Myojoji Temple Main Hall

Introduction

Nestled among the rolling hills of Hakui City on the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture, the Main Hall (Hondō) of Myōjōji Temple stands as one of the finest surviving examples of early Edo-period Buddhist architecture in the Hokuriku region. Designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan, this magnificent structure showcases the refined craftsmanship of the Kennin-ji school of carpentry and the generous patronage of the powerful Maeda clan of Kaga Domain.

Myōjōji Temple itself holds the distinguished status of a head temple (honzan) of the Nichiren sect in the Hokuriku region, and its sprawling temple complex boasts an extraordinary ten buildings recognized as Important Cultural Properties — a concentration of designated heritage structures rarely found anywhere else in Japan. Among these treasures, the Main Hall occupies a central position both physically and spiritually within the temple grounds.

Historical Background

The history of Myōjōji Temple dates back to 1294 (Einin 2), when Nichizō, a grandson-disciple of the sect's founder Nichiren, journeyed from Sado Island toward Kyoto to spread the teachings of the Lotus Sutra. During the sea crossing to Noto, Nichizō engaged in a doctrinal debate with Manzō, a Shingon monk from Mount Sekidōzan, and successfully converted him. Manzō took the Buddhist name Nichijō and, together with Nichizō, established a temple in the village of Takidani — the origins of what would become Myōjōji.

The temple rose to prominence through the patronage of the Maeda clan, rulers of the prosperous Kaga Domain. The present Main Hall was constructed in 1604 (Keichō 9) under the direction of master carpenter Sakagami Matasaburō, a practitioner of the prestigious Kennin-ji school of temple construction. An ink inscription discovered in the roof framing records both the construction date and the carpenter's name, providing invaluable historical documentation.

The third Maeda lord, Toshitsune, was particularly devoted to Myōjōji, as his mother Jufuku-in had deep ties to the temple. Under his patronage, several major buildings — including the Five-Story Pagoda, the Founder's Hall, and additions to the Main Hall complex — were constructed, transforming Myōjōji into the magnificent temple complex we see today. The temple has been remarkably fortunate in escaping both natural disasters and fire throughout its history, allowing these early 17th-century structures to survive intact.

Why It Was Designated as an Important Cultural Property

The Main Hall of Myōjōji was designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan, with the designation dating back to April 14, 1906, under the former preservation law, and reconfirmed on August 29, 1950, under the modern Cultural Properties Protection Act. Several factors contributed to this prestigious recognition.

First, the building represents an outstanding example of the Zen style (Zenshūyō, also known as Karayō or Chinese style) of Buddhist architecture, adapted for use in a Nichiren sect temple. While the overall structure follows Zen architectural conventions, the careful incorporation of Muromachi-period techniques in the finer details reveals a fascinating transitional quality that bridges medieval and early modern Japanese architectural traditions.

Second, the documented attribution to Sakagami Matasaburō and the Kennin-ji school of carpenters makes this hall an important case study in the history of Japanese architectural craftsmanship. The Sakagami family served as official carpenters to the Maeda clan across three generations, and their work at Myōjōji exemplifies the refined skills of Momoyama-period master builders.

Third, the building's excellent state of preservation, together with the nine other designated structures on the temple grounds, provides an unparalleled opportunity to study the complete architectural program of a major Nichiren sect temple from the early Edo period.

Architectural Highlights

The Main Hall is built in the irimoya-zukuri style (hipped-gable roof) with a single-bay worship canopy (kōhai) projecting from the front. The structure measures five bays across (keta-yuki) and five bays deep (hari-ma), and is roofed with thin wooden shingles (kokerabuki) — a roofing technique prized for its elegant, understated appearance.

The foundation features a distinctive rounded earthen mound (kamebara) upon which rough-hewn natural stones support the wooden columns. All pillars are circular in cross-section except for the two front worship canopy pillars, which are large chamfered square posts. The column capitals are tapered (chimaki style), connected by penetrating tie beams (nuki) and topped with a continuous architrave (dairin).

A continuous veranda (kirime-en) runs around the entire structure. The central bay of the main facade features double-folding lattice doors (sasan karado), while the flanking bays and all side and rear bays are fitted with smooth-surfaced sliding doors (mairado).

The interior is divided into an outer worship hall (gejin) and an inner sanctuary (naijin), separated by hinged shutters (shitomido) with elegant diamond-pattern lattice transoms (fukiyose hishigōshi no ranma) above. The outer hall features exposed roof framing on the outer sections and a flat mirror ceiling (kagami tenjō) toward the interior. Within the inner sanctuary, a Zen-style altar platform (shumidan) enshrines the principal objects of worship: a stupa flanked by images of Shakyamuni and Tahō (Prabhūtaratna) Buddha, accompanied by the Four Heavenly Kings and Four Bodhisattvas.

Visitor Information and What to See

A visit to Myōjōji offers far more than just the Main Hall. The temple complex contains ten Important Cultural Properties, including the iconic Five-Story Pagoda — the only wooden pagoda of its kind in the Hokuriku region, standing 34.27 meters tall with exquisite carvings of flora and fauna that reflect the artistic spirit of the Momoyama period.

One of the most distinctive features of the complex is the arrangement of three halls — the Main Hall, the Founder's Hall (Soshidō), and the Sankōdō — lined up side by side in a single row. This layout is unique in Japan and preserves an ancient Nichiren sect temple configuration found nowhere else.

The temple gardens are equally noteworthy. Adjacent to the Shoin (study hall), visitors can enjoy a traditional pond-viewing garden (chisen kanshō-shiki) that incorporates a dry landscape (karesansui) section featuring a crane-and-turtle stone arrangement, blending two classic Japanese garden styles in a single composition.

The Niō Gate (Niōmon), built in 1625, welcomes visitors with a pair of imposing guardian figures. From here, the approach leads through the grounds past the Sutra Hall (Kyōdō), the Bell Tower (Shōrō), and the Five-Story Pagoda before reaching the main worship area.

Surrounding Area and Nearby Attractions

Hakui City and the surrounding Noto Peninsula offer a wealth of cultural and natural attractions to complement a visit to Myōjōji. Nearby Chirihama Nagisa Driveway is one of the few beaches in the world where visitors can drive vehicles directly along the shoreline — a unique and memorable experience.

Keta Shrine (Keta Taisha), one of the most important Shinto shrines in the Noto region, is located a short drive from Myōjōji. This ancient shrine, with roots stretching back over two thousand years, is renowned as a place of prayer for romantic relationships and good fortune.

The broader Noto Peninsula, recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark, offers stunning coastal scenery, traditional fishing villages, and the rich culinary traditions of the region. Visitors traveling between Kanazawa and the peninsula will find Myōjōji an ideal stop along the way.

A small rest area called "Tera no Eki Jufuku" along the temple approach road offers refreshments including chilled amazake and zenzai (sweet red bean soup), providing a pleasant spot to relax after exploring the temple grounds.