Honmon Ji

This temple was established by the 3rd of Nichiren Shonin’s six senior disciples, Byakuren Ajari Nikko Shonin. After Nichiren Shonin’s death, Nikko Shonin left the Hermitage at Mt. Minobu and founded this temple. He is said to have taken some the founder’s ashes with him and built a grave marker for him in the temple grounds. In 1288 Nikko left Mt. Minobu after a disagreement with Hakii Sanenaga, and went to the Ueno district and founded Taiseki-ji. In 1293 he left Taiseki-ji and founded this temple. He oversaw the construction of the Mieido, Hondo and Suijaku-do. It was from here that he established the Omosu Seminary. On February 7th 1333 Nikko Shonin passed away at the age of 88.

The Treasure House: Many treasures are held by this Temple, some of these are;

Image of Nikko Shonin, Mandala GoHonzan written by Nichiren Shonin, A Mannen Kugo Mandala, A copper engraved Mandala Honzon, A sickness curing Mandala, A child protection Honzon, Mandala Honzon written by Nikko Shonin, 2 original writings of Nichiren Shonin, A copy of the Lotus Sutra on blue paper written in gold ink, A wooden tablet honzon, A book about the life of Nikko Shonin written by his disciples, A history of the temple written by Nichidan (10th high priest).

The following three paragraphs are translations of the material from the brochure below. These three paragraphs would go in the three boxes to the left. The text above would be on the other side of this brochure. This brochure is handed out at the Temple. We gave the translation work to Kitayama Honmonji so they would have English for those who visited in the future.

3 Historical Graves: This graveyard is comprised of former ministers and lay members of this temple. Within the graveyard is a marker for both Nichiren Shonin and Nikko Shonin. As per Buddhist tradition all of the graves fast east.

Miei Do (Image Hall): Go through the Nio-mon, climb a few steps, go through the Nitten mon and before you is the Image hall. In April of 1934, celebrating the 600th anniversary of Nikko Shonin “Entering the Mountain” (founding this Temple) a special lifelike image of Nikko Shonin was dedicated.

7 Cedar Trees: These seven cedar trees stand to the southeast from the reception hall. When Nikko “Entered the Mountain,” he planted these 7 trees, each to represent the Odaimoku, Na Mu Myo Ho Ren Ge Kyo. A typhoon knocked down four of the trees and only three remain today.