Buddhist temple
Nihon-ji
日本寺（にほんじ）
Kyonan, Awa District, Chiba Prefecture
A Sōtō Zen temple whose grounds cover the southern slope of Mount Nokogiri; its principal image is Yakushi Rurikō Nyorai. Across the mountain are scattered the Great Buddha, the Hyakushaku Kannon and the groups of stone statues of the Fifteen Hundred Arhats.
English pages are the site’s own translations of its Japanese pages. The sources cited are in Japanese. 日本語で読む
Prayers associated with this place
Principal image: Yakushi Rurikō Nyorai
History and things to know
According to temple tradition, it is said to have been founded in Jinki 2 (725) by Gyōki, in response to the imperial command of Emperor Shōmu and the wish of Empress Kōmyō. It was at first a Hossō temple, and after passing through the Tendai and Shingon schools it became a Sōtō temple in the time of Tokugawa Iemitsu. It is also related that Minamoto no Yoritomo rebuilt the main Yakushi hall in Yōwa 1 (1181).
Introduced by this site, based on materials from the shrine or temple and public bodies.
Related kami and buddhas
Before you visit
The grounds spread over the mountainside and there are several entrances (control stations). The entrance differs depending on whether you come from the ropeway side or by the main approach on the Hota side, so it is best to check the official access guide.
Official website of the shrine or temple (may be in Japanese)
Sources (in Japanese)
- 日本寺「御祭神・御本尊・由緒の公式案内」（2026-10-22 確認）
This site is independent of the shrines, temples, and other websites mentioned. No partnership or endorsement is implied.