Dengyo-ji Temple (Chuo-ku, Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture) Complete Guide: Features, Access, and Cost Information for Perpetual Memorial Graves
Located in the temple district of Chuo-ku, Niigata City, Dengyo-ji Temple is a historic temple belonging to the Shinshu Otani sect. In recent years, it has opened a perpetual memorial grave that accepts people of all denominations, attracting attention from those considering perpetual memorial services in Niigata City. This article comprehensively introduces all the information necessary for choosing a grave, from basic information about Dengyo-ji Temple to details about the perpetual memorial grave, access methods, and costs.
Basic Information about Dengyo-ji Temple
Location and Access
Address
1605, Nishibori-dori 9-bancho, Chuo-ku, Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture 951-8061
Phone Number
025-225-1856
Sect
Shinshu Otani-ha (Higashi Honganji-ha)
Corporate Number
1110005001337
Dengyo-ji Temple is located in the temple district of Chuo-ku, Niigata City, along Nishibori-dori. This area is a historical district with many temples and is easily accessible from the center of Niigata City.
Detailed Access Information
Access by Bus
- Approximately 3 minutes on foot (approx. 200m) from the Niigata Kotsu Bus “Nishibori-dori Hachibancho” bus stop.
- The bus stop is located along Nishibori-dori; after alighting, walk north.
- Approximately 15-20 minutes by bus from Niigata Station.
Access by Train
- Approximately 15 minutes on foot (approx. 1.2km) from JR Echigo Line “Hakusan Station”.
- Approximately 5 minutes by train from Niigata Station to Hakusan Station.
Access by Car
- Approximately 10 minutes by car from Niigata Station.
- Approximately 20 minutes from Hokuriku Expressway “Niigata Nishi IC”.
- Located along Nishibori-dori; paid parking is available nearby.
Location Characteristics
Nishibori-dori is a major road running north-south through the center of Niigata City and has long flourished as a center of commerce and culture. The Teramachi area, where Dengyo-ji Temple is located, has been home to many temples since the Edo period and is characterized by its quiet and peaceful atmosphere. Despite being located in an urban area, it maintains an environment suitable for worship.
History and Characteristics of Dengyo-ji Temple
As a Temple of the Shinshu Otani School
Dengyo-ji Temple belongs to the Shinshu Otani School (Higashi Honganji School). The Shinshu Otani School is a branch of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, with Shinran Shonin as its founder and Higashi Honganji Temple in Kyoto as its head temple. It teaches that salvation is attained by chanting “Namu Amida Butsu” and believing in the original vow of Amida Buddha.
Historical Background of the Teramachi Area
The Teramachi area in Chuo Ward, Niigata City, is a region where temples were gathered as part of the urban planning of Niigata Town during the Edo period. Many temples were relocated and consolidated in this area for fire prevention, disaster prevention, and town planning purposes. Even today, temples of various sects line the streets from Nishibori Street to Honcho Street, conveying Niigata’s history and culture to the present day.
Historical Background of the Teramachi Area
The Teramachi area in Chuo Ward, Niigata City, is a region where temples were gathered as part of the urban planning of Niigata Town during the Edo period. Many temples were relocated and consolidated in this area for fire prevention, disaster prevention, and town planning purposes. Even today, temples of various sects line the streets from Nishibori Street to Honcho Street, preserving Niigata’s history and culture.
Dengyo-ji Temple occupies a corner of this historic temple district and has served as a center of local faith, a spiritual haven for people for many years.
Features of Dengyo-ji Temple’s Perpetual Memorial Grave
What is a Perpetual Memorial Grave?
A perpetual memorial grave is a grave where the temple or cemetery provides perpetual memorial services and management. It is chosen by those without heirs, those who do not want to burden their children, and those who find it difficult to manage a grave.
A major feature of Dengyo-ji Temple’s perpetual memorial grave is that, despite being a Shinshu Otani sect temple, it is available to people of all sects. Anyone can apply with peace of mind.
Format of a Joint Grave (Communal Burial Grave)
Dengyo-ji Temple’s perpetual memorial grave adopts the format of a joint grave (communal burial grave). This type of burial plot, where multiple people are interred in a single grave, offers the following advantages:
Advantages
- Lower costs compared to individual graves
- No need to purchase a tombstone or maintain a cemetery plot
- The temple provides perpetual memorial services and management
- Available to all denominations
- No need for a grave successor
Recommended for those who:
- Have no heirs or do not want to burden their children
- Live far away and find it difficult to visit graves
- Want to perform memorial services at a lower cost
- Want to perform memorial services for family members of different denominations together
- Want to prepare a grave during their lifetime
Facility and Equipment Features
Dengyo-ji Temple’s perpetual memorial grave is located on the grounds of a Shinshu Otani sect temple. Memorial services can be held in the main hall, allowing you to remember your loved ones in the atmosphere of a traditional Buddhist temple.
