Complete Guide to Kakurinji Temple (Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture) | Rennyo-san of Mukoyama, Associated with Rennyo Shonin
Located in Suehiro-cho, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture, Kakurinji Temple is a Jodo Shinshu Honganji sect temple founded during the Muromachi period due to its deep connection with Rennyo Shonin. Affectionately known locally as “Rennyo-san of Mukoyama,” it has attracted the faith of the people of Kanazawa for over 500 years. This article provides a detailed introduction to Kakurinji Temple, including its history, highlights, access methods, and surrounding tourist attractions.
History and Origin of Kakurinji Temple
Founded in Bunmei 3 (1471)
The history of Kakurinji Temple dates back to Bunmei 3 (1471). It began when Rennyo Shonin, known as the restorer of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, was on a pilgrimage to the Hokuriku region, and the eighth abbot, Keito Daishi, received a handwritten six-character name and a wooden statue he had created himself from the Shonin. These precious gifts are still carefully preserved as temple treasures. ### Temple Establishment by Kakurin
Kakurin, a devout follower of Rennyo Shonin, established a temple in Gobo-machi (present-day Kasaichi-machi) in Kanazawa to spread Rennyo Shonin’s teachings. The temple’s name, “Kakurin-ji,” derives from the name of its founder, Kakurin. At that time, the Hokuriku region was experiencing a rapid spread of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism due to Rennyo Shonin’s missionary activities, and Kakurin-ji functioned as one of its important centers.
Relocation during the Meiji Period
Kakurin-ji, which had functioned as a place of worship in Gobo-machi throughout the Edo period, relocated to its current location at 21 Suehiro-machi, Kanazawa City during the Meiji period. This relocation allowed the temple to become deeply rooted in the community as “Rennyo-san of Mukaiyama,” and it continues to welcome many worshippers to this day.
Features and Highlights of Kakurinji Temple
The Six-Character Name of Amida Buddha Handwritten by Rennyo Shonin
The most important treasure of Kakurinji Temple is the Six-Character Name of Amida Buddha (Namu Amida Butsu) handwritten by Rennyo Shonin. Rennyo Shonin wrote numerous names of Amida Buddha throughout his life, each a valuable cultural artifact demonstrating his deep faith and calligraphic skill. The name of Amida Buddha preserved at Kakurinji Temple was bestowed within the historical context of his pilgrimage to the Hokuriku region, and is an indispensable document for understanding the history of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism in the area.
Wooden Statue Created by Rennyo Shonin
A wooden statue created by Rennyo Shonin himself, bestowed along with the Six-Character Name of Amida Buddha, is also an important treasure of Kakurinji Temple. This statue, believed to have been sculpted by Rennyo Shonin himself, is a valuable relic that conveys his faith and artistic talent, and tells the story of the temple’s history.
Temple Architecture of the Jodo Shinshu Honganji School
The main hall of Kakurinji Temple exhibits the typical architectural style of the Jodo Shinshu Honganji School. Inside the main hall, which possesses a simple yet solemn atmosphere, Amida Buddha is enshrined as the principal image, and daily religious services are performed. The building, constructed when the temple was relocated during the Meiji period, still conveys the beauty of traditional wooden architecture.
The Reason for Being Affectionately Known as “Rennyo-san of Mukaiyama”
The reason Kakurinji Temple is known as “Rennyo-san of Mukaiyama” lies in its location and its deep connection to Rennyo Shonin. Located in the Mukaiyama district of Suehiro-cho, this temple has functioned as a familiar place of worship for local residents. Especially during memorial services such as the Hoonko, many followers gather, continuing to carry on the teachings of Rennyo Shonin.
