Founded by the Sengoku Warrior Yura Shigeharu
Hosenji was founded in 1574 by Yura Shigenori, also known as Yura Shinano-no-kami Shigeharu, a Sengoku-period warrior who ruled areas including Kiryu, Ota, and Tatebayashi.
After defeating the Kiryu clan in the previous year and gaining control of the Kiryu territory, Shigeharu eventually settled in Kiryu after his retirement. He established Hosenji as his family temple and created an impressive temple complex, complete with a formal imperial-style gate and a substantial endowment of farmland.
The scale of the temple reflects Shigeharu’s strong devotion to Buddhism. From its early years, Hosenji also attracted distinguished Zen monks. Among them were highly respected masters such as Mokusho Soshō Zenji and Daien Montsuru Daiosho. The third abbot, Daien Montsuru, eventually became the 20th abbot of Eiheiji, one of the two principal head temples of the Soto Zen tradition.
At its height, Hosenji flourished as a major Zen training center where more than 40 monks gathered to practice meditation and study Buddhist teachings.
Preserving Its Buddhist Tradition Through Times of Crisis
Hosenji faced several difficult periods throughout its history. Yura Shigeharu died only five years after the temple was founded, and in 1590, following the Siege of Odawara, the Yura clan was transferred to Ushiku in Hitachi Province.
Despite these changes, the temple survived with the support of influential authorities, including Tokugawa Ieyasu, who recognized and protected its temple lands.
During the Edo period, Hosenji’s importance within the Soto Zen tradition was formally recognized. During the tenure of its 11th abbot, the temple received the status of Jōhōdō and Bekkakuchi, a prestigious rank immediately below the major head temples of the sect.
The temple also survived the upheaval of the Meiji Restoration and the movement known as Haibutsu Kishaku, during which Buddhist institutions throughout Japan faced severe restrictions and destruction. Hosenji has continued to preserve its religious tradition to the present day.
A Remarkable Collection of Cultural Properties Preserved from Fire
One of Hosenji’s most remarkable characteristics is the survival of its historic buildings and treasures without suffering a major fire or disaster since its foundation. As a result, the temple retains numerous examples of architecture, documents, Buddhist artworks, and craftwork dating from the medieval period through the Edo period.
The quantity and variety of these surviving treasures have led Hosenji to be described as a “treasure house of cultural properties.” They provide valuable insights into the religious and cultural history of Kiryu and Gunma.
Main Hall — One of Kiryu’s Largest Traditional Temple Buildings
The Main Hall is designated as a Cultural Property of Kiryu City and is believed to have been constructed no later than 1726. It is a large hōjō-style building consisting of eight rooms, measuring nine bays across and eight bays deep.
It is one of the largest surviving wooden structures in Kiryu. Its impressive irimoya-zukuri roof, now covered with copper sheeting, preserves the traditional architectural style of a Soto Zen temple main hall.
Inside, massive wooden pillars and beams support the structure, while the solemn central sanctuary houses the Shaka Triad, consisting of Shakyamuni Buddha accompanied by Monju and Fugen Bodhisattvas. Although the building has undergone repairs in modern times, many elements of its historic character remain.
Sanmon Gate — A Magnificent Zen-Style Gate
The Sanmon Gate, constructed in 1704, is also designated as a Cultural Property of Kiryu City. This two-story gate has a three-bay frontage and an irimoya-style roof, displaying the balanced proportions characteristic of traditional Zen architecture.
Inside the gate are statues of Jikokuten and Zochoten, two of the Buddhist guardian kings. Intricate decorative details include carvings representing the 12 animals of the Japanese zodiac, as well as a dramatic dragon motif known as the Unsuiryu.
The gate is particularly noteworthy for its traditional ōgitaruki fan-shaped rafters, a relatively rare feature among surviving temple gates in Gunma Prefecture.
Revolving Sutra Repository and Historic Temple Bell
The temple’s Rinzō, or revolving sutra repository, was constructed in 1783. It contains eight sections of scripture shelves arranged around a central rotating pillar and houses a complete collection of Buddhist scriptures printed in the 17th century under the direction of Tetsugen Dōkō.
The temple bell was cast in 1641 and is considered the oldest surviving temple bell in Kiryu City. Its presence quietly recalls the long history of Buddhist worship at Hosenji.
The Shaka Triad and Other Buddhist Treasures
The principal religious image at Hosenji is Shakyamuni Buddha, accompanied by Monju Bodhisattva, associated with wisdom, and Fugen Bodhisattva, associated with Buddhist practice and virtue. This Shaka Triad is traditionally regarded as one of the temple’s most important treasures.
Hosenji also preserves numerous Buddhist paintings, sculptures, historical documents, and other artworks. These materials are valuable not only from a religious perspective but also for understanding the development of Kiryu and the wider history of Gunma.
A Peaceful Temple Surrounded by the Beauty of the Seasons
The temple grounds are surrounded by abundant nature and offer a different atmosphere in every season. Azaleas bloom in spring, fresh greenery covers the grounds in summer, autumn brings colorful foliage, and winter creates a particularly quiet and clear atmosphere.
The temple’s name is said to be connected with the phrase “a sacred place where phoenixes fly and immortals enjoy themselves”, associated with Tojin Hakusan. Its mountain name, Kiryu-zan, is also said to have been chosen in connection with an auspicious sign.
With its wooded surroundings and historic architecture, the temple indeed has the atmosphere of a secluded sanctuary away from the bustle of the city.
The Grave of Yura Shigeharu and the Tombs of Former Abbots
Within the temple grounds is the quiet grave of Yura Shigeharu, the Sengoku warrior who founded Hosenji. As the family temple of the Yura clan, this site is an important historical place for understanding the connection between the temple and the samurai history of Kiryu.
The memorial tombs of successive abbots are also arranged within the grounds. Together, they preserve the memory of the monks who maintained the temple’s Buddhist tradition across generations.
The cemetery area is surrounded by tall cedar trees and has a particularly tranquil atmosphere. Visitors can experience a distinctive setting where Sengoku-period history and the quiet discipline of Zen Buddhism come together.
A Historic Destination for Discovering Kiryu’s Religious Heritage
Born during the turbulent Sengoku period and sustained through centuries of political and social change, Hosenji Temple is an important part of Kiryu’s cultural heritage. Its connection with the Yura clan, prestigious status within the Soto Zen tradition, and remarkable collection of historic buildings and treasures all contribute to its significance.
A visit begins with the impressive Sanmon Gate and continues through the peaceful temple grounds to the historic Main Hall and other surviving structures. For travelers interested in Japanese history, Buddhist culture, traditional architecture, or the samurai heritage of the Kanto region, Hosenji offers an opportunity to encounter more than 450 years of history and religious tradition.
When visiting Kiryu, take some time to pass through the temple gate, quietly offer a prayer, and appreciate the atmosphere of this historic sanctuary, where the legacy of the Sengoku period continues to live alongside the traditions of Zen Buddhism.