Isshin-ji Temple has a rich history dating back over 800 years. It was founded in 1185 by Hōnen Shōnin, the originator of the Jodo Shu sect of Buddhism. The temple also played a role during the Siege of Osaka Castle in 1614/15, with the famous shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu camping at the compound and restoring the temple.
Isshin-ji Temple is known for its modern architecture, including a contemporary geometric gate made of steel, glass, and concrete, and the Hiso-den building, which resembles a church. The temple also houses unique "Okotsu Butsu" (bone Buddhas) statues made from the ashes of deceased individuals, making it distinct from other Buddhist temples.
"Okotsu Butsu" translates to bone Buddhas. These statues at Isshin-ji Temple are cast from resin and the deceased's ashes. The practice began in 1887 when the first statue was brought to the temple. The statues are created every ten years, each incorporating thousands of individuals' ashes. This tradition is a way of honoring the dead and keeping them close to Buddha.
Yes, Isshin-ji Temple is almost entirely funded by visitors. Contributions from visitors play a significant role in the temple's maintenance and operations.
Visitors can see the Sanzen Butsudō, a building with a large tempera mural of Amida, Kannon, and Seishi, said to be the largest in the world. The outside of the meeting area is adorned with golden representations of Buddha and 12 special guardians incorporating the zodiac animals. The temple's modern gate and the Hiso-den building are also must-see attractions.
Traveler reviews
This is known as the common people’s temple, because about 20k persons ashes are brought to the temple every year and a statue of Amitabha Buddha (Amituofo pure land) is made from these 200,000 persons’ ashes after 10 years. It gives death a different meaning to contribute for public good.
The surrounding area has beautiful temples assembly hall, which you should visit to see the trinity of Avaloskitesvara, Vajrapani and Amitabha inside a dome surrounded by golden Buddhas.
This was a beautiful Buddhist temple with great architecture and scenic atmosphere. We came by it by chance and I have to say, it was way more picturesque than the ones they advertise on social media. I definitely recommend coming to Isshin-ji temple.
Charming temple, but inside is only for those praying and making offerings. The exterior is beautiful enough though and it’s interesting to watch locals go there, light their incense and make a prayer. I was worried because I wasn’t planning this visit and I was wearing shorts, but no one told me anything (I stayed outside, though).
Buddhist temple here. This is difference with Shinto shrine. Buddhist temple let you offer incense and candle to Buddha and Bodhisattva. There’s a kiosk to buy both in temple area.
There’s no amulet for sales but decorated candle and praying beads instead.
Next to the temple, there’s a ten thousands Buddha hall that allow you to offer candle and incense as a path of making merit. You have to go outside the temple gate and walk in the alley next to temple (to the right hand side when you go out of temple).
Candle offering is to float it in a glass. A box of incense is enough to put each in incense pot around the hall. You can’t bring your own candle/incense. Please buy at the hall.
This is quite a peace of mind offering candle and incense while walking around the hall here.
Visited in July recently after Tennoji park as it was nearby.
Interesting temple especially the figures guarding the main entrance and those embossed on the gate
