Kichijozan Komyoji Temple is a temple of the Nichiren school of Buddhism located in central Kisarazu City, Chiba Prefecture. Its mountain name is Kichijosan, and it has a historical connection with Ikegami Honmonji Temple in Tokyo.
Komyoji is particularly famous as the resting place of the person believed to have inspired Yosaburo, the central character of the famous kabuki play “Yowa Nasake Ukina no Yokogushi.” The temple is also counted among the seven major temples of the Nanso region, reflecting its long-standing importance in the religious history of southern Chiba.
The history of Komyoji dates back to 1335, during the Kenmu era. The temple was originally a Tendai Buddhist temple known as Tanakado. It was later converted to the Nichiren school and became an important center for spreading Nichiren Buddhism throughout the Nanso region.
The temple was established under the guidance of Daikyo Ajari Nichirin Shonin, who had close connections with important Nichiren temples including Ikegami Honmonji and Myohonji.
Komyoji originally existed as the Tendai temple Tanakado. According to the temple’s history, Nichirin Shonin engaged in a religious debate with the temple’s then-resident priest, Chigakubo, and persuaded him to accept Nichiren Buddhism.
The temple subsequently became an important base for the propagation of Nichiren Buddhism in the Uchibo area. It eventually established itself as a regional head temple with four branch temples, although two of them have since disappeared.
The Main Hall was created by relocating the guest hall of Jokyoji Temple in 1830, during the Bunsei era. It was later renovated in 1972.
The temple’s bell tower was rebuilt in 1964, preserving an important traditional feature of the temple grounds.
Shichimendo Hall, dedicated to Shichimen Myojin, was rebuilt in 1960.
The historic Sanmon Gate at the entrance is a traditional yakui-mon gate, adding to the atmosphere of the temple grounds.
One of the most notable natural features of the temple is the Maizuru Pine, a black pine believed to be more than 400 years old.
Its distinctive shape is said to resemble a crane in flight, which is why it is known as “Maizuru no Matsu,” or “Dancing Crane Pine.” It was selected as the first tree in Kisarazu’s list of 100 famous trees.
Komyoji is closely associated with Yosaburo, the protagonist of the kabuki play “Yowa Nasake Ukina no Yokogushi.” The grave at the temple is traditionally regarded as belonging to the person who served as the model for the character.
According to local tradition, this Yosaburo trained as a dyer in Kisarazu. The grave is therefore an interesting destination for visitors interested in Japanese performing arts and local history.
Near the grave stands a memorial pagoda erected by famous kabuki actors Kataoka Nizaemon and Bando Tamasaburo in remembrance of the deceased.
It is also said that actors traditionally visited Komyoji to pay their respects whenever this kabuki play was performed.
Komyoji also has a literary connection with the famous haiku poet Kobayashi Issa.
Issa visited the temple in 1811, during the Bunka era, and an account of his visit remains in his diary “Shichiban Nikki.”
This connection adds another layer of cultural interest to the temple, linking its history not only with Buddhism and kabuki but also with Japanese poetry.
From the Tokyo or Yokohama area, take the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line and exit at Kaneda Interchange. From the interchange, it takes approximately 15 minutes to reach the temple, followed by another approximately 15 minutes to the destination according to the provided route information.
From the Chiba area, use the Tateyama Expressway and exit at Kisarazu-Kita Interchange. Continue via National Route 410 for approximately 20 minutes.
Official Name: Kichijozan Komyoji Temple
Address: 1-3-5 Chuo, Kisarazu City, Chiba Prefecture 292-0067, Japan
Kichijozan Komyoji Temple is a historic temple where several aspects of Japanese culture come together. Its long history as a center of Nichiren Buddhism, its traditional buildings and ancient pine tree, and its connection with the kabuki character Yosaburo make it an especially interesting place to visit in Kisarazu.
For travelers exploring the city, a visit to Komyoji provides an opportunity to discover a quieter side of Kisarazu while learning about the stories, literature, and performing arts that have shaped the region’s cultural heritage.