Basic Information about Kakurinji Temple
Location and Access
Address: 21 Suehiro-cho, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture 920-0833
Access Method:
- Approximately 15 minutes by car from JR Kanazawa Station
- Approximately 3 minutes on foot from the “Suehiro-cho” bus stop on the Hokuriku Railway Bus
- Taking a taxi from Kanazawa Station is convenient
- Parking: There is parking space for visitors on the temple grounds (spaces are limited, so using public transportation is recommended during religious services)
Sect and Principal Image
Sect: Jodo Shinshu Honganji-ha (Nishi Honganji-ha)
Principal Image: Amida Buddha
Founder: Eito Daishi, the eighth generation
Year of Founding: Bunmei 3 (1471)
Visiting Information
Visiting Hours: Grounds are freely accessible (advance notice is recommended for viewing the interior of the main hall)
Admission Fee: Free
Regular Buddhist Services: Regular Buddhist services, such as the monthly Hoonko service, are held.
Annual Events: Spring and Autumn Equinox services, Hoonko service, New Year’s Eve bell ringing, etc.
*For detailed dates of services and events, please contact the temple directly.
Tourist Attractions Around Kakurinji Temple
Kakurinji Temple, located in Suehiro-cho, Kanazawa City, is surrounded by many attractive tourist spots where you can experience Kanazawa’s history and culture.
Utatsuyama Park
Utatsuyama Park, located about 10 minutes by car from Kakurinji Temple, is a scenic spot offering panoramic views of Kanazawa city. The park spreads across the summit of Mt. Utatsuyama (141 meters above sea level), where cherry blossoms bloom beautifully in spring and irises in early summer.
Highlights:
- Bokodai: An observation deck overlooking Kanazawa city and the Sea of Japan
- Chobo-no-oka: Enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view
- Hanashobu-en: Approximately 100 varieties and 200,000 irises are in full bloom in June
- Tokuda Shusei Literary Monument: A literary monument commemorating the renowned author from Kanazawa
Utasu Shrine
Nestled on the slopes of Mt. Utatsuyama, Utasu Shrine is known as the guardian deity of the Higashi Chaya District. Its vermilion-lacquered shrine buildings are beautiful, making it a spot where you can experience Kanazawa’s traditional culture.
Features:
- A shrine revered by geishas
- A walking path from the shrine grounds to Higashi Chaya District
- Utasu Shrine Inner Sanctuary: A tranquil space located near the summit of Utatsuyama Mountain
Zenmyoji Temple
Like Kakurinji Temple, this is a Jodo Shinshu Buddhist temple located in Kanazawa City. It has deep ties to the history of the Kaga Domain and is characterized by its magnificent main gate and main hall. For those enjoying temple hopping, we recommend visiting it along with Kakurinji Temple.
Higashi Chaya District
Higashi Chaya District, a representative tourist spot in Kanazawa, is about an 8-minute drive from Kakurinji Temple. It features rows of teahouses that retain the atmosphere of the Edo period, as well as shops selling gold leaf products, traditional crafts, and cafes.
Kanazawa Castle Park and Kenrokuen Garden
Kanazawa Castle Park, the heart of Kanazawa tourism, and Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s three most famous gardens, are about a 10-minute drive from Kakurinji Temple. This is a must-see spot where you can experience the history and culture of Kaga, a domain worth one million koku.
Points to Note When Visiting Kakurinji Temple
Manners for Visiting
At Kakurinji Temple, a Jodo Shinshu Buddhist temple, please observe the following manners:
- Gassho and Prostration: Join your hands in prayer in front of the main hall and prostrate yourself before Amida Buddha.
- Nembutsu: Quietly chant “Namu Amida Butsu.”
- Do Not Clap Your Hands: In Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, clapping your hands is not practiced.
- Be Quiet: Remain quiet on the temple grounds and be considerate of other visitors.
About Goshuin (Temple Seals)
Regarding the issuance of Goshuin at Kakurinji Temple, it is recommended to check with the temple in advance. While some Jodo Shinshu temples do not offer Goshuin, if you wish to keep a memento of your visit, please ask politely.
Photography
Photography is generally permitted on the temple grounds, but please refrain from taking pictures inside the main hall or during religious services. When taking pictures, please be considerate of other visitors and temple staff.
