Overview
Kubonobo is one of the sub-temples of Kuon-ji on Mount Minobu, the head temple of the Nichiren school of Buddhism, located in Minobu Town, Yamanashi Prefecture. A sub-temple, or tacchu, is a small hall or pilgrim's lodging maintained within or around the precinct of a head temple, and Kubonobo has likewise built up its history as one of the temples that support Kuon-ji. Its founding is traditionally attributed to Nichiji, one of the six senior disciples of Nichiren, and its lineage belongs to the Denshi dharma affiliation. Set within one corner of Mount Minobu, a great center of faith, it has quietly welcomed worshippers and pilgrims, and visiting it alongside Kuon-ji lets you sense the wider reach of devotion across the whole mountain.
Highlights
- ●Its standing as one of the sub-temples of Kuon-ji on Mount Minobu
- ●A founding tradition attributed to Nichiji, one of the six senior disciples
- ●A dharma lineage belonging to the Denshi affiliation
- ●A corner of Mount Minobu to visit together with the head temple
History
Kubonobo has been maintained as a sub-temple of Kuon-ji on Mount Minobu. Its founding is traditionally credited to Nichiji, counted among the six senior disciples who served close to Nichiren, and its lineage belongs to the Denshi dharma affiliation. Sub-temples have served to support the head temple and to receive pilgrims, and Kubonobo has taken part in this religious organization of Mount Minobu. For details such as the origins of individual halls or whether it currently offers viewing or lodging, visitors are encouraged to confirm with Kuon-ji or local official sources at the time of their visit.
Access
The temple lies in Minobu Town, Yamanashi Prefecture, within and around the precinct of Kuon-ji on Mount Minobu. Kuon-ji is a great temple complex opened in the folds of the mountain, and Kubonobo stands within this precinct as one of its sub-temples. Access to Mount Minobu is generally by railway and local bus, or by car, but station walking times, bus services and routes within the Kuon-ji precinct can change, so please confirm the details through official information before visiting.
Best season
Mount Minobu changes its appearance with the seasons, offering cherry blossoms in spring, deep greenery in summer, autumn foliage, and clear crisp air in winter, so it rewards a visit at any time of year. The season of Kuon-ji's weeping cherry trees and the autumn color period in particular draw many worshippers. If you are considering a sub-temple tour or a stay in pilgrim's lodging, crowds and availability vary by season, so it is best to check official information in advance.
Map
35.3788, 138.4266 · Wikidata
Suggested itinerary
- 1Head to Mount Minobu by local bus from Minobu Station
- 2Worship at the main hall and founder's hall of the head temple, Kuon-ji
- 3Visit Kubonobo, one of the sub-temples, and learn of its founding tradition
- 4Stroll the sub-temples and temple-gate town around Kuon-ji before heading home
Did you know?
💡 Nichiji, traditionally regarded as the founder of Kubonobo, was one of Nichiren's six senior disciples and is remembered as a figure who is said to have later set out overseas to spread the teachings. As a sub-temple that looks to his name as founder, Kubonobo conveys the historical depth of Mount Minobu to this day.
Nearby spots
Traveler reviews0
No reviews yet. Be the first to share!