Overview
Tosen-ji is a temple of the Myoshin-ji branch of Rinzai Zen in Hiuchi, Gero, Gifu Prefecture, bearing the mountain name Komyo-zan. Its principal image is Yakushi Nyorai, the Medicine Buddha. According to tradition it was founded during the Tenbun era (1532-1555), when Miki Yoshiyori, lord of Sakuraho Castle, invited Kian Genmitsu, the fourth abbot of Zensho-ji, as its founding priest. Beside the main hall the grounds still hold a Koshin-do enshrining Shomen Kongo, making this a Zen temple rich in history and treasures amid the mountains of Gero.
Highlights
- ●A Rinzai Myoshin-ji Zen temple, Komyo-zan, enshrining the Medicine Buddha
- ●Sengoku-era origins as a foundation by Miki Yoshiyori of Sakuraho Castle
- ●Edo-period images and calligraphy designated cultural properties of Gero
- ●A Koshin-do of Shomen Kongo and the Masuda Kannon pilgrimage halls
History
In the Tenbun era, Miki Yoshiyori, lord of Sakuraho Castle, founded the temple by inviting Kian Genmitsu, fourth abbot of Zensho-ji, as its founding priest, donating a parcel of land as temple estate at the time. Because the site was open and cleared, it was first called Kirihake-zan before being renamed to the present Komyo-zan. Among its treasures are a seated wooden Yakushi Nyorai of the Edo period, a paper-and-ink painting of the Buddha descending the mountain by the priest Torei, calligraphy by Hakuin, a block-printed Great Prajna Sutra, and a palanquin, all designated cultural properties of Gero.
Access
The temple lies in Hiuchi, Gero, Gifu Prefecture (around 35.70 degrees north, 137.22 degrees east). Set in a corner of Gero, famed for its hot springs, it is reached via Gero Station on the JR Takayama Main Line as the wider gateway, followed by a bus or taxi. By car it can be approached from the Takayama or Nakatsugawa directions. As this is a mountainous area, checking the latest transport and visiting information in advance is recommended.
Best season
Early summer, when the mountain village is wrapped in fresh green, and autumn, when the maples glow, are recommended. Combined with a visit to Gero Onsen, you can enjoy both hot-spring hopping and temple touring in one trip. Winter can bring snow and ice, so dress warmly and prepare for slippery footing.
Map
35.6988, 137.2201 · Wikidata
Suggested itinerary
- 1Start from Gero Station or Gero Onsen and head to Tosen-ji in the hills
- 2Pay respects at the main hall and note the Medicine Buddha and Komyo-zan
- 3Take in local history through the Koshin-do and the temple treasures
- 4Extend the trip to the detached halls on the Masuda Kannon pilgrimage
Did you know?
💡 Among Tosen-ji's detached halls, the Inyo-do at Yakeishi, the Shinnyo-do at Hiuchi, and the Setsugen-do at Kadowasa each enshrine Kannon or Jizo Bodhisattva and serve as Stations 5, 7, and 8 of the Masuda Thirty-Three Kannon Pilgrimage. Visiting these scattered halls lets you feel how far the local Kannon faith once spread.
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