Cultural assets of Jogon-in Temple
Jogon-in Temple, established in the area around Azuchi Castle, is a Jodo sect temple associated with Oda Nobunaga. It features a Momoyama-era main hall and one of the largest tower gates in Shiga Prefecture, and inside the hall is a 2.7-meter-tall seated statue of Amida Buddha, a design that is related to Jocho, who also created the statue in Byodo-in Temple's Phoenix Hall. Enjoy an experience that resonates with modern art in a space that breathes history.
Main Hall
Nationally designated important cultural property
The main hall of Jogon-in Temple was built in the Momoyama period, and it is said that Oda Nobunaga relocated the Miroku Hall from the former temple, Koryuji, to serve as the main hall. When you enter the hall, you will be enveloped in the silence and majesty that evokes the history of the Warring States period, and you will be able to experience a special moment.
The orange monument installed on the stairs is a work by Nao Taki (2024 Art Festival).
Wooden seated statue of Amida Buddha
Nationally designated important cultural property
The seated Amida Buddha statue, the principal image of Jogon-in Temple, was created during the Kamakura period and is an imposing Buddha statue that stands approximately 2.7 meters tall from its base. It is said to be from the school of Jocho, who also created the Amida Buddha statue in Byodo-in Temple's Phoenix Hall, and its gentle facial expression and powerful physique are in perfect harmony. The halo features several flying celestial beings dancing in slightly different poses to those seen in Byodo-in Temple, adding to its splendor. The small portion of the top of the halo is missing, and it is said that Nobunaga ordered it to be cut off so that the Great Buddha could fit inside the main hall. Its stunning appearance when viewed from within the hall is truly captivating, inspiring visitors with a deep sense of peace.
Tower gate
Nationally designated important cultural property
The Romon Gate of Jogon-in Temple is a historic gate said to have been built at its predecessor, Jion-ji Temple, during the Muromachi period. It is said to be the largest in Shiga Prefecture, and its imposing appearance welcomes people walking along the approach to the temple. It is said to have been built by Kora carpenters, and conveys the craftsmanship and dignity cultivated over a long history.
Nio statues
The Nio statues guarding the tower gate welcome visitors with their powerful physiques and piercing gazes. The current appearance, with the bare wood exposed, is very impressive, but according to the observations of lacquer craftsmen, traces of past painting remain, allowing visitors to imagine the vibrant appearance of the statues in the past.
bell tower
Omihachiman City designated tangible cultural property
The bell tower of Jogon-in Temple is a two-story, old-fashioned structure built in the mid-Edo period. The upper floor is surrounded by a corridor with a balustrade, while the lower floor is a sturdy, hakama-koshi style structure. From the second floor, you can enjoy views of the temple grounds and surrounding area, and its historic appearance provides a special experience for visitors.
During the art festival, artworks are displayed on the first and second floors, making it a popular spot, but please be careful as the stairs are steep.
Wooden standing statue of Shaka Nyorai
Omihachiman City designated tangible cultural property
The wooden standing statue of Shaka Nyorai is believed to have been made in the Kamakura period, and has an unusual design in which the robes covering both shoulders spread out in concentric circles at the chest, similar to the statue at Seiryoji Temple in Kyoto. In recent years, it was moved to the back of the main hall rather than the Shakado hall. When it was moved from the Shakado hall to the main hall, it was wrapped in cloth and photographs of it looking like a mummy were published in the newspapers. Its serene figure, which can be seen inside the hall, exudes a profound presence in the stillness.
Fudodo
Omihachiman City designated tangible cultural property
The Fudo Hall of Jogon-in Temple is estimated to have been built around 1702 (Genroku 16). It stands small but elegantly to the southeast of the main hall, and is characterized by its compact structure of one bay and one bay, with a hogyo-zukuri (hogyo-style) structure and a shingled roof. Its appearance quietly draws the hearts of visitors, and it now serves as a memorial tablet hall, quietly watching over prayers.
Kannon Hall
This small chapel within the grounds of Jogon-in Temple is said to have been built around 1721 (Kyoho 6) in the mid-Edo period. Originally it enshrined the Kannon Bodhisattva, but now it is an empty hall with no statue inside, and is used as an exhibition space during the art festival. Its simple, old-fashioned design creates a tranquil atmosphere, and it is a corner where you can encounter modern art amidst a hint of history.
The Buddha statue housed inside the hall is the work of Jun Matsuyama (2024 Art Festival).
Hokyoin Tower
Omihachiman City designated tangible cultural property
In the cemetery on the temple grounds, there is a Hokyoin pagoda from the Nanboku-cho period, which is said to be a memorial tower for Rokkaku Ujiyori, who is said to have founded Jionji Temple. This stone pagoda quietly records a long history, and makes visitors feel the weight of prayers that transcend the ages.
Tomb of Wada Koremasa
The grave of Wada Koremasa, located near the entrance to the Jogon-in Temple cemetery, is known as a Sengoku period warlord who served as the lord of Takatsuki Castle and was also involved in the protection of Iga. He also left his mark in history as the man who introduced the missionary Luis Frois to Oda Nobunaga. The quietly standing gravestone conveys to us the era when the Sengoku period and missionary work intersected.
Imperial Envoy Gate
The Chokushimon Gate of Jogan-in Temple is a formal gate said to have been built by Oda Nobunaga to welcome the Emperor and his envoys. Its imposing appearance, featuring Zen Buddhist design, conveys the authority of the Warring States period to the present day.
The painting installed on the fence in the foreground is a work by Suzume Hachiko (2024 Art Festival).
garden
The garden of Jogon-in Temple is a strolling garden with a large pond in the center that is said to be modeled after Lake Biwa. It has been neglected for a long time and has become overgrown with vegetation, making it difficult to walk in some places, but the garden is being improved little by little as part of the art festival activities.
Blood Ceiling
The "Azuchi Debate" (Azuchi Questions and Answers) held by Oda Nobunaga under Azuchi Castle was a historic sectarian debate in which monks from the Jodo and Nichiren sects of Buddhism fiercely argued, and the setting for this was Jogon-in Temple. Legend has it that the defeated monk was slashed with a sword, and his blood remained on the ceiling, earning it the nickname "Blood Ceiling." Furthermore, the chanting of Buddhist prayers by the Jodo sect's victorious monk is still heard today as "Victory Nembutsu," allowing visitors to simultaneously feel the tension of the Warring States period and the lingering echoes of prayer.
The location of the bloody ceiling is currently unknown. Please try to find it.