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Myozenji Temple: A Spiritual Haven in Shirakawa-go

Discover Myozenji Temple in Shirakawa-go: A serene escape into Japan's spiritual heart, featuring thatched roofs and cultural treasures.

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Myozenji Temple, nestled in the heart of Shirakawa-go's Ogimachi village, offers a serene escape into Japan's cultural and spiritual heritage. Founded in 1748, this Jodo Shinshu temple features a unique thatched-roof main hall, a museum showcasing traditional life, and a historic bell tower gate, all set against the backdrop of the UNESCO World Heritage site.

A brief summary to Myozenji

  • 679 Ogimachi, Shirakawa, Ogimachi, Ono District, Gifu, 501-5627, JP
  • +815769-6-1009
  • Monday 10 am-4 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-4 pm
  • Friday 10 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-4 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Visit the Myozenji Kuri Museum to learn about traditional life in Shirakawa-go and see the unique architecture of a gassho-style house.
  • Take a moment to appreciate the intricate details of the thatched roofs, a rare feature in temple architecture.
  • Ring the bell at the Shoromon (bell tower gate) and admire the yew tree, a natural monument of Gifu Prefecture.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Myozenji Temple is located in the Ogimachi village, a short walk from most points within the village. From the Shirakawa-go bus terminal, walk north through the village, following signs for Myozenji Temple. The walk is approximately 10 minutes and offers views of the traditional gassho-style houses. No costs are associated with this final approach.

  • Public Transport

    If arriving by bus from Takayama, Kanazawa, or Nagoya, disembark at the Shirakawa-go bus terminal. From there, Myozenji Temple is a 10-minute walk as described above. Bus fares vary depending on the origin: Takayama to Shirakawa-go is approximately ¥2470, Kanazawa to Shirakawa-go is approximately ¥2800, and Nagoya to Shirakawa-go is approximately ¥3900.

  • Driving

    If driving, follow the signs to Shirakawa-go and park at the Seseragi Park Parking Area. From the parking area, cross the Deai Bridge and walk north through the village to Myozenji Temple. Parking costs ¥1000 for standard cars. Be aware that parking rates may increase to ¥2000 starting October 2025. During peak seasons, a temporary parking lot may be in use, with a free shuttle service to the village.

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Discover more about Myozenji

Myozenji Temple, established in 1748, has served as a central religious site in Ogimachi, Shirakawa-go, for centuries. As a temple of the Jodo Shinshu (True Pure Land) school, it holds a significant place in the region's Buddhist traditions. The temple complex includes a main hall (Honden), a Kuri (monk's residence), and a bell tower gate (Shoromon), each contributing to its distinctive character. The main hall, dating back to 1827, stands out with its rare thatched roof, mirroring the iconic gassho-style farmhouses of Shirakawa-go. Inside, visitors can admire the ornate interior and landscape paintings by artist Taisuke Hamada. The Kuri, built in 1817, is one of the largest gassho-style houses in the village and now functions as a museum. Here, you can explore exhibits showcasing traditional life in Shirakawa-go, including the irori fireplace, silkworm cultivation tools, and the roof's unique construction. The bell tower gate, constructed in 1801, features a two-layered structure and a high thatched roof. The original bell was replaced after World War II and is rung for ceremonies and New Year's Eve. A yew tree, planted in 1827 to commemorate the main hall's completion, stands beside the gate as a designated Natural Monument of Gifu Prefecture. Myozenji offers a tranquil experience, blending spiritual significance with the architectural beauty of its thatched-roof buildings and the surrounding natural landscape.

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