Main Facilities
- Main Hall: Available for memorial services and Buddhist ceremonies
- Perpetual Memorial Grave: Located within the temple grounds
- Worship Space: A comfortable environment for worship
- Water Source: Facilities for offering flowers
Despite its convenient location in the city center, it offers a tranquil environment in a temple district, providing a peaceful setting for worship.
About the Costs and Fees of Perpetual Memorial Graves
Basic Fee Structure
The fees for perpetual memorial graves generally consist of the following elements:
- Perpetual Memorial Service Fee: Cost of perpetual memorial services and management
- Interment Fee: Fee for interment
- Engraving Fee: Cost for engraving names on the tombstone or plaque (optional)
- Annual Management Fee: Generally not required (included in the perpetual memorial service fee)
For specific pricing information regarding the perpetual memorial graves at Dengyo-ji Temple, we recommend contacting the temple directly. Fees may vary depending on the type of interment, the number of people, and optional services.
How to Inquire About Fees
Inquiries by Phone
025-225-1856 (Dengyo-ji Temple)
Points to Confirm When Inquiring
- Total amount of perpetual memorial service fee
- Number of people who can be interred
- Whether there are additional fees
- Payment method (lump sum payment, installment payments available)
- Whether pre-need application is possible and the conditions for it
- Procedures for reburial (moving a grave)
- Cost of annual memorial services (if desired)
Comparison with Other Perpetual Memorial Graves
While there are several perpetual memorial graves in Niigata City, Dengyo-ji Temple has the following distinguishing features:
- Convenient Location: Located in the city center, a 3-minute walk from the bus stop
- All Sects Accepted: Although a Shinshu Otani sect temple, it is available to anyone
- Temple Memorial Service: A historic temple provides perpetual memorial services
- Temple Town Environment: Quiet and peaceful atmosphere
How to Use and Apply for a Perpetual Memorial Grave
From Visit and Consultation to Contract
1. Visit Reservation
First, make a reservation for a visit by phone or email. It’s important to actually visit the site to check the atmosphere and facilities.
2. Site Visit
- Confirmation of the location and style of the perpetual memorial grave
- Atmosphere of the main hall and temple grounds
- Surrounding environment and access
- Parking and ease of visitation
3. Detailed Explanation and Consultation
- Details of the fee structure
- Contract details and memorial service methods
- Procedure for interment
- How memorial services are conducted
4. Application and Contract
Once you are satisfied with the details, proceed with the formal application process. Please follow the temple’s instructions regarding necessary documents and procedures.
Interment Process
Required Documents
- Cremation Permit (Burial Permit)
- Reburial Permit (if moving from another grave)
- Contract Documents
- Identification Document
On the Day of Interment
- Bring the cremated remains (in the urn, or if pulverized)
- Conduct the interment ceremony (if desired)
- Interment in the perpetual memorial grave
- Bow and pray
About Pre-Need Applications
Many perpetual memorial graves allow pre-need applications (pre-need contracts). Preparing your own grave in advance offers the following advantages:
- You can choose your own method of memorialization
- Reduce the burden on your family
- Plan and prepare expenses systematically
- Enjoy peace of mind in your later years
Please contact Dengyo-ji Temple directly regarding the possibility and conditions of pre-need applications.
About Visiting Graves and Memorial Services
How to Visit a Grave
In the case of a communal grave, there are no individual gravestones, but you can visit at any time.
Basic Principles of Visiting
- Wash your hands and purify yourself
- Offer flowers and incense (follow the temple’s regulations)
- Bow and pray, remembering the deceased
- Offer a quiet prayer
Visiting Hours
Generally, visits are possible during the daytime. For early morning or late-night visits, please check with the temple in advance.
About Memorial Services
In perpetual memorial graves, the temple holds regular communal memorial services, but it is possible to request individual memorial services separately if desired.
Main Memorial Services
- First Anniversary (1st year)
- Third Anniversary (2nd year)
- Seventh Anniversary (6th year)
- Thirteenth Anniversary (12th year)
- Other milestone anniversaries
For information on how to conduct memorial services and the associated costs, please contact Dengyo-ji Temple directly.
Regarding Reburial (Moving a Grave)
Moving from an Existing Grave to Dengyo-ji Temple
Moving remains currently interred in another cemetery or ossuary to the perpetual memorial grave at Dengyo-ji Temple is called “reburial.”
Main Reasons for Relocating a Grave
- The grave is far away and difficult to manage
- The maintenance costs of the cemetery are a burden
- There is no successor
- I want to move to a more convenient location
Procedure for Relocating a Grave
- Consult with the Current Cemetery Administrator
Inform them of your intention to relocate and confirm the necessary procedures.
- Obtain a Relocation Permit
- Apply at the municipal office where the current cemetery is located
- A burial certificate (issued by the current cemetery administrator) is required
- A certificate of acceptance (issued by Dengyo-ji Temple) is required
- Closing Ceremony (Removal of Soul)
Perform this before removing the remains from the current cemetery.
- Removal and Transportation of Remains
This can be entrusted to a professional company.
