A 700-Year-Old Zen Temple Surrounded by Seasonal Beauty
Zuitozan Unjuji Temple is a historic temple in Yasugi City, Shimane Prefecture. It belongs to the Myoshinji school of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism and was founded in 1322, during the late Kamakura period, by the renowned Zen master Koho Kakumyo.
Known as one of the oldest Zen temples in the Izumo region, Unjuji has welcomed worshippers for approximately 700 years. Its long history, traditional architecture, and beautiful gardens make it an important cultural and religious site in eastern Shimane.
Koho Kakumyo received the honorary title of Kokusai Kokushi from Emperor Go-Daigo and Sanko Kokushi from Emperor Go-Murakami. Unjuji was also revered as an imperial prayer temple under both imperial courts.
The temple’s name derives from the title “Tenchō Unju Kōshō Zenji”, which Emperor Go-Daigo is said to have bestowed upon the temple. A plaque bearing the name, traditionally attributed to the emperor’s own handwriting, is displayed above the temple gate and remains an important reminder of Unjuji’s connection with the imperial court.
Unjuji stands upstream along the Hakuta River from Yasugi Port, a historic port that once prospered as a shipping center for iron. The temple is surrounded by the rural landscape of the Nogi Plain, an area rich in nature where swans visit during winter.
This peaceful setting is perfectly suited to the atmosphere of a Zen temple. Away from the bustle of the city, visitors can enjoy the sound of nature and take a leisurely walk through the historic temple grounds.
During the Edo period, Yasugi Port flourished as a port of call on the Western Circuit shipping route and served as an important port for the Matsue Domain. Although Unjuji is located some distance from the port town, it has long been an important center of faith for the local community.
The approach to Unjuji stretches from an entrance along the Hakuta River and follows the prefectural road. Lined with pine trees and bordered by waterways on both sides, the approach is sometimes known as “Ukimi-chi,” meaning a road that seems to float on water.
Along the approach stands Shikyaku-mon Gate, a precious surviving structure dating from the foundation of the temple. It is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan and preserves the appearance of a gate from approximately 700 years ago.
The historic gate quietly welcomes visitors as they make their way toward the main temple grounds, creating a strong sense of stepping into the world of medieval Japan.
After passing through the stone gate, visitors can see a carefully arranged complex in which the Sanmon Gate, Buddha Hall, and Abbot’s Quarters stand in a straight line.
This arrangement is known as a Zen temple architectural layout and is commonly associated with the major Zen temple complexes of Kyoto. Such a well-preserved arrangement is relatively rare among temples outside the major urban centers.
The orderly alignment of the buildings creates a dignified atmosphere characteristic of Zen temples. The grounds also include a Kannon Hall, Yakushi Hall, and the pond in front of the Abbot’s Quarters, providing visitors with quiet spaces for contemplation.
The Sanmon, or main gate, serves as the formal entrance to Unjuji. It was constructed by master carpenters during the Edo period while recreating architectural elements associated with the Kamakura period.
The intricate wooden framework beneath the roof demonstrates the skill of traditional Japanese craftsmen. Visitors can appreciate the refined details of Japanese wooden architecture as they pass through the gate.
Above the gate is a plaque inscribed with “Tenchō Unju Kōshō Zenji,” traditionally attributed to the handwriting of Emperor Go-Daigo. Carefully preserved as a temple treasure, the plaque is an important cultural object reflecting Unjuji’s historical relationship with the imperial court.
The central Buddha Hall enshrines Unjuji’s principal Buddhist image, known as the Nenge Mishō Buddha. The name comes from a famous Zen story in which the Buddha Shakyamuni silently held up a flower, and only his disciple Mahakasyapa understood the meaning and smiled.
The story is regarded as a symbolic expression of the transmission of wisdom beyond words, an idea closely associated with Zen Buddhism.
The Buddha is traditionally believed to offer blessings for peace and harmony within the family, and many visitors pray here for a harmonious home.
