Highlights of the Temple Grounds
Main Hall
The present Main Hall was rebuilt in 1964. The impressive four-story reinforced-concrete building has a hogyo-zukuri pyramidal roof.
The first floor contains the temple offices, the second floor houses Tsumura Hall, and the third floor contains reception and study rooms. The fourth floor is the main worship space, where Amida Nyorai is enshrined.
Restoration work was carried out between 2012 and 2013.
Statues of Shinran Shonin and Rennyo Shonin
The temple grounds feature statues of Shinran Shonin, the founder of the Jodo Shinshu tradition, and Rennyo Shonin, one of its most influential historical leaders.
These statues are important symbols for worshippers and help convey the long history of faith associated with Jodo Shinshu.
Kitamido Museum
The Kitamido Museum opened in 2019 in the first-floor section beneath the temple gate. Exhibits introduce the history of Osaka Hongwanji and Honganji Temple Tsumura Betsuin, as well as the temple’s relationship with the surrounding community.
The museum provides an opportunity to learn about Osaka’s Buddhist heritage and the historical role of the temple in the city.
Soai University and Soai Junior and Senior High Schools
Southwest of Tsumura Betsuin are the Honmachi Campus of Soai University and Soai Junior and Senior High Schools.
The educational institutions trace their origins to Soai Girls’ School, established in 1888. They continue to play an important role in education and the local community.
History of Honganji Temple Tsumura Betsuin
Foundation and Early Development
The history of Tsumura Betsuin dates back to 1592, after Tenma Hongwanji, which had once stood in Osaka, moved to Kyoto. Followers in Osaka established a meeting place in what is now Tenmabashi Kyomachi in Chuo Ward.
In 1597, the temple moved to Tsumura and began operating on a larger scale under the name Tsumura Gobo.
Development During the Edo Period
During the Edo period (1603–1868), Tsumura Gobo developed into a large temple complex with a main hall, study hall, bell tower, and main gate.
In 1655, the temple was used as accommodation for the Korean Embassy to Japan. Historical records indicate that approximately 800 people stayed there.
Through such diplomatic connections as well as repeated rebuilding and expansion, Tsumura Betsuin continued to develop alongside the surrounding community.
From the Meiji to Taisho Periods
During the early Meiji period, Tsumura Betsuin was used by the Osaka Garrison and also served as a temporary residence for Emperor Meiji. An Osaka Prefectural hospital was also temporarily established on the grounds.
In 1876, the temple’s name was changed from Tsumura Gobo to Tsumura Betsuin. It also played an important role in the rapidly developing commercial center of Osaka.
In 1888, Soai Girls’ School, the predecessor of today’s Soai University Honmachi Campus and Soai Junior and Senior High Schools, was established on the temple grounds, giving the site an educational role as well.
Changes During the Showa Period
During the Showa period, part of the temple grounds was sold as Midosuji was widened and the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line was constructed.
The temple buildings were subsequently destroyed by fire during the Osaka air raids of World War II. After the war, reconstruction proceeded, and the present reinforced-concrete Main Hall was completed in 1964.
Redevelopment in the Heisei and Reiwa Eras
Further improvements were carried out in the Heisei period, including repairs to the Main Hall in 2012.
In 2019, the Kitamido Museum opened beneath the main gate. Its exhibits introduce the history of Tsumura Betsuin, Osaka, and the temple’s religious and cultural connections with the city.
Osaka City Tangible Cultural Property
Honganji Temple Tsumura Betsuin houses a wooden standing statue of Amida Nyorai, designated as an Osaka City Tangible Cultural Property.
The statue is carefully preserved as an important symbol of Jodo Shinshu faith and offers visitors an opportunity to encounter an aspect of Buddhist belief and history.
Access
Honganji Temple Tsumura Betsuin is located immediately near Exit 2, Stairway A of Honmachi Station on the Osaka Metro Midosuji, Chuo, and Yotsubashi Lines.
Its central location makes it particularly convenient to visit while exploring Osaka. The surrounding area is filled with offices, shops, restaurants, and other urban attractions.
A Historic Buddhist Temple in Central Osaka
Honganji Temple Tsumura Betsuin, also known as Kitamido, has played an important role in the religious, cultural, educational, and social history of Osaka for centuries.
From its origins as Tsumura Gobo to its reconstruction in the modern era, the temple has developed alongside the city while preserving its connection to Jodo Shinshu Buddhism.
Visitors can explore the imposing Main Hall, learn about the temple’s history at the Kitamido Museum, and see the cultural heritage associated with the site. Its peaceful atmosphere offers a welcome contrast to the busy streets of central Osaka.