Complete Guide to Soryu-ji Temple (Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture) | A Thorough Explanation of Services from Memorial Services for Stillborn Children, Exorcism, and Doll Memorial Services to Perpetual Memorial Services
Located in Sonomachi, Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture, Soryu-ji Temple is a historic temple belonging to the Koyasan Shingon sect. Known locally as “Izumo Exorcism Master,” it offers a variety of memorial services, including memorial services for stillborn children, exorcism prayers, doll memorial services, and pet memorial services. Situated on a hill overlooking Lake Shinji and the Hikawa Plain, it is a peaceful place for worship, attracting many visitors from both the local area and further afield.
This article comprehensively explains information about Soryu-ji Temple, including its history and characteristics, the details of various memorial services, cemetery information such as perpetual memorial graves and tree burials, access methods, and reviews from actual visitors.
Basic Information about Kuratoruji Temple
Location and Access
Location: 136 Sonomachi, Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture
Phone Number: 0853-69-1513
Sect: Koyasan Shingon Buddhism
Nearest Station: Approximately 1 minute walk (approx. 0.1 km) from Sono Station on the Ichibata Electric Railway Kita-Matsue Line
Kuratoruji Temple is very close to Sono Station on the Ichibata Electric Railway Kita-Matsue Line, just a 1-minute walk away. Its location makes it very convenient for those traveling by train. Parking is also available for those arriving by car, showing consideration for visitors from afar.
History and Origins of Kuratoruji Temple
Kuratoruji Temple is a temple of the Koyasan Shingon sect, carrying on the teachings of Kobo Daishi Kukai. As a center of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism in the Izumo region, it has attracted the faith of the local community for many years. Within the temple grounds, several Buddhist statues are enshrined, including a statue of Kobo Daishi, the Living Tree Jizo Bodhisattva, Koyasu Kobo Daishi, the Tatsueji Enmei Jizo Bodhisattva, and the Rokudo Noka Enmei Jizo Bodhisattva. Each is worshipped as a being that grants different wishes.
Located on a hill, the temple grounds offer beautiful views of Lake Shinji and the Hikawa Plain, and the tranquil environment surrounded by nature soothes the hearts of visitors.
Main Memorial Services and Prayers Offered at Kuratome-ji Temple
Kuratome-ji Temple accepts various memorial services and prayers. Each service has a deep meaning and provides emotional support to many.
Mizuko Kuyo (Memorial Service for Stillborn Children)
Kuratome-ji Temple respectfully performs Mizuko Kuyo. Mizuko Kuyo is a service to comfort and commemorate the spirits of children who have died due to miscarriage, stillbirth, or abortion. Kuratome-ji Temple performs individual memorial services and thoughtfully sends a postcard notification after the service is completed.
Mizuko Kuyo (memorial service for aborted or stillborn babies) is a way to heal the emotional wounds of parents and pray for the peaceful repose of the soul of the deceased child. Kuratoru-ji Temple also accepts perpetual Mizuko Kuyo, allowing for long-term memorial services.
Exorcism Prayer
Kuratoru-ji Temple, known as “Izumo Exorcism Daishi,” is a popular temple for exorcism and warding off evil. The unlucky years are considered turning points in life, and people are believed to be more susceptible to misfortune and illness. Kuratoru-ji Temple offers exorcism prayers for those entering their unlucky years, praying for good health and protection from illness throughout the year.
The unlucky years for men are considered to be 25, 42 (major unlucky year), and 61 (by traditional Japanese age counting system), and for women, 19, 33 (major unlucky year), and 37. Those in these age groups should consider exorcism prayers at Kuratoru-ji Temple.
Doll Memorial Service
Kuratoru-ji Temple is also famous for its doll memorial services. Dolls and stuffed animals that have been cherished for many years hold the feelings of their owners. For those who find it difficult to simply dispose of their dolls, Kurariji Temple offers a respectful doll memorial service.
The dolls are respectfully consecrated with gratitude and then appropriately disposed of. Once the service is complete, you will receive notification by postcard, similar to the service for aborted fetuses, ensuring peace of mind. Even those living far away can apply for a doll memorial service online.
