Hongyō-ji Temple

Overview

Hongyo-ji is a temple of the Nichiren school in the Hamakatsuura district of Katsuura City, Chiba Prefecture, bearing the mountain name Chojuzan (Longevity Mountain). Set in the seaside town of Katsuura, it is a temple rich in history and literary flavor, home to a Shaka-do hall designated a cultural property by Katsuura City and to a stone monument inscribed with a verse by the great haiku poet Matsuo Basho. Its former head temple was Ikegami Honmon-ji, a grand head temple of the Nichiren school, placing it within the Ikegami and Nakanobu lineage. Though its name resembles that of Hompo-ji in Matsudo, and both belong to the Nichiren school, they are entirely separate temples.

Highlights

• ●The Shaka-do hall, a Katsuura City cultural property
• ●A stone monument bearing a verse by Matsuo Basho
• ●A distinguished Nichiren temple with the mountain name Chojuzan
• ●A lineage tied to the former head temple Ikegami Honmon-ji

History

Hongyo-ji is a Nichiren temple with the mountain name Chojuzan, and its former head temple was Ikegami Honmon-ji, a grand head temple of the Nichiren school, within the Ikegami and Nakanobu lineage. Its Shaka-do hall has been designated a cultural property by Katsuura City, preserving to this day the history of faith and architecture handed down in this place. The presence of a stone monument bearing a verse by the great haiku poet Matsuo Basho also suggests that from the Edo period onward the temple was cherished by men of letters. For details such as the exact founding date, visitors are encouraged to check official information or on-site guidance.

Map

35.1474, 140.3162 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Pay respects at the main hall and note the temple's mountain name Chojuzan
2. 2View the Shaka-do hall, a Katsuura City cultural property
3. 3Seek out the Matsuo Basho verse monument and enjoy the world of haiku
4. 4Stroll the Katsuura seaside and the streets of its morning market

Did you know?

💡 The Shaka-do hall in the grounds is designated a cultural property by Katsuura City. The temple also preserves a stone monument bearing a verse by Matsuo Basho, a corner not to be missed by lovers of haiku. That its former head temple was Ikegami Honmon-ji further speaks to its standing within the Nichiren school.

Nearby spots