A Shrine of the Thirty Guardians, 1614

The Myojoji Temple Sanjubanshindo (妙成寺三十番神堂) is a shrine hall of 1614 in the precinct of Myojoji Temple in Takidani-machi, Hakui City, Ishikawa Prefecture, and was designated an Important Cultural Property on August 13, 1917 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).

The Agency records a three-bay shrine in the nagare-zukuri style with a cusped karahafu eave at the front and a wooden-shingle roof; designation number 00716.

A Shrine for the Thirty Guardian Deities

The Myojoji Temple Sanjubanshindo is a shrine to the thirty guardian deities (sanjubanshin) who protect the Lotus Sutra, built in 1614 (Agency for Cultural Affairs). These deities are widely enshrined at Nichiren temples.

According to Hakui City, its worship hall in front is designated by Ishikawa Prefecture.

Why It Is an Important Cultural Property

The Myojoji Temple Sanjubanshindo was designated in 1917. A shrine to guardian deities within a temple precinct, it shows a typical feature of Nichiren temples.

What to Look For

It is a three-bay shrine in the nagare-zukuri style, with a cusped karahafu on the front eave and a wooden-shingle roof (Agency for Cultural Affairs). At the Myojoji Temple Sanjubanshindo, look for the roof sweeping forward and the curve of the karahafu at its edge.

Visiting

The Myojoji Temple Sanjubanshindo stands among the temple buildings in the Myojoji precinct, and its exterior can be seen within the grounds. No official information on interior access was found. Opening hours and admission are given on the Myojoji Temple page.

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Q&A

QWhen was the Myojoji Temple Sanjubanshindo built?
AIn 1614 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
QWhat is enshrined in the Myojoji Temple Sanjubanshindo?
AThe thirty guardian deities who protect the Lotus Sutra.
QWhat form does it take?
AA three-bay nagare-zukuri shrine with a karahafu front eave and a shingle roof.
QCan I see the Myojoji Temple Sanjubanshindo?
AYes, within the precinct; see the Myojoji page for hours and admission.
QWhen was the Myojoji Temple Sanjubanshindo designated an Important Cultural Property?
AOn August 13, 1917 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).

Basic Information

NameMyojoji Temple Sanjubanshindo (妙成寺三十番神堂)
LocationTakidani-machi, Hakui City, Ishikawa Prefecture
DesignationImportant Cultural Property (Structure)
Year DesignatedDesignated 1917/08/13 (Taisho 6)
Quantity1 building
DimensionsThree-bay nagare-zukuri shrine, karahafu front eave, wooden shingle roof
OwnerMyojoji Temple
Public AccessExterior visible within the precinct

References

Myojoji Temple Sanjubanshindo (Database of National Cultural Properties, Agency for Cultural Affairs)
https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/102/802
Myojoji Temple (Hakui City, Japanese)
https://www.city.hakui.lg.jp/soshiki/sangyoukensetsubu/syoukoukankouka/12/1/2500.html

Last verified: 2026.10.14