Myozenji - Gifu

Located in 679 Ogi-machi, Shirakawago in Gifu Prefecture, Myozenji (明善寺) is a historic religious establishment found in the historic village of Shirakawago. 

Myozenji (明善寺)

Myozenji History

Myozenji Temple was established in 1748 to provide the village people with a place to practice their religion and also to give spiritual protection to the village. For half a century, the small temple housed the monks who catered untiringly to the spiritual needs of the locals. In 1800, the temple was finally improved with the construction of the main hall, monk's residence, and the bell tower gate.

Myozenji - Shirakawago, Gifu Prefecture

Myozenji's Hondo

Myozenji's bell tower

Myozenji is surrounded by nature.

Check out this small frog I saw near the temple

...and this lizard too!

What makes the Myozenji unique is its thatched roof which uses the same materials as that of the famed gassho-style houses of the village. Like the temple, the bell tower gate or shoromon also has a thatched roof. Sadly, the original temple bell or basho was requisitioned for its metal during the Second World War. As for the current bell, it was cast after the end of the war.

The bell tower and the Myozenji have the same roof design.

Can someone decipher this for me? 

Today, a part of the temple was transformed into a museum where one can visit and see the Kuri or monk's residence and also view exhibits of the everyday items from the past. Keep in mind that there's an admission fee to enter the museum. It's Y300 for adults and Y100 for children. It's good to note that there is free WiFi around the museum and its shop.

Myozenji Museum

My wife seems to have enjoyed the ambiance place.

My family and I got to visit Myozenji Temple during our 15th day in Japan. It was one of the highlights of our visit to Gifu Prefecture. Although I was not able to get a goshuin here for my collection, I got to explore the temple grounds and enjoy its beauty. What I like about this temple is its unique appearance compared to the temples that I visited in Kyoto City. Myozenji Temple looks more like a giant nipa hut than a temple. 

Team Nicerio visits Myozenji with our Japanese family.

Myozenji Admission Fee:

Myozenji temple ground is free to explore. However, to enter the Myozenji Temple Museum, you have to pay 300 yen for adults and 100 yen for children.

Myozenji Opening Hours:

Myozenji temple ground is open the whole day. However, the Myozenji Temple Museum is open from 8:30Am - 5PM (April to November) and 9AM - 4PM (December to March).

Why visit Myozenji?

I highly suggest visitors visit this temple and admire its beauty when visiting Shirakawago. Myozenji has the unique look similar to the gassho-style houses found in the heritage town. Hence, it's a must-see as well.

Getting to Myozenji:

From Tokyo Station, ride the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Toyama Station. From there transfer to a bus to Shirakawa-go. Travel cost = ¥12730. 

From the parking lot, you have to cross the Deia Bridge and walk several meters to reach Myozenji.

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