Overview
Ikkou-ji is a temple of the Ikko sect of Jishu Buddhism, located in Nishihara 2-chome, Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture. Its mountain name is Seishozan and its principal image is Amida Nyorai. Founded by Utsunomiya Kagetsuna, a member of the Utsunomiya clan, it is deeply tied to the history of Utsunomiya. Its bronze seated statue of Amida Nyorai is designated a National Important Cultural Property and is affectionately known as the 'Sweating Amida.' Set in the city center yet belonging to the rare Ikko branch of the Jishu sect, and preserving a precious statue, it offers much to travelers seeking history and faith.
Highlights
- ●The National Important Cultural Property bronze seated Amida, the 'Sweating Amida'
- ●An old temple tied to Utsunomiya, founded by Utsunomiya Kagetsuna
- ●The distinctive character of the rare Ikko branch of the Jishu sect
- ●A quiet precinct with the mountain name Seishozan enshrining Amida Nyorai
History
Ikkou-ji is said to have been founded by Utsunomiya Kagetsuna, a member of the Utsunomiya clan. It belongs to the Ikko branch of the Jishu sect, bears the mountain name Seishozan, and enshrines Amida Nyorai as its principal image. Utsunomiya Kagetsuna was a head of the Utsunomiya clan active in the Kamakura period, and naming him as founder attests to the temple's deep ties with the family that ruled medieval Utsunomiya. The bronze seated Amida statue handed down here is a temple treasure carefully protected through that long history; for detailed records, please refer to official sources.
Access
The temple is in Nishihara 2-chome, Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture, within the city center. It is convenient to reach by bus or taxi from around JR Utsunomiya Station or Tobu Utsunomiya Station, being relatively close to the heart of the city. As a temple in an urban area, whether it can be visited and whether the Important Cultural Property is on display may change by season. If viewing the statue is your goal, confirm the viewing dates and method through official information before visiting.
Best season
Being a temple in the city center, it is easy to visit in any season. For an unhurried walk around the grounds, the mild climate of spring and autumn is especially recommended. Prepare for heat in summer and cold in winter. The bronze seated Amida statue, an Important Cultural Property, is not necessarily on permanent display, so if viewing it is your aim, plan your visit to coincide with its display period.
Map
36.5546, 139.8743 · Wikidata
Suggested itinerary
- 1Start from JR Utsunomiya Station or Tobu Utsunomiya Station
- 2Head to Ikkou-ji in Nishihara 2-chome in the city center
- 3View the Important Cultural Property 'Sweating Amida' (confirm display status)
- 4Combine with a meal and a stroll through central Utsunomiya
Did you know?
💡 The bronze seated Amida statue of Ikkou-ji is designated a National Important Cultural Property and is known as the 'Sweating Amida.' This nickname, from the legend that the statue perspires, is a sign of the affection passed down alongside people's faith. Moreover, the Ikko branch of the Jishu sect to which Ikkou-ji belongs is a rare one, and the very survival of such an unusual old temple in central Utsunomiya speaks to the depth of this land's history.
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