About
Myōken-ji Temple
Myōken-ji Temple is a serene Buddhist temple located atop Ochiba-yama (Mount Ochiba) in the Arima district of Kobe, Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan. The temple's address is 1685-1 Arima-chō, Kita-ku, Kobe, Hyōgo 651-1401. (arimamyokenji.com)
History and Significance
Originally known as Kongō-ji Temple, Myōken-ji has a rich history dating back to the Kamakura period. In 1333, the temple transitioned to the Nichiren sect under the influence of Daikaku Myōjitsu Daishōjō, a disciple of Nichizō Shōnin. The temple's principal deity, the Fukutoku Kaiun Hokushin Myōken Daibosatsu (North Star Myōken Bodhisattva), was enshrined in 1385 by the order of Emperor Go-Komatsu and donated by Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the third shōgun of the Ashikaga shogunate. (arimamyokenji.com)
In the Meiji era, the temple faced decline but was revitalized in 1906 when Yoda Sakitsuemon relocated the Myōken Daibosatsu to the summit of Ochiba-yama. The current main hall was completed in 1918 under the guidance of Kyoto Myōken-ji's chief priest, Kawai Nichishin, and Yoda's widow, Haru. (arimamyokenji.com)
Access and Visiting Information
Visitors can reach Myōken-ji Temple by taking the Kobe Electric Railway Arima Line to Arima Onsen Station, followed by a 30-minute walk. Alternatively, from the Hankyu Bus High-Speed Bus Terminal at Arima Onsen, it's a similar 30-minute walk. For those driving, access is through the Arima Grand Hotel premises to the temple's parking area; this is the only route accessible by car. (arimamyokenji.com)
The temple is renowned for its tranquil atmosphere and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area, including sights from Tanba Sasayama to the Suma region. The approach to the temple features a long stone staircase, approximately a 15-minute climb, leading to the main hall where the revered Myōken Daibosatsu is enshrined. (arimamyokenji.com)
Contact Information
- Phone: 078-903-3686 / 080-5717-4850
- Website: (arimamyokenji.com)
Myōken-ji Temple stands as a testament to the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of the Arima region, offering visitors both historical insights and a place for peaceful reflection.