An-yoji Temple is a historic Rinzai Zen temple in Yasuhara, Saku City, Nagano Prefecture. Belonging to the Myoshinji school of Rinzai Buddhism, the temple is officially known as Horinzan An-yoji.
Surrounded by the peaceful scenery of the Saku Basin, An-yoji has long served as an important center of local Buddhist faith. Its grounds contain historic buildings, cultural treasures, and fascinating legends that have been passed down through generations.
The origins of An-yoji are believed to date back to the late 13th century, during either the Shoo or Koan era. The temple was founded in Shimohirao Village in Saku District at the imperial request of Emperor Go-Fukakusa. Its founder was Shinchi Kakushin, a prominent Buddhist priest who was also associated with Kokokuji Temple and the Fuke tradition.
Later, his disciple Shogen Chikan Zenji (1331–1383) moved the temple to its present location and is regarded as the figure who restored and developed An-yoji. At this time, its mountain name was changed from Myoga-san to Horinzan.
During the Muromachi period, An-yoji received strong support from the Oi clan, a powerful family associated with the government of Shinano Province. Several members of the clan had their remains enshrined at the temple, demonstrating the high esteem in which An-yoji was held.
The temple also became connected with an important episode in the history of the Ashikaga family. Eijuomaru, the youngest son of Ashikaga Mochiuji, who was killed during the Eikyo Rebellion, was sheltered by Oi Mochimitsu. This protection was made possible through a connection between the boy’s wet nurse and a monk of An-yoji.
Eijuomaru later came of age and became Ashikaga Shigeuji, the final Kanto Kubō. In gratitude for the protection he had received, he is said to have donated more than 3,500 koku of temple land to An-yoji. Objects traditionally associated with him, including bowls and trays, are still preserved at the temple.
In 1550, during the Sengoku period, Takeda Shingen donated more than 526 koku of land to An-yoji and supported repairs to its buildings. At the time, the temple belonged to the Soto school of Zen Buddhism.
The temple later declined amid the conflicts between the Takeda and Uesugi forces during the Eiroku era. Tokugawa Ieyasu subsequently donated 20 koku of land to the temple.
In 1699, during the Genroku era, An-yoji changed its affiliation to the Myoshinji school of Rinzai Zen Buddhism, the tradition to which it belongs today.
An-yoji houses a number of valuable Buddhist treasures, including a remarkable collection of 600 volumes of the Chinese edition of the Great Perfection of Wisdom Sutras.
The temple is also the sixth temple on the Saku-daira Thirty-Three Kannon Pilgrimage, giving it an additional role as a destination for Buddhist pilgrims and visitors interested in the religious traditions of the region.
The Main Hall is the central building of An-yoji and serves as the setting for Buddhist ceremonies and daily religious activities.
The Founder’s Hall houses an image of Hoto Kokushi, the Buddhist master traditionally associated with the origins of the temple.
The Choon-do Hall adds to the quiet atmosphere of the temple grounds and provides another place to experience the contemplative character of Zen Buddhism.
The Bell Tower is used for Buddhist observances, including the traditional ringing of the temple bell on New Year’s Eve.
An-yoji is particularly rich in local legends. One story concerns Hoto Kokushi, whose image in the Founder’s Hall has traditionally been associated with prayers for nursing mothers.
According to an old custom, a woman seeking a plentiful supply of breast milk would offer one sho of rice to An-yoji. Half was presented before the Buddhist image, while the other half was taken home and cooked as rice porridge. The practice reflects the way Buddhist faith became closely connected with everyday hopes and family life.
A pond beside the Founder’s Hall is the setting for another intriguing legend. It is said that when a fire broke out at the temple, the image of Hoto Kokushi came to life and attempted to extinguish the flames by throwing water from the pond.
According to the story, the figure faced toward China and shouted loudly while sprinkling water to put out the fire. The tale is one of many legends that reveal the deep affection and imagination with which local people have regarded the temple over the centuries.
The temple’s lotus pond is also associated with a curious story. Snails placed in the pond were said to mysteriously lose their tails, becoming known as “tail-less snails.” One explanation connects the legend with the story that the image of Hoto Kokushi had its lower body burned during a temple fire.
A large keyaki zelkova tree on the temple grounds is traditionally said to have been planted by Shogen Chikan Zenji during the Nanboku-cho period.
Local tradition says that two giant serpents lived inside the tree. Anyone attempting to cut it down was believed to suffer divine punishment. Whether taken as historical fact or folklore, the story adds an intriguing atmosphere to this ancient temple and its surrounding trees.
The temple grounds contain the grave of a princess from the Hosokawa family of Kumamoto. She reportedly died at Iwamurada-juku while traveling as part of the daimyo’s alternate-attendance journeys during the Edo period.
A large stone known as the Kamakura Stone is associated with Chikan Osho. According to tradition, he brought the stone from Kamakura to use as a paperweight, but it supposedly became so large that it eventually blocked the temple well.
The Zazen Stone is said to be a place where a temple priest sat in meditation while considering plans for rebuilding the temple. Its name reflects the Zen practice of seated meditation.
The Phoenix Stone is traditionally said to have once been a garden stone at Hosai-ken, a residence where the young Ashikaga Shigeuji is believed to have spent part of his childhood.
An-yoji is also closely associated with the history of Shinshu miso, the traditional fermented soybean paste of Nagano. The temple’s long history and connection with the region’s Buddhist culture provide an interesting background for understanding the local food traditions that developed in the Saku area.
Visitors interested in regional cuisine can combine a visit to An-yoji with a taste of An-yoji Ramen, a local specialty made with miso associated with the Saku region.
With its centuries-old history, Buddhist treasures, samurai connections, and fascinating legends, An-yoji offers much more than a simple temple visit. The peaceful grounds invite visitors to slow down and discover the stories that have shaped Saku over many generations.
The temple is approximately 15 minutes by car from the Saku Interchange on the Joshinetsu Expressway. Its location amid the natural scenery of Saku also makes it a pleasant stop while exploring the surrounding countryside.
For travelers looking beyond the major tourist destinations, An-yoji provides a chance to experience a quieter side of Nagano, where Zen Buddhism, samurai history, local legends, and regional food culture come together in one historic setting.