential and commercial areas are mixed.
Characteristics of Miyagino Ward:
- A rapidly developing area, including the Sendai Station East Exit area.
- Numerous historical parks and facilities, such as Tsutsujigaoka Park.
- Convenient transportation and high quality of life.
- An area with temples of diverse denominations.
Surrounding Temples and Religious Facilities
Miyagi Prefecture has nearly 900 temples, and Miyagino Ward also has many. Temples of various denominations, including Jodo-shu, Soto-shu, Shingon-shu Chizan-ha, Nichiren-shu, and Tendai-shu, are active in the community.
Kuchikaji Temple, in particular, is a Jodo-shu temple that focuses on Nembutsu faith. There are many other Jodo-shu temples in Sendai City, and mutual cooperation takes place through the network of denominations.
History and Origins of Kuchikaji Temple
Origins of the Temple
While detailed information on the founding date and founder of Kuchikaji Temple is limited, it has a long history of attracting followers in this area as a Jodo-shu temple. The temple’s name, “Hisachika,” likely carries the meaning of “being close to (the Buddha) for a long time,” expressing devotion to Amida Buddha, a core tenet of the Jodo sect of Buddhism.
Sendai City developed as a castle town built by Date Masamune, and many temples were established during this process. It is presumed that Hisachikaji Temple, within this historical context, has functioned as a spiritual pillar for the local people.
Connection with the Community
Hisachikaji Temple has played various roles not merely as a funeral home, but as an integral part of the local community. Through its ties with local residents via the danka system (parishioner system) and its role in preserving local culture through annual events, temples occupy an important position in the community.
In recent years, even as people tend to move away from temples, the role of temples as places of solace and spiritual support remains crucial. Hisachikaji Temple continues to preserve traditional Buddhist culture while adapting to changing times.
Points to Note and Manners When Using Kyūkinji Temple
Basic Manners When Visiting
When visiting a temple, it is important to observe the following basic manners.
Manners When Visiting:
- Observe opening hours (9:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
- Behave quietly on the temple grounds and refrain from loud conversations
- Remove your hat when entering the main hall
- Obtain permission before taking photographs
- When using the parking lot, be considerate of other users
Attire and Items to Bring When Attending a Funeral
When attending a funeral held at Kyūkinji Temple, please prepare appropriate attire and items.
Attire:
- Men: Black suit, white shirt, black tie, black shoes and socks
- Women: Black suit or dress, black stockings, black shoes
- Keep accessories minimal (wedding ring and pearl necklace are acceptable)
Items to Bring:
- Condolence money (placed in a condolence envelope)
- Prayer beads (For Jodo-shu, a double-strand prayer beads are formal, but those from other sects are also acceptable)
- Handkerchief (plain white or black)
- Furoshiki (for wrapping the condolence money)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I request a funeral even if I’m not a temple parishioner?
Many temples accept funerals even for non-parishioners. For information regarding Kyukinji Temple, we recommend contacting the temple directly. If you are not a parishioner, the amount of the offering may differ, and prior consultation may be necessary.
How far in advance do I need to book a funeral?
Funeral arrangements usually begin immediately after death. It’s important to contact the temple as soon as possible, as they need to check the availability of the temple’s funeral hall, the monks’ schedules, and the crematorium’s availability. In most cases, the funeral home will handle the coordination with the temple on your behalf.
How many parking spaces are there?
Kuchikaji Temple has several parking spaces, but during funerals and memorial services, the number of attendees can be large, and the parking lot may be full. We recommend using public transportation whenever possible. Its location, just a 3-4 minute walk from Tsutsujigaoka Station, makes it easily accessible by train.
Can I use the temple if I belong to a different sect than Jodo-shu?
Kuchikaji Temple is a Jodo-shu temple, so funerals are generally conducted according to Jodo-shu customs. Whether or not people of other sects can use the temple depends on the temple’s policy, so please inquire directly.
How much is the offering?
The amount of the offering varies depending on the scale of the funeral, local customs, and your relationship with the temple. As a general guideline, the cost of chanting sutras at a funeral is said to be around 200,000 to 500,000 yen, but this is only a reference value. The cost of a posthumous Buddhist name varies greatly depending on the rank of the name. For specific amounts, we recommend consulting with the temple or funeral home.
Is it possible to use only memorial services?
Yes, it is possible to use only memorial services, such as annual memorial services. Memorial services such as the 49th-day memorial service, the first anniversary, and the third anniversary can be held in the main hall. You will need to consult with the temple in advance regarding the date and preparations for the memorial service and make a reservation.
How are funeral arrangements being made during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Depending on the situation with COVID-19, there may be restrictions on the format of the funeral and the number of attendees. Funerals will be held with infection control measures in place, such as ventilation, disinfection, mask-wearing, and temperature checks for attendees. For the latest information, we recommend contacting the temple or funeral home directly.
Can I consult about funeral arrangements in advance?
Yes, pre-need consultations (advance consultations) are possible. Rather, it is recommended to think about and prepare for funerals when you have the time and mental space. By communicating your wishes for your funeral, obtaining cost estimates, and organizing necessary documents, you can reduce the burden on your surviving family.
Summary: Kyuchikaji Temple is a trustworthy temple rooted in the community
Kyuchikaji Temple, located in Miyagino Ward, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture, is a historic Jodo sect temple that has long attracted the faith of local people. It offers excellent access, being only a 3-4 minute walk from Tsutsujigaoka Station, a fully equipped temple funeral hall, and the ability to accommodate various funeral formats, providing facilities and services that meet modern needs.
For those considering funerals or memorial services, or those looking for a temple in Sendai City, Kyuchikaji Temple would be a strong option. It offers many advantages, including its proximity to the station, minimizing the burden on attendees, the opportunity to remember the deceased in the sacred setting of a temple, and the provision of respectful memorial services in accordance with the traditions of the Jodo sect.
A funeral is an important milestone in life and a crucial ceremony for sending off the deceased. While cost and formalities are important, the most crucial thing is to sincerely remember the deceased and send them off in a way that brings comfort to the bereaved family. At Kyūkinji Temple, funerals and memorial services are conducted with such sentiments in mind.
For specific consultations and estimates, we recommend contacting Kyūkinji Temple directly or consulting through one of our affiliated funeral homes. Many funeral homes offer 24/7 consultation services, ensuring that you can seek advice even in urgent situations.
We hope that Kyūkinji Temple will be a place of peace and solace for you and your family, and that you will choose it as the place to say goodbye to your loved one.
