Myogiji Temple is a historic Soto Zen Buddhist temple in Masuda City, Shimane Prefecture. Quietly situated at the western foot of the ruins of Nananao Castle, the temple has a long connection with the Masuda clan, who once ruled this area.
For centuries, Myogiji served as the family temple of the Masuda clan and played an important role in the history of the region from the Sengoku period through the end of the Edo period. Today, the temple grounds are home to beautiful gardens, seasonal flowers, historic stone monuments, and cultural treasures.
Myogiji is also associated with the Battle of Sekishu-guchi in 1866, when troops from the Choshu domain used the temple as their headquarters and a field hospital. The site therefore offers visitors an opportunity to explore not only Buddhist history but also an important chapter in the final years of feudal Japan.
The origins of Myogiji can be traced back to the 13th century. According to temple tradition, it was founded by the Zen monk Zoso during the Bun’ei era, from 1264 to 1275, as a Rinzai Zen temple called Myogian. Another tradition places its foundation in 1282.
Originally belonging to the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism, the temple flourished under a succession of six head priests. Its history reflects the important role that Buddhist institutions played in the religious and cultural life of the Masuda region during the medieval period.
In 1394, Masuda Kan’ie, also known as Hidekane, the 13th head of the Masuda clan and lord of Nananao Castle, invited the Zen priest Chian Sokan from present-day Gunma Prefecture.
Under his direction, Myogian was converted from Rinzai Zen to Soto Zen. More than 370 koku of land were donated to the temple, helping it develop as the family temple of the powerful Masuda clan.
Following the conversion, the temple became known as Myogiji and gradually established itself as an important center of Soto Zen Buddhism in the Masuda area.
Myogiji experienced another major period of development during the Sengoku period. In the Kōji era, from 1555 to 1558, Masuda Fujikane invited the monk Hanko Son’ei from Daineiji Temple, a prominent Soto Zen temple in present-day Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture.
His disciple, Kanno Shumon, became the temple’s restoration founder and led a major revival. Myogiji subsequently grew into a large temple complex with 22 affiliated temples.
During the Edo period, the temple also served as a regional administrative center for Buddhist temples, known as a rokushō. Its history is therefore marked by three major stages: its foundation as a Rinzai temple, its conversion to Soto Zen, and its revival under the influence of Daineiji.
In 1866, during the final years of the Tokugawa shogunate, the Battle of Sekishu-guchi took place in the Iwami region. The conflict was part of the growing struggle that eventually led to the end of the shogunate and the political transformation of Japan.
The Choshu forces, commanded by Murata Zōroku, later known as Ōmura Masujirō, used Myogiji as their headquarters and field hospital. The Choshu army fought forces associated with the shogunate, including troops from the Hamada and Fukuyama domains.
The temple thus became directly connected with the turbulent period that preceded the Meiji Restoration and the emergence of modern Japan.
Within the temple grounds is the Nogi Cemetery, where four Choshu warriors who died during the Battle of Sekishu-guchi are buried.
Among them is the grave of Nogi Sanzō Takataka, an uncle of General Nogi Maresuke. Nogi Sanzō was only 22 years old when he died in battle. It is said that General Nogi himself later visited the site and paid his respects after the Russo-Japanese War.
The quiet cemetery preserves a tangible connection to the people who lived and died during one of the most turbulent periods in Japanese history.
Numerous medieval stone monuments remain in Sakuradani, an area behind the main hall and deeper within the temple grounds. One of the most notable is the Myogiji Sakuradani Gorinto, traditionally believed to be the grave of Masuda Fujikane.
A Gorinto is a traditional Japanese five-element Buddhist stone monument representing earth, water, fire, wind, and space. The monument at Myogiji is one of the largest historic stone structures in Masuda City and makes a particularly strong impression with its substantial form.
Its weathered appearance provides a sense of the long history of the Masuda clan and the medieval culture that once flourished around Nananao Castle.
Myogiji also houses a standing statue of the Eleven-Headed Kannon Bodhisattva, which has been designated as a cultural property of Masuda City.
The statue was originally enshrined as the principal image of a Kannon hall in Kannonmachi. The hall was established in 1684 by Nakahara Rokuemon, a merchant dealing in medicinal products. After the hall was destroyed by fire, a second-generation Rokuemon rebuilt it and donated the Kannon statue.
The statue was transferred to Myogiji in 1968 and continues to be carefully preserved at the temple.
A bronze statue of Masuda Kanetaka, the 15th head of the Masuda clan and lord of Nananao Castle, stands within the temple grounds.
In front of the temple is also a historic stone bridge dating from the Edo period. The bridge and the approach extending northward from it are thought to follow an important axis of the former medieval castle town.
Walking around this area offers visitors a chance to imagine the layout and atmosphere of the medieval settlement that once developed around Nananao Castle.
Myogiji is known not only for its history but also for its peaceful gardens and seasonal scenery. Flowers and greenery change throughout the year, giving the temple a different atmosphere with each season.
In particular, June is a popular time to visit, when natsutsubaki, also known as Japanese stewartia or “Sara,” comes into bloom. During this period, the temple hosts an event celebrating the flowers, featuring activities such as traditional tea gatherings and concerts.
Spring brings fresh green foliage, summer creates a deep canopy of greenery, autumn adds colorful foliage, and winter brings a particularly quiet atmosphere. Each season provides a different way to appreciate the temple grounds.
Behind Myogiji rises Mount Banseizan, where a pilgrimage route featuring 33 sacred sites has been established.
The mountain is also home to the 20th site of the Chugoku Jizo Bodhisattva Pilgrimage and a collection of a thousand Jizo statues. Jizo is a compassionate Buddhist figure traditionally associated with the protection of travelers, children, and people facing hardship.
Every May, a Buddhist memorial service is held as part of the pilgrimage tradition, attracting worshippers to the mountain. Walking along the quiet paths while visiting the sacred sites offers a peaceful opportunity to step away from everyday life.
Myogiji also offers opportunities for visitors to experience zazen, or seated Zen meditation.
Sitting quietly in the historic main hall provides a chance to experience one aspect of Soto Zen practice and to appreciate the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese Buddhist temple.
For travelers interested in Japanese Buddhism or those simply looking for a quiet moment during their journey, a meditation experience can provide a different perspective on the temple beyond sightseeing.
Advance contact is required for those wishing to participate in temple experiences or special visits.
Myogiji is one of Masuda City’s historic temples where centuries of regional history can be experienced in one place. Its connection with the Masuda clan, its role during the final years of the samurai era, its historic stone monuments, and its traditional Buddhist culture all contribute to its unique character.
The peaceful gardens and seasonal flowers add another dimension to the experience, while the nearby ruins of Nananao Castle help visitors understand the historical setting in which the temple developed.
For travelers interested in Japanese history, Zen Buddhism, traditional architecture, and local culture, Myogiji offers an opportunity to explore a quieter and more contemplative side of Shimane.
By car: Approximately 10 minutes from JR Masuda Station.
By bus: Take a bus on routes such as the Kushiro Line, get off at Masuda Shimoichi, and walk for approximately 6 minutes.