Kitayama Honmon-ji Temple

Overview

Kitayama Honmon-ji is a temple of the Nichiren Buddhist sect located in Kitayama, Fujinomiya City, Shizuoka Prefecture. It is counted among the sect's seven great head temples and belongs to the Fuji Monryu lineage, which traces back to the disciple Nikko. Its mountain name is Fuji-san, its formal name is Hokke Honmon-ji Kongen, and it is also commonly known as Omosu Honmon-ji.

Highlights

• ●One of the seven great head temples of Nichiren Buddhism
• ●A central temple of the Fuji Five Mountains
• ●Also counted among the Komon Eight Head Temples
• ●A five-storied pagoda within the temple grounds

History

The temple is said to have been founded in 1298. As a central temple of the Fuji Monryu lineage descended from Nikko, it forms the "Fuji Five Mountains" together with Nishiyama Honmon-ji, Taiseki-ji, Shimojo Myoren-ji, and Koizumi Kuon-ji, and is also counted among the "Komon Eight Head Temples" alongside Kyoto Yoho-ji, Izu Jitsujo-ji, and Yasuda Myohon-ji. The temple grounds include several structures, including a five-storied pagoda.

Map

35.2766, 138.6085 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Head for the Kitayama area of Fujinomiya City to visit Kitayama Honmon-ji, one of Nichiren Buddhism's seven great head temples
2. 2Pass through the gate and take in the temple complex beyond, including its five-storied pagoda
3. 3Visit the main hall, reflecting on its standing within two temple groupings, the Fuji Five Mountains and the Komon Eight Head Temples
4. 4Consider extending the trip to other Fuji Five Mountains temples nearby, such as Taiseki-ji

Did you know?

💡 A notable feature of Kitayama Honmon-ji is that it is counted among both the "Fuji Five Mountains" and the "Komon Eight Head Temples," reflecting its important standing within the Fuji Monryu lineage descended from Nikko.

Nearby spots