Manpō-ji Temple

Overview

Manpo-ji is a temple of the Jodo Shinshu Hongan-ji school in Oda, Uda, Nara Prefecture. Its mountain name is Chikurinzan and its principal image is Amida Nyorai. Said to have been founded in 1377, it carries a long history and has quietly kept its faith in a corner of Oda, a town that once thrived as a castle and post town.

Highlights

• ●An old Jodo Shinshu Hongan-ji temple said to date from 1377
• ●A place of prayer with Amida Nyorai as its principal image
• ●The old-temple air conveyed by its Chikurinzan mountain name
• ●The setting of Oda, where historic streetscapes remain

History

Manpo-ji is said to have been opened in 1377 and has passed down its devotion to Amida Nyorai as a temple of the Jodo Shinshu Hongan-ji school ever since. Oda long developed as a hub of traffic, and historic streetscapes remain especially around the Matsuyama district. For the detailed history of this temple in that setting, please check official information.

Map

34.4810, 135.9316 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Stroll the historic streets of the Matsuyama district in Oda
2. 2Stop at Manpo-ji and pay respects to Amida Nyorai
3. 3Savor the quiet grounds evoked by the Chikurinzan mountain name
4. 4Spend an unhurried while gazing over the mountain scenery of Uda

Did you know?

💡 The principal image, Amida Nyorai, is the central Buddha of Jodo Shinshu, believed to save all people. The mountain name Chikurinzan is said to refer to a bamboo grove, and together with the temple name Manpo it conveys the air of an old temple. It makes a rewarding stop while exploring the historic town of Oda.

Nearby spots