Buddhist temple
Sōzen-ji
崇禅寺（そうぜんじ）
Kiryū, Gunma Prefecture
A temple of the Rinzai Kenchōji school in the village of Ogura in Kawauchi-chō, Kiryū, with the mountain name Banshōzan. It enshrines its principal image, Amida Nyorai, and the itohiba tree in its grounds is designated a Natural Monument of Gunma Prefecture.
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
History and things to know
According to the temple's tradition, it is said to have been founded in Genkyū 2 (1205) in the village of Ogura by the priest 智明, a disciple of Hōnen Shōnin, and in Ōan 3 (1370) it became a Rinzai Zen temple when Zen Master 東伝士啓, the 45th abbot of Kenchō-ji, was invited. According to the guide, the principal image of Amida Nyorai is an Important Cultural Property of Gunma Prefecture, and the temple has long been called “the temple of Amida-sama” locally.
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)
- 崇禅寺「御祭神・御本尊・由緒の公式案内」（2026-10-22 確認）
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