Buddhist temple
Saimyō-ji
最明寺（さいみょうじ）
Onjuku, Isumi District, Chiba Prefecture
A Tendai temple in Onjuku, Chiba Prefecture, which enshrines its principal image, Amida Nyorai, together with the bodhisattvas Kannon and Seishi. It is described as a temple connected with the origin of the place name Onjuku.
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: Amida Nyorai (attendants: Kannon Bosatsu, Seishi Bosatsu)
History and things to know
According to temple tradition, it is said to have been founded in Kōnin 13 (822). In the Kamakura period the regent Hōjō Tokiyori (Saimyōji Nyūdō) stayed here while traveling the provinces, and a poem he composed then is said to be the origin of the place name Onjuku; the temple is said to have come to be called Saimyō-ji from around that time. The present main hall was built in Heisei 2.
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)
- 最明寺「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.