Complete Guide to Kyosetsu-ji Temple (Ogaki City, Gifu Prefecture) | History, Access, and Visiting Information for Nichiren Shoshu Temples
Kyosetsu-ji Temple, located in Aoyagi-cho, Ogaki City, Gifu Prefecture, is a Nichiren Shoshu temple and a center of local faith. This article provides a detailed explanation of Kyosetsu-ji Temple, from its basic information and history to access methods and surrounding environment, for those considering a visit or who want to learn more about the temple.
Basic Information about Kyosetsu-ji Temple
Sect
Kyosetsu-ji Temple belongs to the Nichiren Shoshu sect. Nichiren Shoshu is a Buddhist sect founded by Nichiren Daishonin, a monk from the Kamakura period, with its head temple being Taiseki-ji Temple in Fujinomiya City, Shizuoka Prefecture. Its fundamental scripture is the Lotus Sutra, and its faith centers on chanting the title “Nam Myoho Renge Kyo.”
Nichiren Shoshu has many temples throughout Japan, and several temples in Gifu Prefecture support the faith of its followers. Keisetsu-ji Temple is one such temple, playing an important role for believers in Ogaki City and the surrounding areas.
The Principal Image
The principal image of Keisetsu-ji Temple, a Nichiren Shoshu temple, is a copy of the Great Mandala of the Honmon Kaidan. In Nichiren Shoshu, the Great Mandala of the Honmon Kaidan, revealed by Nichiren Daishonin in 1279, is considered fundamental, and each temple houses a copy of it.
The principal image is represented as a mandala of the characters “Nam Myoho Renge Kyo,” and believers perform daily prayers and chanting facing this image. At Keisetsu-ji Temple, daily religious activities centered around this principal image are carried out.
Location
Address: 2-165 Aoyagi-cho, Ogaki City, Gifu Prefecture 503-0961
Kyosetsu-ji Temple is located in the Aoyagi-cho area of Ogaki City, a quiet temple nestled in a residential area. Ogaki City is located in western Gifu Prefecture, known as the “City of Water,” and is a region with many historical sites and cultural assets.
Phone Number: 0584-87-0134
It is recommended to contact the temple in advance when visiting or making inquiries. You can obtain detailed information about temple events, memorial service schedules, and visiting procedures.
Access Information
Nearest Station/Line
The nearest station to Kyosetsu-ji Temple is Mino-Aoyagi Station on the Yoro Railway Yoro Line.
- Approximately 4 minutes on foot (approx. 289m) from Mino-Aoyagi Station
- The Yoro Railway Yoro Line connects Ogaki Station in Ogaki City, Gifu Prefecture, to Kuwana Station in Kuwana City, Mie Prefecture.
- The path from the station to the temple is flat and easily accessible on foot.
The Yoro Railway Yoro Line was formerly operated as the Kintetsu Yoro Line, but is now operated by Yoro Railway Co., Ltd. It functions as an important means of transportation for local residents and is also popular as a tourist route.
Nearest Bus Stops and Routes
When using public transportation, you can also use the bus routes operating within Ogaki City. Ogaki City Community Buses and Meihan Kintetsu Buses operate in the surrounding area, but it is recommended to check the Ogaki City public transportation information in advance for specific bus stops and routes.
Access by Car
If visiting by car:
- Approximately 15 minutes from the Ogaki-Nishi Interchange on the Tokai-Kanjo Expressway
- Approximately 20 minutes from the Ogaki Interchange on the Meishin Expressway
- We recommend contacting the temple in advance regarding parking availability.
The temple is conveniently located for easy access from Ogaki city center and is relatively close to national and major roads.
History and Origins of Kyosetsu-ji Temple
As a Nichiren Shoshu temple, Kyosetsu-ji Temple was established with the purpose of spreading the Lotus Sutra in the region and guiding believers in their faith. After the war, Nichiren Shoshu has a history of building temples throughout Japan to accommodate the increasing number of believers.
Kyosetsu-ji Temple has also played a central role in the local believer community as a Nichiren Shoshu missionary base in the western Gifu Prefecture region. The temple regularly holds memorial services and prayer meetings, providing a place for believers to gather and deepen their faith.
Faith and Practice of Nichiren Shoshu
Daily Service (Gongyo)
In Nichiren Shoshu, morning and evening service is considered the foundation of faith practice. During the service, the second chapter (Expedient Means) and the sixteenth chapter (Life Span) of the Lotus Sutra are recited, followed by the chanting of “Nam Myoho Renge Kyo.” At Kyosetsu-ji Temple, believers practice this service daily.
Chanting Practice (Shodai-gyo)
The repeated chanting of “Nam Myoho Renge Kyo” is called chanting practice. In Nichiren Shoshu, it is believed that through this chanting, one can approach the state of Buddhahood and accumulate merit.
Shakubuku (Shakubuku)
In Nichiren Shoshu, missionary activities aimed at spreading the correct Buddhist teachings are called shakubuku. This means refuting false teachings and guiding people to the true Dharma. Believers at Kyosetsu-ji Temple also practice their faith based on this spirit of shakubuku.
Main Events and Activities at the Temple
Kyosetsu-ji Temple holds various Buddhist services and events throughout the year:
Regular Events
- Oko: A monthly regular service, an opportunity to study the writings of Nichiren Daishonin and deepen one’s faith.
- Oeshiki: An important service commemorating the anniversary of Nichiren Daishonin’s death (October 13th).
