Shofukuji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple of the Tendai school located in the Yumura Onsen hot spring area of Shinonsen Town, Hyogo Prefecture. Its origins are said to date back to the early Heian period (794–1185), when it was founded by the Buddhist monk Ennin, also known as Jikaku Daishi. The temple’s mountain name is Tenryuzan, and its principal object of worship is Fudo Myoo, the Buddhist deity associated with wisdom and the immovable resolve to overcome obstacles.
Shofukuji is particularly well known for the Shofukuji cherry, a distinctive variety of cherry blossom named after the temple. Its historic Buddhist image, cultural properties, and beautiful spring flowers make it a rewarding destination for visitors exploring Yumura Onsen.
The temple stands on the western bank of the Haruki River, overlooking Arayu, the famous hot spring source at the heart of Yumura Onsen. According to tradition, Ennin visited the area in 848 and established Shofukuji at its present location when he discovered the hot springs.
Over the centuries, the temple suffered several fires and was rebuilt on multiple occasions. One of the earliest recorded reconstructions took place in 1354 under the monk Nin of Jissoin. The temple burned down again in 1685 and was rebuilt in 1690 by the monk Gimitsu. The present temple buildings are said to have been reconstructed in 1780 under the direction of the monk Kohan.
The main hall enshrines a standing statue of Fudo Myoo believed to date from the late Heian period. The statue is regarded as an important Buddhist work and is traditionally kept hidden from public view. It is unveiled for worship only once every 21 years, preserving a long-standing religious tradition.
The temple grounds contain the grave of Naoyoshi Kumagai, one of the figures associated with the Keian Incident, a failed uprising led by Yui Shosetsu in the early Edo period. Kumagai is said to have hidden in this area before dying of illness in 1673.
Beside the temple gate stands a memorial stone erected by Kumagai in honor of his parents. The temple also preserves items associated with him, including a naginata, a traditional pole weapon with a curved blade, and a tea kettle.
The Shofukuji cherry is a distinctive cherry variety native to parts of the Tajima region and northern Harima in Hyogo Prefecture. The renowned botanist Tomitaro Makino gave it the scientific name Prunus tajimaensis Makino. Because the variety was cultivated at Shofukuji Temple, it became known in Japanese as the Shofukuji cherry.
The tree typically reaches approximately 5 meters in height, with a trunk circumference of around 40 centimeters. Its flowers are a form of double cherry blossom, generally featuring about 50 petals and 10 sepals. Each flower has between two and six pistils.
The variety is believed to have originated through natural cross-pollination between the wild cherry known as Kinki-mamezakura and the Japanese mountain cherry. Fine hairs cover the flower stalks and petals, and the number of petals is said to be related to the age of the tree.
The flowers usually bloom from early to mid-April, making spring an especially attractive time to visit the temple. The Shofukuji cherry is owned by the temple and is managed by the former Yumura Town Board of Education.
The wooden standing statue of Fudo Myoo enshrined at Shofukuji is believed to have been created during the Heian period. Measuring 134.5 centimeters in height, it was carved from a single block of katsura wood. The statue is designated as a Hyogo Prefecture Important Tangible Cultural Property.
The Shofukuji cherry is also designated as a Natural Monument by Hyogo Prefecture. Its botanical uniqueness and association with the temple make it an important part of the region’s natural and cultural heritage.
Main Hall: The building that houses the standing statue of Fudo Myoo, the temple’s principal object of worship.
Kannon Hall: Dedicated to Senju Kannon, the Thousand-Armed Bodhisattva of Compassion.
Bell Tower Gate: The entrance gate, which also incorporates a bell tower.
Yumechiyo Jizo Bodhisattva: A statue of Jizo Bodhisattva enshrined within the temple grounds.
From JR Hamazaka Station on the San-in Main Line, take a Zentan Bus bound for Yumura Onsen. The journey takes approximately 25 minutes. Get off at the Yumura Onsen bus stop, then walk for about five minutes to reach Shofukuji Temple.
With its centuries-old Buddhist traditions, cultural treasures, and rare cherry blossoms, Shofukuji Temple offers a peaceful historical stop during a visit to Yumura Onsen. Visiting in early to mid-April provides a particularly good opportunity to appreciate the temple’s namesake cherry variety while exploring the area’s hot spring heritage.