Marugame | The Prayer Temple of the Feudal Lord's Family

Myōhō-ji Temple, with a history dating back 1,300 years, belongs to the Tendai sect. During the Sengoku period, it served as a place of prayer for the feudal lord's family and a spiritual sanctuary for the people of Marugame. The temple enshrines the secret Buddha statue of Dainichi Nyorai, a Daikokuten statue crafted by a Tendai sect master, and a statue of Genshin Daishi subduing demons. Genshin Daishi, also known as Ryōgen, Tsuno Daishi, Mame Daishi, or Jihye Daishi, was the 18th head of the Tendai sect and a key figure in the revival of Enryaku-ji Temple on Mount Hiei. He is said to have founded the warrior monks who influenced Japanese history. Legend has it that during the Eikan era, a plague broke out in Kyoto, and Genshin Daishi himself fell ill. Entering a meditative state, he transformed into a yaksha form to drive away evil spirits. Upon awakening, he instructed his disciples to draw the yaksha image and distribute it to the people, which helped quell the epidemic. Due to this yaksha form, he became known as "Tsuno Daishi." During the COVID-19 pandemic, many Japanese people placed Tsuno Daishi talismans in their homes for protection. Another type of talisman, the Mame Daishi talisman, is also popular. The word "mame" (豆) sounds similar to "mame" (魔滅), meaning "demon extermination," and is thus considered a charm for warding off evil. Myōhō-ji Temple also features the "Buson Room," which displays works by Yosa Buson, one of the three great masters of the Edo period. Six of these works are designated as National Cultural Properties, including the "Sotetsu Painting" and the "Hanshan and Shide Painting," which are presented as folding screens. 📍Address: 9 Tomiyamachi, Marugame, Kagawa 763-0021, Japan 🚗 A 5-minute walk from JR Marugame Station.