Myokakuji Temple is a historic head temple of the Nichiren school of Buddhism in Katsuura City, Chiba Prefecture. It is known as the first temple traditionally regarded as having been established by Nichiren, the founder of Nichiren Buddhism. The temple’s mountain name is Koeizan.
With its long history and numerous historic buildings and cultural treasures, Myokakuji is an important site for understanding the development of Nichiren Buddhism in the Katsuura area.
In 1264, Nichiren was invited by Sakuma Hyogonokami Shigesada, the lord of Okitsu, to preach at a Buddhist hall inside Okitsu Castle. Nichiren is said to have stayed there for 10 days, delivering sermons on his teachings.
The site is remembered as the “Sacred Site of Nichiren’s Ten-Day Sermon.” Shigesada was deeply moved by Nichiren’s teachings and became a devoted follower. He subsequently donated the Buddhist hall and converted it into a temple, marking the beginning of Myokakuji.
In 1265, an epidemic spread throughout the Okitsu area. According to temple tradition, Nichiren wrote the Buddhist invocation “Namu Myoho Renge Kyo” on a white cloth and raised it on a boat while chanting the sacred phrase.
The epidemic is said to have subsided following this act. The episode has been passed down as one of the most important stories in the history of Myokakuji and reflects the strong faith that developed around Nichiren’s teachings.
Shigesada had his son, Chojumaro, enter the Buddhist priesthood as a disciple of Nichiren. Chojumaro later became known as Mimasakubo Nichiho.
Shigesada’s younger brother, Takejumaro, also entered the priesthood and later became known as Jakunichibo Nikké. Through these figures, Myokakuji played an important role in the development and transmission of Nichiren Buddhism in the region.
The Niomon Gate, also known as the temple gate, was built in 1839. It is a two-story gate with a three-bay frontage and a single entrance. The structure features an irimoya-style hipped-and-gabled roof covered with traditional Japanese roof tiles.
One of its most distinctive details is the decorative peacock carving on the gegyo, a traditional wooden ornament beneath the roof gable.
The Main Hall was built in 1817. Its imposing traditional architecture gives the temple grounds a dignified and solemn atmosphere.
The Bell Tower is another traditional structure within the temple grounds and contributes to the historic character of Myokakuji.
Myokakuji preserves a valuable Buddhist scripture known as the Gold-Leaf Lotus Sutra. The text is decorated with gold lettering, reflecting the importance historically placed on beautifully produced Buddhist scriptures.
The temple houses a wooden seated statue of Nichiren bearing an ink inscription dated 1487. The statue is also known as the “Nunohi Founder”, or Nuno-biki no Soshi, reflecting its special association with the temple’s religious tradition.
A stone mooring post from the Sendai shipping trade is also preserved at the temple. It was used for mooring rice-trading vessels that called at Okitsu Port.
The monument provides a glimpse into the area’s maritime history and the commercial connections that once linked Okitsu with other parts of Japan.
Myokakuji once had numerous branch temples and served as an important center of Nichiren Buddhist religious activity in the region. Some of its former branch temples include:
Many other temples were historically connected with Myokakuji, helping to spread and maintain Nichiren Buddhist traditions throughout the surrounding area.
From the Ichihara Interchange on the Tateyama Expressway, take National Route 297 south toward Katsuura. The journey takes approximately 80 minutes.
From the Ichihara Tsurumai Interchange on the Ken-O Expressway, the temple can be reached via National Route 297 in approximately 50 minutes.
Myokakuji Temple is approximately a 10-minute walk from Kazusa-Okitsu Station on the JR Sotobo Line, making it a convenient stop for travelers exploring Katsuura by train.
Myokakuji Temple is deeply connected with the early history of Nichiren Buddhism. The traditional account of Nichiren’s ten-day preaching at Okitsu, the story of the epidemic, and the subsequent development of the temple all contribute to its importance as a religious and cultural site.
The historic Niomon Gate, Main Hall, Buddhist treasures, and maritime relics offer visitors different perspectives on the area’s past. A visit to Myokakuji provides a peaceful opportunity to explore the religious history and cultural heritage of Katsuura.