Overview
Ryūhōji is a temple of the Nichiren sect in Imonoshi-machi, Kokurakita Ward, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture. Its mountain name is Anshōzan. Once affiliated with Kominato Tanjō-ji as its head temple and belonging to the Shinshi dharma lineage, it is a temple of some pedigree. Within its grounds lie the graves of the Confucian scholar Masui Genran and the tea master Furuichi Jitokusai. Standing quietly in a corner of the old castle town of Kokura, it is a fine choice for those who love history and culture, preserving the memory of figures who carried the different worlds of scholarship and the tea ceremony.
Highlights
- ●A Nichiren temple of pedigree bearing the mountain name Anshōzan
- ●Former head temple Kominato Tanjō-ji, of the Shinshi dharma lineage
- ●Grave of the Confucian scholar Masui Genran
- ●Grave of the tea master Furuichi Jitokusai
History
Ryūhōji is a Nichiren temple bearing the mountain name Anshōzan. Its former head temple is said to be Kominato Tanjō-ji, built at the birthplace of Nichiren, and it belongs to the Shinshi dharma lineage. In the temple cemetery are preserved the graves of Masui Genran, remembered as a Confucian scholar, and Furuichi Jitokusai, versed in the tea ceremony—two figures who colored the arts and learning of the Edo period. The place name Imonoshi-machi (foundry-artisans' town) also hints that this area was once a gathering place for craftsmen and cultured people.
Access
The temple is in Imonoshi-machi, Kokurakita Ward, Kitakyushu, within an urban district easily reached from JR Kokura Station. The surroundings form the historic townscape of the Kokura castle town, well suited to strolling on foot or by public transport. If you wish to worship or view the graves, confirm whether visits are permitted and the hours in advance via official information, as the temple's own circumstances apply.
Best season
As an urban temple it is easy to visit year-round and pairs well with a walk around Kokura Castle and the castle town. Spring cherry blossoms and fresh greenery, and the crisp air of autumn, make town walking pleasant and offer a fine time to pay quiet respects at the graves and halls. Check the official schedule for any events.
Map
33.8895, 130.8667 · Wikidata
Suggested itinerary
- 1Walk from JR Kokura Station through the castle town to Ryūhōji in Imonoshi-machi
- 2Pass through the gate and pay respects in the quiet grounds of Anshōzan Ryūhōji
- 3Reflect on Edo-era arts at the graves linked to Masui Genran and Furuichi Jitokusai
- 4Combine your visit with a stroll around Kokura Castle and the castle town
Did you know?
💡 The fact that the graves of the Confucian scholar Masui Genran and the tea master Furuichi Jitokusai—figures from the different fields of learning and tea—are preserved in the same grounds is a highlight unique to this temple. Tracing the footsteps of such people while walking the Kokura castle town is one way to enjoy the journey.
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