Pet Memorial Service
In recent years, Kurariji Temple has also accepted memorial services for pets, who have become cherished members of the family. The grief of losing a beloved pet is immeasurable. Kurariji Temple offers a respectful memorial service to ensure the souls of pets rest peacefully.
Pet memorial services can also be applied for online, making it easily accessible even for those living far away.
About Kurariji Temple’s Perpetual Memorial Graves, Tree Burials, and Columbariums
Kurariji Temple offers various memorial graves, including perpetual memorial graves. In today’s society, characterized by a declining birthrate, an aging population, and the rise of nuclear families, more and more people are choosing perpetual memorial services due to a lack of successors to their family graves or a desire to avoid burdening their children.
What is a Perpetual Memorial Grave?
A perpetual memorial grave is a grave where a temple or cemetery provides perpetual memorial services and management. Unlike traditional graves, it does not require successors and does not burden descendants with management responsibilities.
At Kuratome-ji Temple’s perpetual memorial graves, the general practice is to individually enshrine the remains for a certain period before moving them to a communal grave. The duration of individual enshrinement varies depending on the contract, but it is common to keep the remains individually until milestones such as the 13th or 33rd anniversary of death.
Difference Between Individual and Communal Graves
Individual Grave: This type of grave keeps the remains individually for a predetermined period. The remains are not mixed with those of others and are commemorated in an independent space. While the cost is higher than a communal grave, it is suitable for those who value individuality.
Communal Burial Grave: This type of burial involves interring the remains together with those of others. It’s recommended for those who want to keep costs down. There are two options: communal burial from the start, or communal burial after the individual interment period ends.
Costs of Perpetual Memorial Services at Kuratome-ji Temple
The cost of perpetual memorial services varies depending on the duration of individual interment and the type of burial plot. Generally, communal burial graves cost around 100,000 to 300,000 yen, while individual graves cost around 300,000 to 1,000,000 yen.
For specific costs at Kuratome-ji Temple, we recommend contacting the temple directly by phone (0853-69-1513) or receiving a detailed explanation during a visit. The cost generally includes perpetual memorial service fees, interment fees, and inscription fees.
About Tree Burial
Tree burial is a nature-oriented burial method where a tree serves as a grave marker instead of a tombstone. It’s popular among those who wish to return to nature or who desire an environmentally conscious burial.
Regarding whether Kuratome-ji Temple offers tree burial, we recommend contacting them directly. In recent years, the number of people requesting tree burial has increased, and many temples are now offering this service.
About Columbariums
A columbarium is a facility where cremated remains are kept indoors. It has the advantage of allowing visits at any time, regardless of the weather. Demand is increasing, especially in urban areas, but we recommend checking directly with Kuratome-ji Temple regarding the availability of a columbarium.
The Process of Interment at Kuratome-ji Temple
We will explain the general process for those wishing to have perpetual memorial services or interment at Kuratome-ji Temple.
1. Reservation and Consultation
First, contact Kuratome-ji Temple by phone (0853-69-1513) to make a reservation for a visit. You will actually tour the temple grounds and receive a detailed explanation of the location, form, and costs of the perpetual memorial graves. Please feel free to ask any questions or express any concerns you may have at this time.
2. Contract and Application
After the visit, if you are satisfied, you will enter into a contract. You will submit the necessary documents and pay fees such as the perpetual memorial service fee. It is important to carefully review the contract details and understand the period of individual interment and the method of memorial service.
3. Scheduling the Interment Ceremony
The date of the interment ceremony will be decided in consultation with the temple. Generally, interment is often done in conjunction with memorial services such as the 49th-day memorial service or the first anniversary, but the temple will be flexible to accommodate individual circumstances.
4. Conducting the Interment Ceremony
On the day of the interment ceremony, the remains will be placed in the burial chamber while a monk chants sutras. Relatives and other attendees will gather to remember and commemorate the deceased. Kuratome-ji Temple conducts a respectful interment ceremony, so you can entrust it to them with peace of mind.
