Jokoji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple in Obuse, Nagano Prefecture, belonging to the Buzan school of Shingon Buddhism. Also affectionately known as “Tsumago Koyaku-shi”, the temple is especially famous for its Yakushido Hall, a designated Important Cultural Property of Japan.
Surrounded by abundant nature, Jokoji offers a peaceful combination of history, Buddhist faith, traditional architecture, and local culture. The temple grounds are decorated with flowers and trees that change with the seasons, while stone monuments inscribed with haiku by the celebrated poet Kobayashi Issa provide another connection to the cultural history of the region.
Jokoji is believed to have been founded in 1408, during the early Muromachi period. The temple’s Yakushido Hall is also said to have been built in the same year. Having survived for more than six centuries, this historic structure provides a valuable glimpse into the architectural techniques and Buddhist traditions of medieval Japan.
The temple’s principal Buddhist image is Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of Medicine. Traditionally worshipped as a Buddha who heals illness and supports longevity, Yakushi Nyorai is also associated with blessings that extend to both this life and the next, a concept known as “two-world benefits.”
The Yakushi Nyorai at Jokoji is particularly known as the “Yakushi of matchmaking”. For this reason, the temple has long attracted visitors praying for good relationships and favorable connections.
On the first day of each month at 11:00 a.m., a Buddhist goma fire ritual is held in the main hall. Visitors are welcome to participate and offer prayers.
Yakushido Hall is the symbolic heart of Jokoji. Built in 1408, it has remained a center of local religious life for centuries. One of its most distinctive features is its traditional thatched roof.
The roof was rethatched in 2007, and in 2008 the building reached the remarkable milestone of its 600th anniversary. Extensive restoration work was also carried out in 1946 and 1947 to preserve the historic structure for future generations.
The temple’s main hall was destroyed by fire in 1879. It was later rebuilt in 1976 using historic timber recovered when the former Tsusumi Elementary School nearby was dismantled.
By incorporating these reused materials, the present main hall embodies a connection between the temple and the local community, linking different generations of the area’s history through its architecture.
In the garden beside the temple’s living quarters is Goreisen Spring, a natural spring fed by water emerging from the foothills of Mount Karida. The spring was selected as one of the 50 Best Waters of Shinshu, recognizing the quality and character of its clear mountain water.
Local residents and visitors from outside Nagano regularly come to collect the water. It can be enjoyed as drinking water and taken home, and many people associate it with health and the blessings of the temple.
Jokoji has long been associated with traditional stories known as the temple’s “Seven Mysteries.” Exploring these legends adds an intriguing element to a visit.
One of the best-known mysteries concerns the stone staircase leading up to Yakushido Hall. The steps are made from naturally shaped stones and appear irregular when viewed normally.
However, if you crouch down at the bottom and look upward, the front edges of the steps, known as their “noses,” appear to line up almost perfectly in a straight line. This unusual visual effect is one of the distinctive details that make the approach to Yakushido particularly memorable.
Nature is an important part of the atmosphere at Jokoji, and the temple grounds offer something different throughout the year. Cherry blossoms and flowering peach trees brighten spring, while golden bells and Japanese skunk cabbage appear in early summer.
During the rainy season, hydrangeas add vibrant color to the grounds. In autumn, ginkgo trees turn brilliant yellow, while daffodils provide seasonal beauty in winter. The changing landscape makes the temple an attractive destination in every season.
A small shop on the temple grounds offers goshuin, traditional temple stamps written in a visitor’s pilgrimage book, as well as Buddhist amulets and other items. These make meaningful souvenirs for travelers and are a way to remember a visit to this historic temple.
The shop is located beside Goreisen Spring, making it convenient to combine collecting spring water with a visit to the temple grounds.
Jokoji also offers a unique cultural experience known as “Fude-Asobi,” or “brush play.” Led by the temple’s deputy priest, this activity allows participants to use a traditional Japanese brush to write freely and express their own words or feelings.
No previous calligraphy experience is necessary. Rather than focusing on technical perfection, the activity encourages visitors to enjoy the movement of the brush and the process of expressing themselves. For international travelers, it can be a memorable way to experience an aspect of Japanese culture in a relaxed temple setting.
Jokoji is approximately a 5-minute drive from Obuse Station on the Nagano Electric Railway. Its convenient location makes it easy to include in a sightseeing itinerary around Obuse.
The temple can be visited together with attractions such as the Hokusai Museum and the town’s famous chestnut confectionery shops, making it a natural stop for travelers exploring Obuse on foot and by car.
Jokoji Temple has served as a place of Buddhist faith and local culture since the Muromachi period. Its historic Yakushido Hall, clear mountain spring, traditional legends, seasonal scenery, and hands-on cultural experiences offer many different ways to appreciate this peaceful temple.
For travelers exploring Obuse, Jokoji provides a chance to step away from the busier sightseeing streets and encounter a quieter side of the town. Take time to admire the centuries-old architecture, discover the temple’s mysterious stone staircase, collect the clear spring water, and experience the atmosphere of a historic Japanese temple surrounded by nature.