The ceiling of the Buddha Hall features a dramatic painting of a dragon among clouds. The powerful dragon image is traditionally regarded as a symbol capable of keeping misfortune away.
Near the Sanmon Gate stands the Kannon Hall, which enshrines the Koyoke Kannon. The temple is also the 27th temple on the Chugoku Kannon Pilgrimage.
This Kannon is traditionally revered as a guardian associated with childbirth and raising children. Visitors from throughout Japan have long come to pray for children and safe childbirth.
Along the temple approach is also a small shrine dedicated to Juki-Jizo, a Jizo figure associated with giving up alcohol. The statue is depicted stepping on a demon symbolizing human desire and serves as a reminder not to become consumed by alcohol or lose control of oneself.
For this reason, the Jizo has also attracted people wishing to lead healthier lives or reduce their alcohol consumption.
One of Unjuji’s most notable treasures is the Koryo Buddhist Bell, also known as a Korean-style bell, housed in the Founder Hall.
The bell is believed to have been cast during the Silla period on the Korean Peninsula and is regarded as one of the oldest surviving Korean-style Buddhist bells in Japan. It is also designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.
With its elegant and imposing appearance, the bell has considerable historical and artistic value and is one of the temple’s most important highlights.
Behind the Abbot’s Quarters lies the Genroku Garden, a Zen garden created during the Genroku era. Designed in the style of a Japanese dry landscape garden, the garden makes clever use of the natural slope of the land.
Azaleas and satsuki azaleas are planted across the slope, creating layers of flowers that resemble waves when viewed from the temple buildings.
From April through June, hundreds of azalea plants bloom successively, filling the garden with vibrant colors. This spectacular seasonal display is one of the main reasons Unjuji is affectionately known as the “Azalea Temple.”
The garden brings together natural scenery and Zen aesthetics, creating a tranquil space where visitors can sit quietly and appreciate the changing landscape.
Since its foundation, Unjuji has received protection and patronage from influential figures and institutions throughout Japanese history. During the Northern and Southern Courts period, the temple was supported by the imperial court. During the Sengoku period, it was protected by powerful clans including the Amago and Mori. During the Edo period, it received support from the Matsudaira family of the Matsue Domain.
The temple is also said to have had connections with writers and cultural figures, including Lafcadio Hearn, better known as Koizumi Yakumo, and Yamaoka Tesshu, a renowned swordsman of the late Edo and early Meiji periods.
Through these successive chapters of history, Unjuji has preserved its religious traditions and cultural heritage for approximately seven centuries.
Visitors who pay the admission fee can explore areas such as the outer corridor of the main hall, the Founder Hall, and the Genroku Garden. Guided explanations are also available, allowing visitors to learn more about the temple’s history, architecture, Buddhist traditions, and cultural treasures.
The temple also offers goshuin, traditional temple stamps collected by visitors traveling between Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, as well as protective amulets.
Seasonal ceremonies and local events are sometimes held within the temple grounds, providing opportunities to experience the continuing connection between Unjuji and the local community.
Unjuji Temple is located in Yasugi City, Shimane Prefecture. By car, it is approximately 8 minutes from Yasugi Interchange.
When using public transportation, take the Yellow Bus and get off at the Unjuji Iriguchi stop. The temple is only about a one-minute walk from the bus stop.
Surrounded by rich nature and steeped in more than 700 years of history, Zuitozan Unjuji offers travelers a peaceful opportunity to experience traditional Japanese culture.
From the pine-lined approach and historic gate to the orderly Zen temple buildings, ancient Korean-style bell, and beautiful Genroku Garden, the temple brings together architecture, Buddhist traditions, history, and seasonal scenery.
Whether visiting during the colorful azalea season, beneath the autumn leaves, or in the quiet of winter, a walk through Unjuji provides a chance to slow down, appreciate the beauty of a traditional Zen temple, and reflect on the long history of Yasugi.