5. Commencement of Perpetual Memorial Service
After the interment, Kuratome-ji Temple will take responsibility for providing perpetual memorial services. Regular memorial services and prayers are held, and the temple manages the graves, allowing bereaved families to remember their loved ones with peace of mind.
Kuratomeji Temple’s Grave Closure Support
In recent years, more people are considering “grave closure” due to reasons such as living far away and being unable to manage the grave, or lacking successors. Grave closure involves removing the existing grave and moving the remains to another location.
At Kuratomeji Temple, it is also possible to transfer remains from other cemeteries and inter them in the perpetual memorial grave. Those considering grave closure generally follow the steps below.
Grave Closure Process
- Consultation with the Current Cemetery Manager: First, inform the manager of the cemetery or memorial park where the grave is currently located of your intention to close the grave.
- Obtaining a Reburial Permit: Obtain a reburial permit from the municipal office. This is a necessary document for moving the remains to another location.
- Removal of Remains: The tombstone is removed by a stonemason or similar professional, and the remains are retrieved.
- Interment at Kuratoru-ji Temple: The remains are interred at Kuratoru-ji Temple with the reburial permit.
Because the procedures for closing a grave are complex, it is recommended to proceed while consulting with Kuratoru-ji Temple or a specialist.
Guide to Kuratoru-ji Temple Grounds
Kuratoru-ji Temple grounds contain various Buddhist statues and facilities.
Main Hall
The main hall enshrines the principal image of worship, and various Buddhist services and prayers are performed here. You can pray in a solemn atmosphere with a peaceful heart.
Statue of Kobo Daishi
A statue of Kobo Daishi Kukai, the founder of the Koyasan Shingon sect, is enshrined here. Kobo Daishi is considered one of the greatest monks in the history of Japanese Buddhism and attracts many followers.
Jizo Bodhisattva Statues
Several Jizo Bodhisattva statues are enshrined here, including the Living Tree Jizo Bodhisattva, Koyasu Kobo Daishi, Tatsueji Enmei Jizo Bodhisattva, and Rokudo Noka Enmei Jizo Bodhisattva. Each is worshipped for granting different wishes, such as the health of children, safe childbirth, and longevity.
Bell Tower
There is a bell tower on the temple grounds, and visitors can ring the bell. There are anecdotes of the head priest kindly encouraging visitors to “ring the bell before you leave,” suggesting a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Kuratome-ji Temple Facilities
Kuratome-ji Temple is equipped with various facilities to ensure visitors have a comfortable experience.
Parking
A parking lot is available for those arriving by car. Since public transportation is limited in some areas around Izumo City, access by car is convenient.
Barrier-Free Accessibility
For considerations regarding the elderly and wheelchair users, it is recommended to check with the temple in advance. Because it is located on a hill, there may be stairs or slopes.
Rest Area
There may be a space available for visitors to rest. Please inquire directly for details.
Access to Kuratome-ji Temple
Access by Train
It is very easily accessible, approximately a 1-minute walk from Sono Station on the Ichibata Electric Railway Kita-Matsue Line. The following routes are convenient if using the train.
- From Matsue area: Approximately 20 minutes from Matsue Shinjiko Onsen Station to Sono Station on the Ichibata Electric Railway Kita-Matsue Line.
- From Izumo City Station area: Approximately 15 minutes by bus or taxi from Izumo City Station, or from Dentetsu Izumo City Station to Sono Station on the Ichibata Electric Railway.
Access by Car
- San’in Expressway: Approximately 10 minutes from Izumo IC.
- From Izumo City Center: Approximately 15 minutes via National Route 9.
When using a car navigation system, please search for “136 Sono-cho, Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture” or the phone number “0853-69-1513”.
Access by Bus
It is also possible to use local buses operating within Izumo City. For the nearest bus stop and timetable, please check the Ichibata Bus official website or contact them directly.
Reviews and Reputation of Kuratome-ji Temple
Here are some reviews from people who have actually visited Kuratome-ji Temple.
Courteous Service for Doll Memorial Services
“This temple is famous for its doll memorial services. They even send a postcard after the service is complete. I felt completely at ease entrusting my dolls to them.”
