Myōhō-in Temple

Overview

Myōhō-in Temple is a Tendai Buddhist temple in Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, with the mountain name Nan'ei-zan and Fugen Bosatsu as its principal image. Traditionally founded by Saichō, it is a prestigious monzeki temple historically headed by members of the imperial and noble families.

Highlights

• ●A monzeki temple historically led by imperial and noble family members, ranked alongside Shōren-in and Sanzen-in as one of the 'Three Tendai Monzeki'
• ●Known for its associations with Emperor Go-Shirakawa and Toyotomi Hideyoshi
• ●In the early modern period it oversaw Hōkō-ji (home of the Great Buddha of Kyoto) and Renge-ō-in (Sanjūsangen-dō)
• ●Sanjūsangen-dō remains a hall under the administration of Myōhō-in to this day

History

The temple is traditionally said to have been founded by Saichō, with Fugen Bosatsu enshrined as its principal image. Temples historically headed by sons of the imperial family or nobility are called monzeki, and Myōhō-in has long been ranked alongside Shōren-in and Sanzen-in (Kajii Monzeki) as one of the 'Three Tendai Monzeki.' It is also known for its ties to Emperor Go-Shirakawa and Toyotomi Hideyoshi. In the early modern period it administered Hōkō-ji and Renge-ō-in (Sanjūsangen-dō), and Sanjūsangen-dō has remained under Myōhō-in's administration into the modern era. The temple holds National Treasure status.

Map

34.9904, 135.7756 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Enter the temple grounds, noting its mountain name Nan'ei-zan
2. 2Pay respects at the hall enshrining Fugen Bosatsu
3. 3Reflect on the temple's history tied to Emperor Go-Shirakawa and Toyotomi Hideyoshi
4. 4Learn about the temple's continuing administrative link to Sanjūsangen-dō

Did you know?

💡 Temples historically headed by members of the imperial or noble families are called monzeki, and Myōhō-in has long been grouped with Shōren-in and Sanzen-in as one of the 'Three Tendai Monzeki.'

Nearby spots