A Historic Temple with Cultural Heritage
History of the Temple’s Foundation
Myokyoji Temple was founded in 1460 by the Buddhist priest Nichigyo. In the past, the temple occupied a large, lush site with numerous halls and buildings. During the Edo period, it was respected by people associated with the Tsurumaki Domain, and the graves of many former domain retainers can still be found in the area.
The temple is also known for its historical connections with the Tokugawa family. Both Tokugawa Ieyasu and Tokugawa Mitsukuni are associated with visits to Myokyoji Temple.
The History of Myokyoji Temple
Historical Background Dating Back to the Jomon Period
The area around Myokyoji Temple has a long history stretching back thousands of years. Nearby archaeological sites include the Anezaki Myokyoji Shell Mound, dating from the Jomon period, and the Anezaki Myokyoji Kofun Tumuli, which are part of the wider Anezaki Kofun burial mound complex from the Kofun period.
These archaeological remains provide evidence that people had settled in this area since ancient times and offer valuable insight into the early history of the Anezaki region.
Tokugawa Ieyasu and Myokyoji Temple
Myokyoji Temple had close ties with the Tokugawa family. In 1591, Tokugawa Ieyasu granted the temple an annual stipend of 10 koku of rice, providing it with financial support.
Tokugawa Mitsukuni stayed at Myokyoji Temple in 1674, and an account of his visit was recorded in one of his writings. According to his account, the temple had originally belonged to the Shingon school of Buddhism before being converted to the Kempon Hokke school under the leadership of Nichigyo.
The Boshin War and the Tokugawa Volunteer Corps
The temple grounds also contain graves commemorating members of the Tokugawa volunteer forces who died during the Boshin War in 1868. These graves reflect the temple’s historical connections with people associated with the Tokugawa family during a period of major political change in Japan.
In 1995, an archaeological excavation in the area uncovered ceramics and other artifacts dating from around the 17th century. The discovery was recorded as the Anezaki Myokyoji Site and became an important contribution to the understanding of Ichihara’s history.
Chronology of Myokyoji Temple
Major Historical Events
1460 – Myokyoji Temple was founded by the priest Nichigyo.
1591 – Tokugawa Ieyasu granted the temple an annual stipend of 10 koku of rice.
April 28, 1764 – Tokugawa Mitsukuni stayed at Myokyoji Temple.
May 1, 1963 – Following the establishment of Ichihara as a city, the temple’s address became 453 Anezaki, Ichihara City.
1995 – Archaeological excavations uncovered ceramics dating from the 17th century.
May 27, 2017 – The temple’s address was changed to 1-3-38 Anezaki-Higashi as part of a land readjustment project.
Historical Figures Associated with Myokyoji Temple
Tokugawa Ieyasu
Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate, granted Myokyoji Temple an annual stipend in 1591. This support demonstrates the temple’s historical connection with the Tokugawa family and the political authorities of the period.
Tokugawa Mitsukuni
Tokugawa Mitsukuni visited Myokyoji Temple in 1674 and stayed there overnight. The story of his visit was recorded in his writings, providing a valuable historical reference to the temple and the surrounding area.
Kobayashi Issa
The renowned haiku poet Kobayashi Issa also visited the area around Myokyoji Temple. He is said to have stayed at an inn called Chojiya, which was later associated with the site of the present-day Anezaki Royal Hotel, and explored the area around the temple.
Archaeological Sites and Cultural Heritage
Anezaki Myokyoji Shell Mound
The Anezaki Myokyoji Shell Mound is located relatively close to the coast and contains remains from the Jomon period. Archaeologists have discovered traces of pit dwellings and other evidence of ancient settlement.
Its environmental setting is distinctive compared with other shell mounds in Ichihara, making it an interesting site for understanding the lives of people who lived in the region during prehistoric times.
Anezaki Myokyoji Kofun Tumuli
The Anezaki Myokyoji Kofun Tumuli form part of the Anezaki Kofun burial mound complex and date from the Kofun period. These ancient burial sites are important remains that help tell the story of the region’s early history.
Anezaki Myokyoji Archaeological Site
Excavations conducted in 1995 uncovered artifacts including funerary urns and offering objects from the Edo period. These discoveries provide evidence of the temple’s role in the local community and its connection with religious and burial practices during the Edo period.
Access to Myokyoji Temple
By Train
Myokyoji Temple is approximately a 3-minute walk from Anegasaki Station on the JR East Uchibo Line, making it especially convenient for visitors traveling by train.
By Bus
The temple is about a 3-minute walk from the Anegasaki Station Entrance bus stop served by Kominato Railway buses. It is also approximately a 5-minute walk from the Anezaki-Sankaku bus stop, served by Kominato Railway, Nitto Kotsu, and Aobasu buses.