A History Dating Back Before the Sengoku Period
The predecessor of Myoonji was called Zenmyoin and was originally located in Gobongi, Tsutsumi Village, corresponding to present-day Tsutsumi-cho 2-chome.
The temple is said to have been moved to its present location around 1586, following the establishment of Kiryu Shinmachi during the Sengoku period. Although numerous historical documents were lost in fires during the Kansei period and in the great fire of 1842, surviving Buddhist statues and stone monuments indicate that the temple itself may have been founded as early as before the middle of the 16th century.
Surviving the Great Fire of 1842
The great fire of 1842 destroyed the main hall and the Sazaedo, a hall that once housed a collection of one hundred Kannon statues. However, 25 of the Kannon statues survived the fire and have been carefully preserved to the present day.
The current main hall was rebuilt in 1928. Unusually for its time, it was constructed of reinforced concrete, incorporating advanced fire-resistant and earthquake-resistant features. The building itself therefore represents an interesting chapter in the history of modern temple architecture in Japan.
Fudo Myoo, the Temple’s Principal Deity
The principal object of worship at Myoonji is Fudo Myoo, one of the most important deities in Japanese esoteric Buddhism. Fudo Myoo is traditionally associated with overcoming obstacles, protection from misfortune, and spiritual strength.
The temple grounds also contain a distinctive stone statue of Fudo Myoo, accompanied by stone images of Juichimen Kannon, the Eleven-Headed Kannon, and Nyoirin Kannon, the Wish-Granting Kannon.
The combination creates a particularly unusual religious monument. Visitors interested in Japanese Buddhist sculpture can take a quiet moment to appreciate these figures and the beliefs that have surrounded them for generations.
Annual Buddhist Ceremonies and Community Activities
Myoonji hosts a variety of Buddhist ceremonies throughout the year. One of the principal events is the Fudo Myoo Goma Fire Ritual, held every year on January 28.
Other seasonal observances include the Segaki ceremony held during the spring equinox period, a memorial service for those entering their first Bon season in August, and a special ceremony dedicated to eels during the autumn equinox period.
These ceremonies demonstrate how Buddhist temples in Japan have traditionally served not only as places of worship but also as important gathering places for local communities.
Zenmeikaku – A Community Facility
In 1989, the temple completed Zenmeikaku, a facility for parishioners and members of the temple community.
The temple has also been involved in community-based activities, including initiatives that support the healthy development of young people through martial arts training. In this way, Myoonji continues to play an active role in the local community beyond its religious functions.
Rare Treasures Displayed During the Autumn Equinox
During the period around the autumnal equinox, Myoonji traditionally opens some of its carefully preserved treasures to the public for special viewing.
The collection includes fascinating objects connected with Japanese legends, folklore, and religious traditions, such as a representation of the famous Fukuwarai Chagama, the legendary “Bunbuku Tea Kettle,” as well as preserved specimens associated with a mermaid and a raiju, a mythical Japanese thunder beast. A selection of ghost paintings is also displayed.
For international visitors, these objects provide an intriguing introduction to the imaginative world of Japanese folklore. Rather than simply being curiosities, they have traditionally been valued as objects reflecting the hopes, fears, beliefs, and sense of awe held by people in earlier generations.
The Legendary Bunbuku Tea Kettle
The Bunbuku Chagama is particularly well known in Japanese folklore. It is associated with a traditional tale in which a magical tanuki, or Japanese raccoon dog, transforms into a tea kettle.
The story is one of many examples of how animals, supernatural beings, and everyday objects have become intertwined in Japanese folk traditions. Seeing such an object in a historic temple setting offers visitors a chance to explore a side of Japanese culture that goes beyond conventional sightseeing.
A Quiet Place to Discover Kiryu’s History
Myoonji has survived fires, changes in the city, and the passage of centuries while continuing to serve as a place of worship for the people of Kiryu.
Its history brings together several fascinating themes: medieval temple traditions, Buddhist sculpture, local folklore, modern architectural history, and community life. The surviving Kannon statues, distinctive stone Fudo Myoo, and special collection of traditional objects all add to the temple’s cultural character.
Because the temple is located within Kiryu’s urban area, it can also be incorporated easily into a sightseeing itinerary exploring the city’s historic temples, shrines, textile heritage, and traditional streetscapes.
When visiting Kiryu, take some time to stop at Myoonji and enjoy its calm atmosphere. Away from the bustle of the city, the temple offers an opportunity to reflect on the faith, stories, craftsmanship, and everyday traditions that have been passed down through generations in Kiryu.