Origins of Matsuodera
According to temple tradition, Matsuodera was founded in 672, during the reign of Emperor Tenmu. En no Gyoja is said to have practiced Buddhist austerities here and discovered a sacred tree.
From the wood of this sacred tree, he carved an image of Nyoirin Kannon and built a small hall to enshrine it. The temple was later revived by Taicho, an influential Buddhist ascetic associated with mountain worship. During this period, Kumano Gongen, Zao Gongen, and Hakusan Gongen were also enshrined.
History of Matsuodera
The Heian Period
During the medieval period, Matsuodera developed as a center where both Shingon and Tendai Buddhism were studied.
During the Heian period, the temple became associated with miraculous events concerning the monk Jinyu, who is mentioned in works such as The Nihon Ojo Gokurakuki and The Konjaku Monogatari Shu.
During the Kamakura period (1185–1333), Matsuodera was protected as a place of prayer by Minamoto no Yoritomo.
From the Nanboku-cho to Muromachi Periods
Matsuodera reached its height of prosperity from the Nanboku-cho period (1336–1392) through the Muromachi period (1336–1573). A fortified site known as Matsuodera Castle was also constructed during this era.
According to historical tradition, the temple controlled an estate producing 7,000 koku of rice, had more than 300 temple buildings and residences, and was supported by several thousand warrior monks.
Matsuodera also had a close connection with the Southern Court. In 1336, Emperor Go-Daigo issued an imperial directive designating the temple as a place for Buddhist prayers. Matsuodera subsequently continued to receive the patronage and religious support of the Southern Court.
The Warring States and Edo Periods
In 1577, Oda Nobunaga issued an order protecting Matsuodera from military interference. However, in 1581, during Nobunaga’s campaign against Mount Koya, the temple was attacked and burned, destroying the buildings on Amidazan along with much of the temple complex.
Reconstruction began during the following period. In 1602, Toyotomi Hideyori supported the temple’s revival, including the donation of the Main Hall.
Changes from the Meiji Period
During the Edo period, Matsuodera had 13 sub-temples. Following the Meiji government’s policy of separating Buddhism and Shinto and the subsequent anti-Buddhist movement, all but Myooin and Hoheiin were abolished.
Many important cultural properties have nevertheless survived, including historic architecture, Buddhist statues, and Buddhist scriptures, which continue to be preserved as part of the temple’s heritage.
Highlights of the Temple Grounds
Main Hall – Osaka Prefectural Tangible Cultural Property
The Main Hall was created in 1602 after Toyotomi Hideyori donated the former Amidado Hall from Shitennoji Temple, which was relocated to Matsuodera.
The elegant and dignified building provides a peaceful setting for worship and is one of the temple’s most important historic structures.
Santendo, Bell Tower, and Statue of Young Saicho
The temple grounds also contain the Santendo Hall, Bell Tower, and a statue depicting Saicho, the founder of Japanese Tendai Buddhism, as a child.
These historic structures and religious images offer visitors an opportunity to experience the atmosphere of traditional Japanese Buddhist culture.
Sanmon Gate
The Sanmon Gate, also known as the Romon Gate, was rebuilt in 1705. Its sophisticated construction uses no nails.
Visitors can walk along the surrounding gallery, allowing them to appreciate the gate’s imposing architecture from different perspectives.
Kobedō Hall
Kobedō Hall is associated with a tradition concerning Minamoto no Yoshitsune. According to legend, after the Battle of Ichi-no-Tani, Yoshitsune transported the heads of warriors who had died in battle by ship and sent one of the vessels to Matsuodera, where the remains were enshrined.
The hall was established to pray for the repose of those who died in the conflict and serves as a reminder of the temple’s connection with medieval Japanese history.
Cultural Properties
National Important Cultural Properties
Matsuodera preserves several important works of Buddhist art and literature, including:
Mandala of the Peacock Sutra, a silk painting with colors
Hokyoin Dharani Sutra, bearing the handwriting of Emperor Go-Kameyama and annotations on the reverse by Koken
Nyoirin Dharani Sutra
Osaka Prefectural Tangible Cultural Properties
The Main Hall of Matsuodera and the Matsuodera Documents, comprising 15 volumes and 72 documents, are designated as Osaka Prefectural Tangible Cultural Properties.
These materials are entrusted to the Kuboso Memorial Museum of Arts, Izumi, for preservation.
Osaka Prefectural Historic Site and Natural Monuments
The temple grounds are designated as an Osaka Prefectural Historic Site.
The Matsuodera Yamamomo Tree, estimated to be approximately 250 years old, and the Matsuodera Camphor Tree, estimated to be approximately 700 years old, are protected as Osaka Prefectural Natural Monuments.
Izumi City Tangible Cultural Properties
Izumi City Tangible Cultural Properties include a statue of En no Gyoja, statues of the Eight Patriarchs of Shingon Buddhism, a single-pronged vajra, and a three-pronged vajra.
These cultural properties are also entrusted to the Kuboso Memorial Museum of Arts, Izumi, for preservation.
Access
By Public Transportation
From Izumi-Chuo Station on the Semboku Rapid Railway, take the Nankai Bus bound for Matsuodera. Get off at the final stop and walk for approximately 10 minutes to reach the temple.
It is also possible to get off at Minami-Matsuohatsugano Gakuen-mae and walk for approximately 15 minutes.
By Car
From the Kishiwada-Izumi Interchange on the Hanwa Expressway, Matsuodera can be reached by local roads in approximately 10 minutes.
Nearby Pilgrimage Routes
Matsuodera is included in several important pilgrimage networks, including the Izumi Saigoku Thirty-Three Kannon Temples, the En no Gyoja Sacred Sites, the Nankai Railway Seven Lucky Gods Pilgrimage, where it is associated with Jurōjin, and the Izumi Eighty-Eight Temple Pilgrimage.
For pilgrims and travelers interested in Japan’s religious history, Matsuodera is an important stop where several traditions of Buddhist pilgrimage come together.
A Historic Temple Surrounded by Cultural Heritage
Matsuodera Temple offers a remarkable combination of religious history, traditional architecture, Buddhist art, and natural surroundings.
From its origins associated with En no Gyoja and the worship of Nyoirin Kannon to its connections with the Southern Court, medieval warriors, and the Toyotomi family, the temple reflects many layers of Japanese history.
Its historic buildings and extensive collection of cultural properties provide an opportunity to experience Japanese Buddhist culture firsthand, while the surrounding greenery creates a peaceful atmosphere for visitors. Matsuodera is a rewarding destination for anyone interested in Japanese history, Buddhist traditions, traditional architecture, and pilgrimage culture.