Hinata Yakushi is a temple of the Koyasan Shingon school of Buddhism, located in Hinata, Isehara City, Kanagawa Prefecture. Its principal object of worship is the Yakushi Triad, consisting of Yakushi Nyorai, the Medicine Buddha, and two attendant figures.
The temple was formerly known as Hinatayama Ryozenji and once flourished as a large religious complex with 12 sub-temples. Many of its halls and other buildings were lost during the anti-Buddhist movement of the early Meiji period. Today, Hojo-bo has inherited the temple’s institutional lineage.
Before the anti-Buddhist movement, the temple was called Ryozenji; afterward, it became known as Hojo-bo. Since medieval times, it has attracted many worshippers as a sacred center of devotion to Yakushi Nyorai. It is widely known by the name Hinata Yakushi and has played an important historical and cultural role.
Hinata Yakushi is counted by some among Japan’s Three Great Yakushi Temples, together with Shibiori Yakushi in Otoyo Town, Kochi Prefecture, and Yoneyama Yakushi in Joetsu City, Niigata Prefecture. It is also revered as one of the Four Great Yakushi Temples of the Buso area, alongside Mine no Yakushi in Sagamihara City, Takao-san Yakuo-in Temple, and Arai Yakushi.
For a period, the temple flourished as an imperial prayer temple. By the end of the Edo period, it is said to have had as many as 12 sub-temples.
According to temple tradition, Hinata Yakushi was founded in 716, during the Reiki era, by the Buddhist priest Gyoki. Inscriptions on the temple’s bell and the Kamakura-period historical chronicle Azuma Kagami also associate the temple’s foundation with Gyoki. These records confirm that the tradition of Gyoki’s founding of the temple already existed during the Kamakura period.
However, the temple’s actual foundation is estimated to have taken place around the 10th century.
In 952, during the Tenryaku era, Emperor Murakami bestowed a temple bell upon Hinata Yakushi. When the original bell deteriorated, it was recast, and it was recast once again in 1340, during the Ryakuo era. The bell that exists today dates from this second recasting and is an important historical record of the temple’s past.
The style of the Yakushi Triad, the temple’s principal image, suggests that it was created around the 10th century. The main temple complex of Ryozenji is also thought to have been developed around that time.
Hinata Yakushi preserves many valuable cultural properties, including nine properties designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan, as well as numerous cultural properties designated by Kanagawa Prefecture and Isehara City.
Among the most notable works are the Yakushi Triad, a seated statue of Amida Nyorai, standing statues of the Four Heavenly Kings, and standing statues of the Twelve Divine Generals. These Buddhist images date from the Heian and Kamakura periods and are protected as Important Cultural Properties of Japan.
The temple’s Treasure Hall houses 23 Buddhist statues, including images of Amida Nyorai, the Four Heavenly Kings, and the Twelve Divine Generals. Many of the sculptures and other works preserved there date from the Heian through Kamakura periods and are valuable examples of Japanese Buddhist art.
Today, Hinata Yakushi attracts worshippers who pray for recovery from illness. It is particularly well known for prayers concerning eye diseases.
The natural environment around the temple has also been carefully preserved. The grounds and surrounding hills are popular for hiking and walking, and the area is appreciated as a place to maintain physical well-being and find peace of mind. The surrounding woodland is maintained as a protected forest for public health and conservation and is affectionately known as the Forest of Hinata Yakushi.
The temple stands in a valley along the Hinata River, in the foothills of the eastern Tanzawa Mountains. It is surrounded by the mixed woodland characteristic of the rural landscape of the Hinata district.
One of the most notable trees is the Hatakake Cedar, estimated to be approximately 800 years old and designated as a Natural Monument by Kanagawa Prefecture. Native woodland containing Japanese zelkova and tabunoki trees is also protected. Fresh green foliage brightens the grounds in spring, while autumn brings colorful leaves.
The surrounding woodland is likewise protected as a forest for public health and conservation. This rich natural setting provides a peaceful environment for visitors.
The main hall is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan under the name Hojo-bo Main Hall. It continues the tradition of the main hall of the former Hinatayama Ryozenji.
In 1660, during the Manji era, the Tokugawa shogunate donated 100 standing trees from the Tanzawa Mountains, which were used in the renovation of the building. The hall has an irimoya-style roof with a thatched covering. Although it has undergone several renovations, the present building has a history of more than 350 years.
The Treasure Hall stands to the left of the main hall and houses Buddhist statues designated as Important Cultural Properties, dating from the Heian through Kamakura periods.
The Yakushi Triad, the temple’s principal image, is also enshrined here. It is a hidden Buddhist image and is displayed to the public only on designated occasions. These statues are highly regarded as important examples of Buddhist art in eastern Japan.
From the Hinata Yakushi bus stop, visitors enter the main approach to the temple. A broad walkway with stone steps continues for approximately 500 meters through mixed woodland toward the temple gate.
At the entrance to the approach stand two Nio guardian statues, which protect the temple grounds. Passing through the gate brings visitors into the quiet temple precincts.
The approach is lined with native trees, including sudajii evergreen oaks, firs, and Japanese zelkova. The woodland changes with the seasons, making the walk to the temple an enjoyable part of the visit.
Hinata Yakushi is distinguished by its long history, valuable cultural properties, and beautiful natural surroundings. Many people visit to pray for recovery from illness, particularly eye diseases. The surrounding forest and mountain paths are also popular for hiking and leisurely walks.
Even today, Hinata Yakushi remains both a place of religious devotion and a peaceful retreat where visitors can enjoy the natural environment.