The History of Morinji Temple
Founded in the Muromachi Period
Morinji Temple is traditionally said to have been founded in 1426, during the middle of the Muromachi period. The founding priest was Obayashi Shotoku Zenji, who is believed to have come from the Toki clan of Mino Province.
Shotoku Zenji traveled to various parts of Japan to spread Buddhist teachings. When he reached the area that is now Tatebayashi, he established a small hermitage here, which eventually developed into Morinji Temple.
In 1468, Akai Masamitsu, lord of Aoyagi Castle, became a devoted supporter of the temple. He donated approximately 80,000 tsubo of land and helped develop the temple buildings. Morinji subsequently grew into an important center of faith for the local community.
During the Edo period, the temple’s status was further strengthened. In 1642, Morinji is said to have received approximately 23 koku and 4 to of land as a shuinchi, or officially recognized temple territory, from Tokugawa Iemitsu, the third shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate.
The Legend of the Bunbuku Chagama
The Tanuki and the Magical Tea Kettle
The story of the Bunbuku Chagama is inseparable from the identity of Morinji Temple. There are two related versions of the story: the widely known Japanese folktale called “Bunbuku Chagama” and the more specific legend handed down at Morinji Temple.
According to the temple’s tradition, a monk named Shukaku lived at Morinji during the Oei era in the 15th century. Shukaku used a mysterious tea kettle to serve tea to the monks and visitors.
The kettle possessed a remarkable power: no matter how much hot water was taken from it, the supply never seemed to run out. Shukaku named it the “Shikin-do Bunbuku Chagama” and treasured it as an auspicious kettle capable of sharing good fortune with others.
The True Identity of Shukaku
One day, however, some monks happened to see Shukaku sleeping. To their surprise, they noticed that a tanuki’s tail was emerging from his body.
According to the legend, Shukaku was actually a tanuki who had lived for an extraordinarily long time. He was said to have heard the teachings of Buddha in India in a distant age, then traveled through China before eventually coming to Japan.
Once his true identity had been discovered, Shukaku decided to leave the temple. On the day of his departure, he is said to have used supernatural powers to create visions of famous scenes from the past, including the Battle of Yashima from the Genpei War and the death of the Buddha.
This mysterious temple legend was eventually incorporated into Japanese folklore and is considered one of the sources behind the familiar Bunbuku Chagama story known throughout Japan.
Highlights of the Temple Grounds
Somon Gate – The Black Gate
The Somon Gate, also known as the Black Gate, stands at the entrance to Morinji Temple. It was built in 1468 and is one of the temple’s historic structures.
Passing through the subdued, traditional gate immediately brings visitors into the peaceful atmosphere of the temple grounds.
A Path Lined with Tanuki Statues
The approach from the Somon Gate to the main Sanmon Gate is lined with 21 tanuki statues made using traditional Shigaraki ware.
The friendly-looking statues greet visitors along the path and have become one of Morinji’s most recognizable sights. Their appearance and decorations may change with the seasons, making the approach a popular place for photographs.
Sanmon Gate – The Red Gate
At the end of the approach stands the vermilion-colored Sanmon Gate, commonly known as the Red Gate. It was built in 1694.
The vivid red color creates a striking contrast with the surrounding greenery and makes the gate one of the visual symbols of Morinji Temple.
The Main Hall
The Main Hall is the central building of Morinji Temple. It was originally constructed in 1468 and later rebuilt in 1727, giving it the appearance seen today.
The principal Buddhist image, Shakyamuni Buddha, is enshrined inside the hall.
A room on the northern side of the Main Hall houses the legendary Bunbuku Chagama. Visitors can see the famous tea kettle as part of their visit to the temple.
The Bunbuku Tea Kettle
A Large Copper Kettle at the Heart of the Legend
The Bunbuku Chagama preserved at Morinji is made of shikin-do, a type of purple-gold-colored copper alloy. It has a capacity of approximately 21 liters, equivalent to one Japanese traditional measure of one to and two sho.
The kettle measures approximately 1.2 meters around the body and weighs about 11 kilograms. Its opening is approximately 24 centimeters in diameter.
The original lid has been lost, and a newly made lid is now used. As a treasured cultural object associated with one of Japan’s best-known folktales, the kettle continues to attract considerable interest from visitors.
Ancient Trees and Seasonal Flowers
A 600-Year-Old Japanese Yew and Weeping Cherry Trees
In front of the Main Hall stands a magnificent Japanese nutmeg-yew (Podocarpus nagi), known locally as rakanmaki. The tree is estimated to be approximately 600 years old and has been designated a Gunma Prefectural Natural Monument.
In spring, beautiful weeping cherry trees bloom across the temple grounds, adding a delicate touch of color to the historic setting.
Shukaku-do Hall
The temple grounds also contain Shukaku-do Hall, dedicated to the monk Shukaku, who is said to have brought the Bunbuku Chagama to Morinji.
Shukaku has traditionally been revered as a guardian figure of the temple, and visitors continue to pay their respects at the hall.
The Tanuki Collection
Discover the Culture of Tanuki in Japanese Folklore
Morinji has a unique exhibition known as the Tanuki Collection. It features materials related to tanuki from different parts of Japan, including preserved specimens, folk crafts, and other objects.
Tanuki have long played an important role in Japanese folktales, popular beliefs, and folk culture. The collection provides an interesting way to learn about how this familiar animal has been portrayed in Japanese tradition.
Tanuki Cherry Blossom Festival
A Lively Spring Event in April
Every April, Morinji hosts the Tanuki Cherry Blossom Festival. The event features traditional performances such as Satsuma biwa music, storytelling, and Japanese dance, creating a lively atmosphere throughout the temple grounds.
As part of the event, rice cakes are distributed to the first 100 visitors. The festival is enjoyed by both local residents and tourists and offers a wonderful opportunity to experience traditional Japanese performing arts in a historic temple setting.
Morinji Park
A Natural Wetland Beside the Temple
Immediately north of Morinji Temple lies Morinji Park, a nature-rich park centered around Morinji Pond and a lowland wetland.
The area is one of Tatebayashi’s three celebrated “Satonuma” wetland landscapes, which represent the close relationship between local communities and the region’s ponds, wetlands, and natural environment.
The wetland is home to a variety of plants and birds, making it a popular destination for nature observation. The scenery changes throughout the seasons, offering something different each time you visit.
Cute tanuki objects can also be found around the park, adding a playful touch to a walk through the natural surroundings.
Access to Morinji Temple
Morinji Temple is relatively easy to reach by public transportation. From Morinji-mae Station on the Tobu Isesaki Line, it is approximately a 10-minute walk to the temple.
By car, the temple is approximately 15 minutes from Tatebayashi Interchange on the Tohoku Expressway. Parking is available near the temple.
One of Tatebayashi’s Most Distinctive Attractions
With its long history and connection to the legendary Bunbuku Chagama, Morinji Temple is one of Tatebayashi’s most distinctive cultural attractions.
The combination of historic temple buildings, the legendary tea kettle, charming tanuki statues, ancient trees, seasonal flowers, and the natural landscape of Morinji Park creates an experience that is both relaxing and memorable.
For international visitors, Morinji offers a particularly interesting glimpse into the world of Japanese folklore and traditional beliefs. Walking quietly along the temple approach while surrounded by tanuki statues feels almost like stepping into the world of an old Japanese folktale.