【Osaka】Myokokuji Temple in Sakai City

Myokokuji Temple, located in Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture, is a head temple of the Nichiren sect. The principal deity enshrined here is the Three Treasures Buddha. The temple was founded in 1562 by Nichiko, a priest of the Nichiren sect. Within its grounds stands the legendary Great Sotetsu tree, estimated to be 1,100 years old and designated as a national natural monument (photography prohibited). As a former imperial prayer temple, the chrysanthemum crest, symbolizing the imperial family, is displayed prominently. Myokokuji Temple boasts a unique history among Nichiren sect head temples, having been visited multiple times by historical figures such as Oda Nobunaga and Tokugawa Ieyasu, and serving as an imperial prayer site. The Great Sotetsu tree, a favorite of Nobunaga and Ieyasu, is surrounded by fascinating legends. It was once transplanted to Azuchi Castle at Nobunaga's request but reportedly "cried every night, longing to return to Sakai." Enraged, Nobunaga ordered the tree to be cut down, but upon doing so, it bled profusely and writhed like a serpent. Frightened, Nobunaga returned the tree to Myokokuji Temple. Despite the destruction of the temple's main hall during the Osaka Summer War and the Sakai air raids in World War II, the Great Sotetsu tree miraculously survived and remains intact to this day. The temple also features Japan's only "Sotetsu Dry Landscape Garden," which includes the "Six Jizo Lantern" and the "Gourd-shaped Water Basin," said to have been donated by tea master Sen no Rikyu. Myokokuji Temple is also historically significant as the site of the "Sakai Incident," where 11 Tosa samurai committed seppuku in the late Edo period. The incident occurred when Tosa samurai guarding Sakai attacked French sailors who had landed at Sakai Port and caused disturbances. A stone monument commemorating the samurai remains within the temple grounds. The temple's historical museum houses artifacts related to Tokugawa Ieyasu and vivid records of the Sakai Incident, including some graphic relics (viewer discretion advised). These exhibits are fascinating not only for temple enthusiasts but also for history buffs. A haiku by Masaoka Shiki, written during his visit to Myokokuji Temple with Natsume Soseki in 1892, is also commemorated with a stone monument: "Morning mist, visiting Myokokuji to see the Sotetsu tree." Visitors who pay the admission fee are guided by volunteers who provide detailed explanations of the temple's historical background, making for a highly enriching experience. Note that photography of the Great Sotetsu tree and the garden is prohibited. Admission Fee: Adults 400 yen Myokokuji Temple 📍 Address: 4-1-4 Zaimokucho Higashi, Sakai-ku, Sakai City Access: Get off at "Myokokuji-mae Station" on the Hankai Line.