A Historic Temple Founded in the 16th Century
Kyo-onji is traditionally said to have been founded in 1543, during the Sengoku period. Because relatively few historical documents concerning the temple’s early history survive, some details remain uncertain. Tradition attributes its foundation to Zaiyo Chuzon, who became the temple’s first head priest.
The temple’s original location is not known with certainty. In 1601, however, it was moved to its present location. The site had previously been occupied by the residence of the Masuno family, senior retainers of the Masuda clan. According to tradition, permission to use the land for the temple was granted by Okubo Nagayasu, a prominent official associated with the administration of the Iwami Silver Mine.
The following year, Kyo-onji received an estate donation from Masuda Motoyoshi, the 20th head of the Masuda clan and lord of Nanao Castle. This support helped the temple develop into an important religious institution in the local community.
“Kagimawari”: A Surviving Trace of Castle-Town Defense
One of the most interesting historical features associated with Kyo-onji is the “kagimawari”, or sharp, zigzagging street layout, that once existed in front of the temple.
To the east of Kyo-onji, a pilgrimage road extending north from Myogiji Temple intersected with an important route connecting Nanao Castle and Miyake Odoi, the fortified residence of the Masuda clan.
At this strategic location, the road was deliberately designed with sharp bends rather than running in a straight line. This crank-shaped layout was a defensive feature characteristic of medieval Japanese castle towns. By preventing an enemy from advancing directly, slowing movement, and reducing visibility, such street designs made it more difficult for attackers to enter the town.
Modern road improvements mean that the original street itself can no longer be seen in its entirety. However, markings on the road indicate the location of the former kagimawari, allowing visitors to appreciate this little-known aspect of medieval urban planning while exploring the neighborhood.
A Beautiful Setting Beneath Mount Nanao
One of Kyo-onji’s charms is its peaceful setting beneath Mount Nanao. A traditional bell tower stands beside the temple gate, adding a sense of history to the quiet surroundings.
At sunset, the mountains and temple buildings create a particularly atmospheric scene. The landscape provides a visual reminder of the historic castle town that once developed around Nanao Castle.
The temple’s bell tower is also designated as a cultural property by Masuda City. Its solid wooden structure is carefully preserved as an important part of the area’s architectural and cultural heritage.
Cultural Properties and Temple Treasures
Kyo-onji preserves several objects of historical and religious importance. These treasures provide insight into the development of Buddhism and local culture in the Masuda area.
Standing Wooden Statue of Amida Buddha
The temple’s principal image, a wooden standing statue of Amida Buddha, is designated as a cultural property by Shimane Prefecture. With its serene expression and graceful form, the statue has been an object of devotion for generations.
Bell Tower
The bell tower within the temple grounds is designated as a cultural property by Masuda City. It was built in 1805, during the Edo period, and has a substantial, dignified appearance that contributes greatly to the character of the temple grounds.
Mandala of the Ullambana Sutra
The temple also preserves a valuable Buddhist painting known as the Mandala of the Ullambana Sutra. It is an important resource for understanding the history of Buddhist culture and religious traditions in the region.
A Temple Landscape Shaped During the Edo Period
The present appearance of Kyo-onji developed gradually during the Edo period. In 1685, the reception hall and priests’ living quarters were constructed.
In 1753, the main hall and traditional earthen wall were completed. Then, in 1805, the bell tower was added.
These successive additions created the basic temple landscape that visitors can appreciate today. The history of its buildings also reflects the important role Kyo-onji played within the local community over the centuries.
The Origin of the Name “Gokozan”
The temple’s mountain name, known as its sango, is Gokozan. Junnenji Temple in the same area also shares this mountain name.
The name is traditionally said to derive from Gokogahara, the old name for this part of the region. The connection between the temple’s name and the historic place name illustrates how closely Kyo-onji has been associated with the local landscape and community.
Part of the Japan Heritage Story of Medieval Masuda
Kyo-onji is included among the cultural properties that make up the Japan Heritage story “Medieval Japan’s Masterpiece: Discovering Masuda, Where the Local Era Shone Again”.
Masuda preserves numerous historic sites associated with its medieval past. Among them, Kyo-onji is particularly valuable because it helps visitors understand how the defensive structure of the former castle town was designed.
Walking through the surrounding streets, visitors can look for traces of the former kagimawari and remnants of the historic townscape. These details offer an opportunity to imagine how people lived and moved through medieval Masuda and how the town was designed to protect its inhabitants.
A Place to Begin a Historical Walking Tour
The area around Kyo-onji contains numerous sites associated with medieval Masuda, including the Nanao Castle Site and the Miyake Odoi Site. For this reason, the temple makes an interesting stop on a walking tour focused on the region’s history.
Taking time to explore the quiet temple grounds and surrounding streets provides a different perspective on Masuda’s past. Rather than viewing history only through museum exhibits, visitors can experience it through the landscape, architecture, street layout, and surviving cultural properties.
Discover the Medieval Atmosphere of Masuda
Kyo-onji Temple brings together religion, architecture, cultural heritage, and the remains of medieval castle-town planning. Its peaceful grounds and historic surroundings offer a glimpse into the world of Masuda during the Sengoku and Edo periods.
As you explore the temple and nearby streets, look beyond the buildings themselves and consider how the roads, mountains, temples, and former residences once formed a carefully planned castle town. Kyo-onji offers a quiet and rewarding way to experience the layers of history that continue to shape Masuda today.