Shogakuji Temple is a temple of the Jodo school of Buddhism located in Kajimachi, Numata City, Gunma Prefecture. Its mountain name is Hozan, and its formal name is Hozan Dairen-in Shogakuji. The temple’s principal Buddhist image is Amida Nyorai, the Buddha of Infinite Light and Life, and the temple has long been an important place of worship for the local community.
The temple grounds are home to the grave of Komatsuhime (Dairen-in), the wife of Sanada Nobuyuki, as well as the grave of Kume Taminosuke, an engineer, businessman, and politician who made significant contributions to the development of Numata.
The temple is also known for its beautiful white wisteria, which has been selected as one of the “100 Famous Trees of Numata City.” The changing scenery throughout the seasons adds to the temple’s appeal.
According to temple tradition, the history of Shogakuji dates back to 1406. When the Numata clan of Ueno invaded the Kokubo area of what is now Gunma Prefecture, an image of Amida Buddha was brought back from the area. Two retainers, Takahashi Geki and Sakurai Iori, are said to have entered the Buddhist priesthood and established a small hermitage, marking the beginning of the temple.
In 1574, the temple was moved to its present area by the Buddhist priest Seiko, where it became known as Hozan Shogakuji.
During the Warring States period, the temple became connected with several important events. It is traditionally said that Suzuki Mondo, a retainer of the Sanada clan, took his own life at the temple in connection with an incident involving Navhata Castle.
In 1612, when Sanada Nobuyuki reorganized the layout of the town of Numata, the temple is said to have received land through the efforts of Komatsuhime and was moved to its present location.
Komatsuhime, whose Buddhist name was Dairen-in Eiyo Kogetsu Daizenjō-ni, was the daughter of the famous warrior Honda Tadakatsu. She became the wife of Sanada Nobuyuki after being adopted by Tokugawa Ieyasu or, according to some accounts, Tokugawa Hidetada.
Komatsuhime is remembered in historical tradition as an intelligent and strong-willed woman. During the Battle of Sekigahara, members of the Sanada family found themselves divided between opposing sides. Several stories have survived describing Komatsuhime’s firm conduct during this politically difficult period.
In 1620, while traveling to Kusatsu Onsen for a hot spring treatment, Komatsuhime died at the age of 48 in Konosu, in what was then Musashi Province.
Her remains were divided among several locations, and she was buried at Shogakuji Temple, Shoganji Temple in Konosu, and Hosenji Temple in Ueda. At Shogakuji, her grave is marked by a Hokyo-in Pagoda, which has been designated an Important Cultural Property by Numata City.
The temple also preserves objects associated with Komatsuhime, including the “Jizo and the Ten Kings of Hell”, a painted Buddhist scroll on silk traditionally said to have been donated by her. This work has been designated an Important Cultural Property of Gunma Prefecture.
The temple grounds also contain the grave of Kume Taminosuke, an engineer, businessman, and politician who was born in Numata.
Born in 1861, Kume graduated at the top of his class from the Imperial College of Engineering. He went on to work on major engineering projects, including the design of the stone bridge at the main gate of the Imperial Palace, as well as railway construction projects in various parts of Japan.
He also achieved success as a businessman and served four terms as a member of the House of Representatives.
One of his most notable contributions to his hometown was his work to restore the neglected site of Numata Castle. He purchased the former castle grounds, developed them as a park, and donated the property to the city, helping establish what is now Numata Park.
In recognition of his contributions and dedication to his hometown, Kume was named an Honorary Citizen of Numata in 1989. Shogakuji is therefore also an important place for remembering one of the prominent figures in the city’s modern history.
Shogakuji preserves numerous cultural treasures. Among the most notable is its magnificent Sanmon Gate, a traditional hip-and-gable structure designated as a cultural property by Numata City. The detailed carvings decorating the gate are particularly worth seeing.
The grounds are also home to a large Japanese umbrella pine (Koyamaki), designated as a Natural Monument by Numata City. Its imposing appearance reflects the long history of the temple grounds.
Every year on April 29, the temple holds the Shogakuji Kannon Festival. During the event, the temple’s collection of 100 Kannon statues and the image associated with Donryu Shonin are made available for public viewing.
Plant vendors and food stalls line the temple grounds and approach to the temple, attracting numerous visitors. The festival has become a beloved spring tradition rooted in the local community.
Shogakuji Temple is approximately 10 minutes by car from the Numata Interchange on the Kan-Etsu Expressway. From JR Numata Station, the temple can be reached in about five minutes by bus.
Nearby attractions include Numata Park and Oigami Onsen, making it possible to combine a visit to the temple with sightseeing focused on history, nature, and hot springs.
Shogakuji Temple offers a unique opportunity to encounter several chapters of Japanese history in one peaceful setting. The temple preserves memories of the Warring States period, the life of a remarkable woman in the early Edo period, and the achievements of a local figure who contributed to the modernization of Japan.
Walking through the quiet temple grounds, visitors can discover how religious traditions, local history, and the memories of generations of residents have been passed down through the centuries.
For travelers interested in Japanese history and culture, Shogakuji provides a rewarding stop in Numata, especially when combined with nearby historic sites and natural attractions.