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Myokoji temple – birth place of Kato Kiyomasa
Myokoji Temple is a Nichiren Buddhist temple located near Toyokuni Shrine. It’s a small temple, so many people might pass by without even noticing it. According to tradition, Myokoji Temple was relocated to the site where the Sengoku warlord Kato Kiyomasa is said to have been born. This relocation occurred in 1610, making it a temple with considerable history and a valuable architectural landmark.
I visited this temple on a day off, and there was no one else there besides me. It’s not a tourist spot, and there’s no fee for visiting. The photo above shows the main hall. This temple is unique in that it has a small gate in front of the main hall. On the upper right corner of the gate, there was a surveillance camera. Given the rise in vandalism and other issues these days, I personally believe all historical buildings should be equipped with night-vision surveillance cameras. If entrance fees are needed for this purpose, I would be more than willing to pay.
Within the temple grounds, there is a bronze statue of Kato Kiyomasa, which was created in 1960.
While the temple has a deep historical significance, its small size means it might not leave a particularly strong impression on most people. I recommend visiting it as a side trip when you go to Toyokuni Shrine.
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