Myoryuji Temple, officially known as Kyueizan Myoryuji, is a temple of the Nichiren school of Buddhism located in Sakura City, Chiba Prefecture. It belongs to Minobusan Kuonji Temple, the head temple of the Nichiren school, and is known by the mountain name “Kyueizan.” With its long history, peaceful grounds, historic trees, and traditional religious events, Myoryuji is a charming place to visit while exploring the former castle town of Sakura.
Myoryuji was founded in April 1471 by Myokoin Nichii, the ninth chief priest of Matsudo Hondoji Temple. The temple was originally located south of the main gate of Sakura Castle. During the Enpo era of the Edo period, however, the temple was moved to its present location as the Sakura domain expanded and more samurai residences were built in the surrounding area.
The present main hall was reconstructed in 1988 and features a traditional Kamakura-style architectural design. Its elegant appearance reflects the temple’s long history while blending naturally with the surrounding trees and landscape.
The main hall is one of the highlights of Myoryuji. Rebuilt in the Kamakura style, the building has a dignified and graceful appearance. A plaque displayed on the hall bears the words “Ten Sei Chi Mei”, meaning roughly “the sky is clear and the earth is bright.” The phrase is associated with peace, clarity, and a pure state of mind.
A cemetery is located to the left of the main hall, surrounded by trees such as crape myrtles and ginkgo trees. In front of the main hall, slightly to one side, stand large old trees including Japanese chinquapin and Japanese holly, some of which are believed to be more than 500 years old.
These ancient trees give the temple grounds a distinctive atmosphere, allowing visitors to experience a sense of history while enjoying a quiet natural setting. Their presence also provides a peaceful and refreshing environment away from the bustle of the city.
The temple grounds are also home to old Japanese umbrella pine and thread-branched cypress trees. These trees have been registered as protected trees by Sakura City and are an important part of the temple’s historic landscape.
Together with the temple buildings and religious sites, the preserved trees demonstrate the close relationship between Sakura’s cultural heritage and its natural environment.
Myoryuji is one of the seven temples and shrines included in the Sakura Seven Lucky Gods pilgrimage. The pilgrimage takes visitors around seven religious sites in the former castle-town area of Sakura and is part of efforts to promote the historic center of the city.
Myoryuji is home to Daikokuten, one of Japan’s Seven Lucky Gods. Daikokuten is traditionally associated with prosperity in business, good fortune, and the safety and happiness of the household. The statue is opened for public worship during the New Year period, when many visitors come to the temple as part of the pilgrimage.
In addition to Daikokuten, Myoryuji enshrines several other protective deities and religious figures.
Koyasu Kishimojin is worshipped as a protective deity associated with safe childbirth and the healthy growth of children.
Kasamori Inari Daimyojin is traditionally believed to offer protection against skin diseases and injuries.
Seishoko is worshipped in connection with victory in battle and protection from disasters.
The temple also enshrines Sanju Banjin, a group of thirty protective deities in the Nichiren Buddhist tradition. Together, these religious figures reflect the temple’s role as a place where people have traditionally prayed for protection, health, family well-being, and good fortune.
Near Myoryuji is a plateau known locally as “Umanose,” meaning “horse’s back.” The historic road leading from this area toward Myoryuji is called Banshindō. In the past, many worshippers used this route when visiting the temple, and it remains a familiar part of the local landscape today.
Within the temple grounds stands a small hall known as Banshindō, which is also locally called “Banjindō.” The name is believed to have developed from the older name “Bannindō,” which appears in the historical work Kokon Sakura Masako.
The area around the temple preserves traces of Sakura’s past, making a visit to Myoryuji an opportunity not only to see a historic Buddhist temple but also to discover the atmosphere of the city’s former castle-town landscape.
Myoryuji holds a variety of Buddhist ceremonies and community events throughout the year. These occasions are important not only as religious activities but also as long-standing traditions that connect the temple with the local community.
January: Sakura Seven Lucky Gods Pilgrimage
February: Setsubun and Risshun Prayer Ceremony and Bean-Throwing Event
March: Higan Memorial Service
April: Hana Matsuri, the celebration of Buddha’s birth
July: Obon observances
August: Obon and Segaki Memorial Service
September: Higan Memorial Service
November: Oeshiki, a memorial ceremony commemorating Nichiren
Among these events, the Sakura Seven Lucky Gods pilgrimage during the New Year period and the Setsubun bean-throwing ceremony are particularly lively occasions, attracting many worshippers and visitors.
Myoryuji also serves as a cultural and community gathering place. Under the guidance of chief priest Ei-sho Murakami, the temple began hosting an annual spring music event called “Concert at the Temple” in 1999.
The event features professional musicians and provides local residents and visitors with an opportunity to enjoy live music in the peaceful surroundings of the temple. Although the concert was temporarily suspended while the garden and approach to the temple were being improved, it resumed in 2008 and has continued to bring music and community spirit to the temple.
Myoryuji is conveniently located in central Sakura and can be reached on foot from both of the city’s main railway stations.
From Keisei Sakura Station on the Keisei Main Line, the temple is approximately a 12-minute walk. From JR Sakura Station on the Sobu Main Line, it takes approximately 18 minutes on foot.
Myoryuji offers visitors a chance to experience the history and culture of Sakura’s former castle town in a peaceful setting. The temple combines centuries of Buddhist history with traditional architecture, ancient trees, religious traditions, and local community activities.
For visitors interested in Japanese history and culture, the temple is especially appealing because it can be experienced together with the historic streets and other cultural sites of Sakura. Those taking part in the Sakura Seven Lucky Gods pilgrimage can also visit Daikokuten at Myoryuji and learn more about the traditional beliefs associated with the Seven Lucky Gods.
When exploring Sakura City, consider including Myoryuji in your itinerary. A quiet walk through its grounds offers an opportunity to appreciate the area’s religious heritage, historic atmosphere, and beautiful natural surroundings.