This review shows that Kuratome-ji Temple performs memorial services with care and provides thorough follow-up.
Friendly Priest
“The kind priest casually greets visitors, saying things like, ‘Please ring the bell before you leave.'”
The priest’s warm personality is popular with visitors. Even first-time visitors can feel comfortable consulting with him.
Beautiful Scenery
“Located on a hill overlooking Lake Shinji and the Hikawa Plain, the view is magnificent. I felt a sense of peace and tranquility.”
Kuratome-ji Temple’s excellent location is another attractive feature. You can pray peacefully while enjoying the beautiful scenery.
About Goshuin (Temple Seals)
Goshuin (temple seals) are available at Kuratome-ji Temple. Popular among those who collect Goshuin (temple/shrine stamps), it’s known for its meticulous writing. Getting a Goshuin as a memento of your visit is highly recommended.
Kuratoru-ji Temple’s Moon Viewing Event: “The Moon at Kuratoru-ji Temple”
Kuratoru-ji Temple occasionally holds a moon viewing event. Known as “The Moon at Kuratoru-ji Temple,” this event allows visitors to enjoy a peaceful time while gazing at the beautiful moon from a hilltop.
Taking advantage of its location overlooking Lake Shinji and the Hikawa Plain, it’s a special opportunity to appreciate the autumn moon. For dates and details, please contact Kuratoru-ji Temple directly.
Other Temples and Cemeteries in the Izumo City Area
Besides Kuratoru-ji Temple, there are many other temples and cemeteries in the Izumo City area. When considering perpetual memorial services or burial plots, it’s recommended to visit and compare multiple facilities.
Temples Around Izumo Taisha Shrine
Izumo City is famous for Izumo Taisha Shrine, but there are also many historical temples scattered around the area. Each temple has its own unique characteristics, and the sects and services offered vary.
For those who want to keep costs down
The cost of perpetual memorial services varies greatly depending on the temple or cemetery. It is important to compare and consider multiple facilities to fit your budget. Choosing a communal grave can significantly reduce costs.
Recommended points of Kuratome-ji Temple
1. Support for diverse memorial services
We offer a wide range of memorial services, including memorial services for stillborn babies, exorcisms, doll memorial services, pet memorial services, and perpetual memorial services, meeting various needs.
2. Convenient access
Our excellent location, just a 1-minute walk from Ichibata Electric Railway Station, makes us easily accessible by both train and car.
3. Courteous service
We provide meticulous care, such as sending a postcard after the memorial service, allowing you to entrust your loved ones to us with peace of mind.
4. Internet access
Even those living far away can apply for various memorial services online, meeting modern needs.
5. Beautiful Scenery
Located on a hilltop, the temple offers a beautiful environment with panoramic views of Lake Shinji and the Hikawa Plain, allowing for peaceful worship.
6. Friendly Priest
The warm and friendly priest creates an atmosphere where even first-time visitors feel comfortable seeking advice.
Summary
Kurariji Temple is a Shingon Buddhist temple of the Koyasan sect located in Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture, and is deeply rooted in the community as “Izumo Yakuyoke Daishi” (Izumo Exorcism Master). It offers a variety of memorial services, including memorial services for stillborn babies, exorcism prayers, doll memorial services, and pet memorial services, and also provides perpetual memorial graves.
It boasts a convenient location, just a one-minute walk from Ichibata Electric Railway Station, making it easily accessible by both train and car. From its hilltop location, visitors can enjoy beautiful views of Lake Shinji and the Hikawa Plain. The friendly and kind priest, who even sends postcards after memorial services, is highly regarded by visitors for his thoughtful attention to detail. If you are considering perpetual memorial services or other types of memorial services, we recommend that you first contact Kuratome-ji Temple by phone (0853-69-1513) and then visit the temple in person. Applications for various memorial services can also be made online, making it easily accessible even for those living far away.
Kuratome-ji Temple is a trustworthy temple that upholds traditional Buddhist teachings while flexibly responding to modern needs.
