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February 28, 2025

Experience “Kishinobou Temple Stay” at Minobusan – A Sacred Mountain of Nichiren Buddhism

A Sanctuary for Spiritual Renewal at an Ancient Sacred Site

Kishinobou Temple, serving as a branch (Tacchu) of Kuonji, the head temple of Nichiren Shu that is located in Minobusan, welcomes international visitors seeking spiritual connection and tranquility. Located near the mausoleum (Gobyō) of Nichiren Shonin, our temple offers a unique opportunity to experience traditional Buddhist practices in an atmosphere of serenity and historical significance.

A Temple Founded on the Unwavering Faith of “Nabekamuri Nisshin Shonin”

Kishinobou was established in 1450 during the Muromachi period by Nisshin Shonin. Born as “Torakikumaru” in Haniya, Chiba Prefecture in 1407, he became a disciple of the fifth-generation priest of Nakayama Hokekyoji Temple, Nissen Shonin, at the age of fourteen and received his religious name “Nisshin.”

Throughout his life dedicated to propagation (Kaikyō), he traversed Japan, establishing more than thirty temples while enduring persecution and imprisonment for his faith. Most notably, he continued chanting the Odaimoku (Na mu myo ho ren ge kyo) even when he was subjected to the torture of having a burning pot placed on his head, scorching his hair and flesh. This unwavering devotion earned him the name “Nabekamuri (Pot-wearing) Nisshin Shonin.”

Our temple dates its founding to June 15, 1450 (Hotoku 2), when Nichirin Shonin, aspiring to serve at the mausoleum of Nichiren Shonin, established a hermitage in Daigodani at Mount Minobu. In 1909 (Meiji 42), the temple relocated near the ancestral mausoleum in Nishitani, and in May 1939 (Showa 14), it moved to its current location following the reorganization of the founder’s mausoleum area.

Experience “Sanrō” – A Traditional Temple Lodging for Spiritual Practice

Sanrō is the practice of staying at a temple to engage in spiritual training. As a branch temple of Kuonji at Minobusan, we offer “Shukubō” (temple lodging) services to support pilgrims visiting Kuonji Temple.

Experience the daily morning service (Chōgon) at Kuonji Temple and savor “Shojin Ryori” (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) prepared with gratitude, enhancing the natural flavors of each ingredient. Why not immerse yourself in the temple lodging experience that harmonizes mind and body in a way unattainable in everyday life?

Various Spiritual Practices and Experiences

Kishinobou offers multiple opportunities for spiritual cultivation:

• Morning Service at Kuonji Temple: Free of charge. Join the morning service to experience Minobusan’s solemn atmosphere. (5:30 AM)
• Shakyo (Sutra Copying): From 2,000 yen per person. Practice transcribing the Lotus Sutra (Hokekyō).
• Yoga: From 3,000 yen per person. A one to two-hour session of meditation (zazen) and movement to regulate mind and body within the temple’s special atmosphere.
• Juzu (Prayer Beads) Bracelet Making: From 2,000 yen per string. Create your own original juzu bracelet by combining different stone and wooden beads, which serves as a protective amulet (Omamori).
• Goshuin / Goshudai (Temple Red Seal) : Donation-based. Available upon request as proof of your temple visit or stay.

Temple Cuisine to Nourish the Body and Soul

Our “shukubō” cuisine features Yuba (tofu skin) produced locally in Minobu and seasonal ingredients prepared with gentle flavors. We also accept dining-only visitors. Please notify us in advance if you require a strictly vegetarian meal – “Shojin Ryori”.

Prayer and Memorial Services

We conduct prayer services (Kigan) for family safety (Kanai Anzen), physical well-being (Shintai Kenzen), and other wishes, as well as memorial services (Kuyō), in the main hall.

Why not begin your spiritual journey in this tranquil sacred place rich in history and faith, far from the clamor of modern life? At Kishinobou Temple, we extend our heartfelt hospitality to visitors from around the world.dern life? At Kishinobou Temple, we extend our heartfelt hospitality to visitors from around the world.

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Name: Kishinobo

Address: 3591 Minobu, Minobu-cho, Minamikoma-gun, Yamanashi 409-2524

Parking available/up to 8 cars (please use the dedicated parking lot in front of the temple)

TEL: 0556-62-0072

FAX: 0556-62-0723