Houkyouin Temple

Overview

Houkyouin Temple was established in the Heian period as a temple built at the request of Emperor Shirakawa, initially called Zennyuji Temple. Later, it was renamed Kanrinji Temple by Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the second shogun of the Muromachi shogunate, who undertook renovations to the temple complex. However, the temple's name reverted to Zennyuji Temple. According to temple tradition, Kusunoki Masashige, a prominent warrior of the Southern Court, was also a devout follower of Houkyouin Temple, and after his death in battle, his head was respectfully buried there. Upon learning of Masashige's burial, Yoshimitsu, Masashige's enemy, reportedly left a will requesting to be buried next to Masashige's grave at Houkyouin Temple after his own death. After Yoshimitsu's death, he was indeed buried beside Masashige's grave. During the time of Ashikaga Yoshimasa, the temple was renamed Houkyouin Temple, after Yoshimitsu's posthumous title. Houkyouin Temple is known for housing the graves of Ashikaga Yoshimitsu and Kusunoki Masashige. These two figures, enemies during their lifetimes, now rest side-by-side, a testament to the romance and intrigue of history. The temple grounds also feature gardens that beautifully change throughout the four seasons, especially captivating in autumn with brilliant foliage. Take a peaceful stroll through the grounds and reflect on the history and nature of this ancient capital.