Shonenji Temple, Takachiho
Shonen-ji is a temple of the Jōdo Shinshū school of Buddhism. It is located in Takachiho Town, Miyazaki, on Kyūshū, Japan's southernmost main island.
The Shonen-ji temple complex is situated at the base of Genbuzan mountain, about 12 km outside central Takachiho. It was established there in 1578 by Tanio Yoshimura following the destruction of Genbu-jo, the Yoshimura clan's castle. Genbu-jo was burned and the principal Yoshimura family members killed when the Christian daimyō, Ōtomo Sōrin, invaded from Bungo Province in the north. According to temple records, Tanio Yoshimura experienced a revelation following the loss of the castle and then committed himself and his successors to a religious life in atonement for the many deaths that had occurred.
In accordance with Jōdo Shinshū tradition, the position of head priest at Shonen-ji is hereditary through the eldest son. The present head priest, Junsho Yoshimura, is the seventeenth generation of his family to serve at Shonen-ji. Shonen-ji is unique among Japanese temples in that the English wife of the head priest is herself an ordained Kiyoshi.
In May 2006, Shonen-ji established a branch temple in the Kishinoue section of central Takachiho. The Kishinoue Kaikan includes a meeting hall, a mausoleum, and an English school.
Principal buildings
Takachiho-cho
- A Shōrō-mon stands at the main entrance to the temple. In 1978, a new bell was installed to mark the 400th anniversary of Shonen-ji's founding. The tower itself was rebuilt as a 3x2 ken structure in 1986.
- Shonen-ji's ''Hondō measures 7x7 ken. The hall has been destroyed by fire twice in its history. The present structure dates from the early 20th century.
- Nokotsu-dō 3x2 ken
- Kaikan. Opened in December 2000.
- Community Hall
Central Takachiho
- Kishinoue Kaikan in the Kishinoue section of central Takachiho.