Buddhist temple
Shōbō-ji
正法寺（しょうぼうじ）
Ōshū, Iwate Prefecture
An old Sōtō Zen temple in Ōshū City, Iwate Prefecture, which once held the status of "the third head temple", alongside Eihei-ji and Sōji-ji. The principal image of its Dharma hall is a hidden Nyoirin Kanzeon Bosatsu, and it is known for one of the largest thatched roofs in Japan.
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: Nyoirin Kanzeon Bosatsu
History and things to know
According to temple tradition, it was opened in Jōwa 4 (1348) by Mutei Ryōshō, a leading disciple of Gasan Jōseki, the second abbot of Sōji-ji. Under its second abbot, Gessen Ryōin, many disciples were trained and the lineage greatly expanded, and with an imperial edict and a certificate of approval from Zen master Gasan it gained the status of the third head temple in the Tōhoku region. In the Edo period it received special treatment from the Date clan of the Sendai domain, and its Dharma hall, a nationally Important Cultural Property, has a great thatched roof.
Introduced by this site, based on materials from the shrine or temple and public bodies.
Related kami and buddhas
Before you visit
Opening hours, access, areas open to visitors, and events can change. Please check the latest guidance from the shrine or temple itself before you go.
Official website of the shrine or temple (may be in Japanese)
Sources (in Japanese)
- 正法寺「御祭神・御本尊・由緒の公式案内」（2026-10-21 確認）
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