Myojyoji Temple in Hakui, Ishikawa

Myojyoji Temple in Hakui, Ishikawa

When I drove a car in Noto Peninsula, a Five Storied Pagoda was seen on a small hill. The scenery is very impressive.

A couple of historical and big temples have a Five-Storied Pagoda in Kyoto and Nara. However, it is uncommon to see such a Five-Storied Pagoda in a countryside, other than Kyoto and Nara. So, decided to visit the temple.

The name of the temple is "Myojyouji" Temple of the "Nichiren" Sect. It was founded in 1294.

The Deva Gate is located at the foot of the hill. The Deva gate has two-storied Gate and it has no roof on the lower story. This is the typical archtecture of "Nichiren" Temple in the "Muromachi" Age (1336 - 1573).

The wooden statues of two Deva Kings as temple guardians are located at the Deva Gate. They are very muscularity and powerful.

The Deva Gate was rebuilt by MAEDA Toshitsune(1594 - 1658), the second feudal lord of "Kaga" Domain. The gate was designated as an important cultural property of Japan.

You will walk up stone stairs behind the Deva Gate. You will arrive at the main temple area on a small hill. On your right, the Bell-Tower (front) and the Main Hall (behind) are located on the main area.

The Five-Storied Pagoda is located in front of you.

The Pagoda is 34.18 meters in height. It was rebuilt in 1618. The Five-Storied Pagoda is well proportioned and beautiful. It is also designated as an important cultural property of Japan.

To the west of the main temple area, the grave of "Jyufukuin"(1570 - 1631), mother of MAEDA Toshitsune, is located.

Jyufukuin designated Myojyoji Temple as her family temple and her son, MAEDA Toshitsune, built many temple buildings for example the Main Hall, the Five Storied Pagoda, the Bell-Tower. Near the grave of Jyufukuin, "Jyorokudo" Hall and the hall of worship, "Sanjyuban-Jindo" Hall are located.

"Jyorokudo" Hall was built in 1686. Inside the hall, a bid Buddha statue is located. It is said the height of the Buddha statue is approximately five meters. "Jyoroku" means the height of the Buddha statue in Japanese. "Sanjyuban-Jindo" Hall was built in 1614.

To the north of "Sanjyuban-Jindo" Hall, "Sankodo" Hall is located. "Sankodo" Hall means three different kinds of light, which lead you to Buddhist teachings. They are light of sun, moon and stars.

"Sankodo" Hall is connected with the Main Hall and "Soshido" Hall by corridors. "Soshido" Hall enshrines Saint Nichiren(1222 - 1282), who was the founder of Nichiren sect, Priest Nichizo(1269 - 1342), who was a founder of Myojyoji Temple, and Priest Nichiro(1245 - 1320), who was a mentor of Priest Nichizo

"Sankodo" Hall and "Soshido" Hall were built in 1624. The Main Hall in the middle was built in 1614. These three buildings are designated as important cultural properties of Japan. As you see, many buildings of Myojyoji Temple you, see today, were built at the beginning of the seventeenth century by MAEDA Toshitsune.

The Main Hall is very gorgeous and magnificence. After visiting "Soshido" Hall, you will walk a corridor to "Shoin", Study Hall located at the foot of the hill.

"Shoin" Hall was built by MAEDA Tsunanori(1643 - 1724), the fourth feudal lord of Kaga Domain. The garden of "Shoin" Hall is open for public. You will see the Five-Storied Pagoda on the hill.

Myojyoji Temple has long history and many historical temple buildings. In total, ten buildings are designated as important cultural properties of Japan. The distant view of the Five-Storied Pagoda on the hill is very impressive.

How to get there
Take a JR Train from Kanazawa to Hakui on the Nanao Line. Five Limited Express trains also run a day. In addition, two extra Limited Express Trains run in high seasons. From Hakui Station, take a bus bound for Togi to Myojyoji-Guchi Bus stop. it will take approximately fifteen minutes from the bus stop to Myojyoji Temple on foot.

Official English site:
http://myojoji-noto.jp/english.html

Other Historical Sites near by:
Sojiji-Soin Temple
Kuroshima Historical District
Noto-Kongo
Keta-Taisha Shrine
Ruins of Kanazawa Castle