Jodo Shinshu Buddhism and Rennyo Shonin in Kanazawa
The Spread of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism in the Hokuriku Region
Rennyo Shonin (1415-1499) is the restorer of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, developing it into a nationwide sect. In the Hokuriku region in particular, his energetic missionary work led to the creation of many followers. The Kaga region, including Kanazawa, became so deeply rooted in Jodo Shinshu faith that it was called “a land owned by the common people.”
Rennyo Shonin’s Tour of Hokuriku
Rennyo Shonin’s tour of Hokuriku in 1471 (Bunmei 3) is a significant event in his missionary activities. During this period, the Venerable Rennyo, based at Yoshizaki Gobo (present-day Awara City, Fukui Prefecture), traveled throughout Kaga, Noto, and Etchu provinces, gaining many followers. The founding of Kakurinji Temple is one of the results of this travel, and can be seen as evidence that the Venerable Rennyo’s teachings took root in Kanazawa.
Relationship with the Kaga Ikko-ikki
The Jodo Shinshu followers of Kaga, whose influence expanded through the missionary work of Venerable Rennyo, later launched the Kaga Ikko-ikki rebellion and ruled Kaga for approximately 100 years. This era of “a country owned by peasants” is known as a rare example in Japanese history. Kakurinji Temple also played an important role as a center of faith within this historical context.
Information about the surrounding area when visiting Kakurinji Temple
Recommended time to visit
Spring (late March to May): During cherry blossom season, the cherry blossoms in Utatsuyama Park are beautiful, making for a pleasant stroll around the temple.
Early Summer (June): The irises at Utatsuyama Park are in full bloom, allowing you to enjoy the natural beauty of Kanazawa.
Autumn (October-November): During the autumn foliage season, it’s recommended to visit Kanazawa Castle Park and Kenrokuen Garden as well.
Winter (December-February): Kanazawa in the snow is exceptionally beautiful. The New Year’s Eve bell ringing and other year-end and New Year’s events are also charming.
Nearby Restaurants and Rest Stops
Around Kakurinji Temple, there are many restaurants where you can enjoy Kanazawa’s local cuisine and dishes made with Kaga vegetables. Enjoying local flavors before or after your visit is highly recommended.
- Kanazawa Oden: A famous winter dish in Kanazawa
- Jibuni: A representative local dish of Kaga cuisine
- Kanazawa Curry: A local gourmet dish characterized by its rich roux and cabbage
- Japanese Confectionery Shops: Kanazawa is a city with a thriving Japanese confectionery culture. Perfect as a souvenir after visiting the temple.
Accommodation Information
Kanazawa city offers a variety of accommodations, from traditional inns to modern hotels. Staying near Kanazawa Station, Korinbo, or the Katamachi area provides convenient access to Kakurinji Temple.
Summary
Kakurinji Temple in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture, is a historic Jodo Shinshu Honganji sect temple with deep ties to Rennyo Shonin. Since its founding in 1471, it has been affectionately known as “Rennyo-san of Mukaiyama” by the local people and has functioned as a place of worship for over 500 years.
It possesses valuable temple treasures, including a six-character mantra written by Rennyo Shonin himself and a wooden statue he created, making it an important temple that conveys the history of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism in the Hokuriku region. When sightseeing in Kanazawa, visiting Kakurinji Temple along with major tourist attractions such as Kenrokuen Garden and Kanazawa Castle Park will allow you to gain a deeper understanding of Kanazawa’s history and culture.
The surrounding area boasts numerous attractive tourist spots, including Utatsuyama Park, Higashi Chaya District, and Utasu Shrine. Enjoy a fulfilling trip combining a tranquil temple visit with an exploration of Kanazawa’s history and culture.
We hope that your visit to Kakurinji Temple will allow you to connect with the teachings of Rennyo Shonin and the history of Kanazawa, providing a truly enriching experience.
