Overview
Shinko-ji is a temple of the Myoshin-ji branch of the Rinzai Zen school (under the Ryusen-Shunpo-in lineage), located in Kamiaso, Hichiso Town, Kamo District, Gifu Prefecture. Its mountain name is Jihei-san, its principal image is Yakushi Nyorai (the Medicine Buddha), and it is known as the 47th stop on the Chubu Forty-Nine Yakushi pilgrimage. Set in a mountain town along the Hida River, it is an old temple said to have begun when a small hall enshrining a Yakushi image, attributed to the monk Gyoki, was converted into a temple, and it carries the region's Yakushi devotion to this day.
Highlights
- ●A Yakushi-faith temple whose principal image is a Medicine Buddha attributed to Gyoki
- ●Its value as the 47th site on the Chubu Forty-Nine Yakushi pilgrimage
- ●A Meiji-era bell tower and a temple bell recast in 1953
- ●An old temple of the Rinzai Myoshin-ji branch with the mountain name Jihei-san
History
Though the exact date of founding is unknown, the death year of its founding priest suggests it existed before 1675 (Enpo 3). Tradition holds that it began when a small hall enshrining a Yakushi Nyorai image said to be carved by Gyoki was made into a temple; its founder was Yonan Genchu, the third abbot of Ryufuku-ji in Kajita. In 1768 (Meiwa 5) fire destroyed the buildings, but they were later rebuilt, and in the Meiji era an entrance hall and storehouse were added and a bell tower erected. The main hall was originally thatched but was re-roofed with tiles in 1952 (Showa 27). The present temple bell was recast in 1953 (Showa 28) after the earlier bell had been surrendered for the war effort.
Access
The temple stands in Kamiaso, Hichiso Town, Kamo District, near 35.55°N, 137.12°E. Hichiso Town lies along the Hida River and is served by the JR Takayama Main Line, so it can be reached by rail or car, though traveling by car is convenient once in this mountain town. Before visiting, it is reassuring to check the route from the nearest station and parking availability through official sources.
Best season
Blessed with a setting along the Hida River, the temple is especially beautiful amid the dazzling greenery of early summer and the autumn foliage that colors the river and hillsides. You can pay respects to the Medicine Buddha year-round, but in this mountainous area take care of the cold and road conditions in winter. Combined with the Chubu Forty-Nine Yakushi pilgrimage, you can also savor the nature of Hichiso.
Map
35.5466, 137.1210 · Wikidata
Suggested itinerary
- 1Head to Kamiaso, Hichiso Town, by the JR Takayama Main Line or car
- 2Visit Shinko-ji and pay respects to the Medicine Buddha
- 3View sights in the precincts such as the bell tower and recast bell
- 4Stroll the surroundings while enjoying the nature along the Hida River
Did you know?
💡 As the Medicine Buddha, Yakushi Nyorai has long drawn devotion as a Buddha who heals illness, and Shinko-ji is counted as the 47th site of the Chubu Forty-Nine Yakushi pilgrimage. It is also notable for preserving the Ryusen-Shunpo-in lineage within the Myoshin-ji branch of Rinzai Zen. That its present bell was recast in 1953 after being surrendered during the war quietly speaks of the modern history this temple has lived through.
Nearby spots
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