Overview
Reisen-ji is a temple of the Myoshin-ji branch of Rinzai Zen, located in Nakatomi-cho, Minokamo City, Gifu Prefecture. Its principal image is the Eleven-Faced Kannon (Juichimen Kanzeon Bosatsu), and its mountain name is Seiryu-zan. Known as the 22nd sacred site of the Chuno Eighty-Eight pilgrimage, its grounds hold a hundred stone Kannon statues and several works of calligraphy and painting by the Zen master Hakuin. Said to have been founded in 1474, this old temple also served as a warlord's family temple, layering history upon history.
Highlights
- ●An old Rinzai Myoshin-ji branch temple enshrining the Eleven-Faced Kannon
- ●The hundred stone Kannon statues lined up in the grounds
- ●Several calligraphy and painting works by the Zen master Hakuin
- ●The Warring States grave of Tajima Iyo-no-kami, a retainer of Oda Nobuhide
History
Reisen-ji is said to have been built in 1474 (Bunmei 6) near the Ota river crossing on the Kiso River, though its founder and original sect remain unknown. During the Warring States period it became the family temple of Tajima Iyo-no-kami, a retainer of Oda Nobuhide, whose grave still remains. After two relocations, its grounds settled at the present site, and it was revived in 1672 (Kanbun 12) by Daiho Giko of Zuirin-ji in Hachiya. In 1891 (Meiji 24) it became a direct sub-temple of Myoshin-ji in Kyoto, firmly establishing its place within the Rinzai Myoshin-ji branch.
Access
The temple lies in Nakatomi-cho, Minokamo City, at roughly 35.45 north latitude and 137.03 east longitude. The nearest hub is Mino-Ota Station, where the JR Takayama and Taita Lines meet; head from the town center toward the Nakatomi-cho area to reach it. Set close to the Kiso River, it is linked to the historic Ota river crossing. Please confirm visiting hours and parking through official information.
Best season
To savor the stone statues and halls in quiet, mild days of early summer's fresh greenery or autumn's foliage suit best. Walking it together with the Kiso River scenery makes the change of seasons stand out all the more. Dress for the deep chill of winter and the strong summer sun.
Map
35.4459, 137.0255 · Wikidata
Suggested itinerary
- 1Head from Mino-Ota Station toward Nakatomi-cho to reach Reisen-ji
- 2Pay respects to the principal image, the Eleven-Faced Kannon
- 3View the hundred stone Kannon and Hakuin's works (confirm access officially)
- 4Stroll along the Kiso River and the site of the historic Ota crossing
Did you know?
💡 The hundred stone Kannon statues lined up in the grounds are striking, and the temple is also known for holding several calligraphy and painting works by Hakuin, the reviver of Rinzai Zen. The mountain name Seiryu-zan and the surviving grave of Oda Nobuhide's retainer are further highlights unique to this temple.
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