- Interment at Dengyo-ji Temple
Opening Ceremony (Reception of Soul) and Interment Ceremony
Grave Closure and Perpetual Memorial Service
Removing an existing grave and moving the remains to a perpetual memorial grave is called “grave closure.” In recent years, more and more people are choosing this option to reduce the burden of management and to solve the problem of succession.
Costs of closing a grave
- Offering for closing the grave: Approximately 30,000 to 100,000 yen
- Removal of gravestone and clearing of the land: Approximately 100,000 to 150,000 yen per square meter
- Removal of remains: Several tens of thousands of yen
- Obtaining a reburial permit: Several hundred to several thousand yen
- Cost of a new perpetual memorial grave: Varies depending on the temple
Environment and facilities around Dengyo-ji Temple
Charm of the Teramachi area
The Teramachi area, where Dengyo-ji Temple is located, is a region where you can feel the history and culture of Niigata City.
Major Temples in the Surrounding Area
- A variety of temples belonging to different sects, including Jodo Shinshu, Soto Zen, and Nichiren Buddhism, line the streets.
- Many temples possess historical buildings and cultural assets.
- A quiet and peaceful atmosphere.
Nearby Facilities
- Furumachi Shopping Street: Within walking distance, a traditional commercial area of Niigata.
- Hakusan Shrine: A shrine known as the guardian shrine of Niigata.
- Niigata City History Museum Minatopia: Approximately 10 minutes by car.
- Various restaurants and cafes.
What to Do After Visiting the Graves
After visiting the graves at Dengyo-ji Temple, you can also visit nearby facilities.
Recommended Spots
- Furumachi: Take a break at a long-established Japanese confectionery shop or restaurant.
- Hakusan Shrine: Visit and stroll around.
- Along the Shinano River: Enjoy a walk and seasonal scenery.
- Niigata City Center: Shopping and dining.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Sects
Q: Can I use this service even if I am not a Shinshu Otani sect member? **
A: Yes, Dengyo-ji Temple’s perpetual memorial grave is open to all denominations. It can be used by people of any denomination, including those with no religious affiliation.
Q: Can I have memorial services for other denominations?
A: Generally, memorial services will be conducted in the style of the Shinshu Otani sect, but please consult the temple for details.
Regarding Costs
Q: Is an annual maintenance fee required?
A: For perpetual memorial graves, an annual maintenance fee is generally not required. The maintenance fee is included in the perpetual memorial fee.
Q: Is installment payment possible?
A: Please contact the temple directly regarding payment methods.
Regarding Interment
Q: How many people can be interred?
A: For communal graves, there is generally no limit on the number of people, but this may vary depending on the contract. Please check with the temple for details.
Q: Can only a portion of the remains be interred? **
A: In many cases, it is possible to inter cremated remains in a divided portion. Please consult with the temple regarding the procedures.
Q: Can I be interred with my pet?
A: The policy regarding pet interment varies depending on the temple. Please check in advance.
Access and Visiting Information
Q: Is there parking available?
A: Please inquire in advance regarding the temple’s dedicated parking space. There are also paid parking lots in the surrounding area.
Q: Is a reservation required for a visit?
A: We recommend making a reservation in advance to ensure we can accommodate you.
Q: Is there a fee for a visit?
A: Visits and consultations are generally free of charge.
Summary: Points to Consider When Choosing Dengyo-ji Temple’s Perpetual Memorial Grave
Dengyo-ji Temple’s perpetual memorial grave is chosen by many people for the following reasons:
Main Features
- Excellent Location
Located in the central part of Niigata City, along Nishibori Street, with excellent access. Conveniently located just a 3-minute walk from the bus stop. 2. No Sect Restrictions
Although it is a Shinshu Otani sect temple, it is open to everyone.
- Peace of Mind with Perpetual Memorial Services
A historic temple will provide perpetual memorial services and management.
- Cost-Effective Benefits
Lower costs compared to individual graves, and no annual maintenance fees.
- No Successor Required
Peace of mind even without an heir to the grave. No burden on children.
- Temple Town Environment
A quiet environment steeped in history and culture, allowing for peaceful worship.
Recommended for those who:
- Are looking for an easily accessible perpetual memorial grave in Niigata City
- Have no successor to their grave, or do not want to burden their children
- Want perpetual memorial services at a low cost
- Are looking for a temple cemetery that can be used regardless of religious sect
- Want to prepare a grave in advance
- Are considering relocating from an existing grave
Next Steps
If you are interested in the perpetual memorial graves at Dengyo-ji Temple, we recommend making a reservation for a visit first.
Contact Information
Dengyo-ji Temple
Phone: 025-225-1856
Address: 1605, Nishibori-dori 9-bancho, Chuo-ku, Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture
Visiting the site in person, experiencing the atmosphere, and receiving detailed explanations will allow you to make a more informed decision. A grave is the final resting place in life, a precious place where those left behind will pay their respects with heartfelt devotion. We recommend carefully considering your options to make the best choice for yourself and your family.
Located in the historic Teramachi area of Chuo Ward, Niigata City, Dengyo-ji Temple offers a safe and secure environment for perpetual memorial services. Why not pay a visit sometime?
