Unryu-in Temple

Overview

Unryu-in Temple, steeped in history and tradition, was founded in 1372 (Ōan 5) at the request of Emperor Gokogon. During the Nanboku-cho period (1336-1392), it thrived under the patronage of emperors of the Northern Court, including Emperors Gokogon, Goenyu, Gokomatsu, and Shoko. In 1470 (Bunmei 2), it was completely destroyed by the Ōnin War, leaving only the statues of Emperors Gokogon and Goenyu. In the early Edo period, the temple's abbot, Nyoshu Sosho, merged it with the adjacent Ryukain Temple, which had ties to Emperor Goenyu. Due to its status as a temple established at the imperial request and its deep connection to the Imperial family, it holds the high rank of Bekkaku Honzan (separate head temple) within the Sennyuji Temple complex, despite being located within the same temple grounds as other sub-temples. The Reimeiden houses memorial tablets of successive Northern Court emperors. The temple grounds feature historical structures and gardens, including the Ryukaden (main hall) built in the Muromachi period, the Reimeiden (Imperial family memorial hall), and garden stones believed to be the foundation stones from the Hotokuji Daibutsu-den (Great Buddha Hall) built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The Ryukaden, with its hipped and gabled roof and kokera-buki (thin shingle) roofing, is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. The Reimeiden, rebuilt in 1868 (Meiji 1), houses memorial tablets of the Imperial family. The gardens are a beautiful space harmonizing with nature, offering seasonal views. Furthermore, Unryu-in possesses numerous valuable cultural assets, including the Running Daikoku statue. Believed to bring good fortune in business, this statue attracts many worshippers. Unryu-in offers a tranquil and historically significant experience, a highly recommended spot for a peaceful retreat.