- Obon Service: A service for honoring ancestors.
- Spring and Autumn Equinox Services: Services held during the equinox period.
Daily Activities
- Morning and evening prayer services
- Consultation and guidance for believers
- Performance of Buddhist services (funerals, memorial services, etc.)
- Doctrinal guidance for those wishing to convert
For specific dates and times, please contact the temple directly.
Nearby Temples and Religious Facilities
Several temples of other denominations are located near Kyōsetsu-ji Temple:
Major Nearby Temples
- Tokuryū-ji Temple: A temple located close to Kyōsetsu-ji Temple
- Tokushō-ji Temple: A temple located in the vicinity of Aoyagi-chō
- Chōmyō-ji Temple: A temple within Ōgaki City
Ōgaki City is a historic city with many temples scattered throughout. Each belongs to a different denomination, shaping the local religious culture.
Other Nichiren Shōshū Temples
Besides Kyōsetsu-ji Temple, there are other Nichiren Shōshū temples in Gifu Prefecture. The official Nichiren Shōshū website provides a map of temples nationwide, where you can check the location and contact information of each temple.
Points to Note and Manners When Visiting a Temple
Regarding Attire
When visiting a temple, clean and subdued attire is desirable. Especially when attending a memorial service, formal or semi-formal attire is appropriate.
Etiquette for Visiting a Temple
There are specific etiquette rules for visiting a Nichiren Shoshu temple:
- Worship in the Main Hall: Face the principal image of worship, join your hands in prayer, and chant the title three times.
- Use of Prayer Beads: Nichiren Shoshu temples use special prayer beads (rosaries).
- Incense Offering: There are specific procedures for offering incense during religious services.
First-time visitors can ask temple staff about the proper etiquette.
Photography
Photography within the temple grounds may require permission. Photography of the main hall and the principal image of worship should be avoided in particular. If you wish to take photographs, please obtain permission from the temple beforehand.
History and Culture of Ogaki City
Ogaki City, where Keisetsu-ji Temple is located, is a core city in western Gifu Prefecture, known as the “City of Water.”
Characteristics of Ogaki City
- Abundant Groundwater: The city has many artesian wells and is blessed with high-quality groundwater.
- Historical Heritage: Historical buildings, including Ogaki Castle, remain.
- Places Associated with Matsuo Basho: Known as the final stop on “The Narrow Road to the Deep North”
Cultural Facilities
Ogaki City has many facilities where you can learn about history and culture, such as the Local History Museum and the Oku no Hosomichi Musubi no Chi Memorial Hall. When visiting Keisetsu-ji Temple, visiting these tourist spots in addition will allow you to experience the charm of Ogaki more deeply.
Utilizing the Nichiren Shoshu Temple Map
The official website of Nichiren Shoshu provides a “Nichiren Shoshu Temple Map” where you can search for temples throughout Japan. By using this map, you can:
- Check the locations of Nichiren Shoshu temples nationwide
- Obtain contact information and detailed information for each temple
- Find temples in your travel destination or new residence
- Understand the distribution of temples by region
Kyosetsu-ji Temple is also registered on this map and is introduced as one of the Nichiren Shoshu temples in Gifu Prefecture.
Other Temples and Related Organizations
Buddhist Temples in Gifu Prefecture
Gifu Prefecture has temples of various denominations:
- Rinzai Zen: Numerous Zen temples
- Shinshu Otani: Temples of the Higashi Honganji branch
- Shinshu Honganji: Temples of the Nishi Honganji branch
- Soto Zen: Zen temples
- Nichiren Buddhism: Temples of the Lotus Sutra
Each denomination contributes to the local community while preserving its own doctrines and traditions.
Temples as Religious Corporations
Kyosetsu-ji Temple, as a religious corporation, plays various roles in the local community in addition to its religious activities. Through Buddhist ceremonies such as funerals and memorial services, the temple provides spiritual support to people.
How to Contact Keisetsu-ji Temple
For detailed information about Keisetsu-ji Temple and inquiries about visiting or attending services, please use the following methods:
Telephone Inquiries
- Telephone Number: 0584-87-0134
- We recommend contacting during weekday business hours.
- Please consider trying multiple times, as the head priest and temple family may be absent.
Precautions When Visiting
If you plan to visit in person, it is advisable to call ahead. Since there may be times when it is difficult to respond due to memorial services or other events, informing them of your planned visit will ensure a smoother experience.
Summary
Keisetsu-ji Temple, located in Aoyagi-cho, Ogaki City, Gifu Prefecture, is a Nichiren Shoshu temple that plays an important role in supporting the religious lives of local believers. It is conveniently located about a 4-minute walk from Mino-Aoyagi Station on the Yoro Railway Yoro Line, making it easily accessible for visitors.
Based on the doctrines of Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism, various religious services are held throughout the year, providing a place for believers to deepen their faith. Located in Ogaki City, a region rich in history and culture, it is surrounded by many other temples and tourist attractions.
For those considering a visit, those wanting to learn about Nichiren Shoshu, or those researching temples in Ogaki City, Keisetsu-ji Temple is well worth a visit. For detailed information and the latest event schedule, please contact the temple directly.
You can also deepen your understanding of Keisetsu-ji Temple and other Nichiren Shoshu temples nationwide by utilizing the Nichiren Shoshu Temple Map and official website. We hope that Keisetsu-ji Temple will become a spiritual haven for those walking the path of faith.
