History of Nanshuji Temple
The history of Nanshuji dates back to 1526. At that time, the Zen monk Kogaku Soko established a hermitage in the Minami-no-sho area of Sakai and named it Nanshu-an.
Later, the hermitage was rebuilt by Dairin Soto as a memorial temple for Miyoshi Motonaga, the father of Miyoshi Nagayoshi. It was then renamed Nanshuji.
Reconstruction and Relocation
Nanshuji is traditionally said to have originally stood near present-day Shukuincho in Sakai. Part of the temple was destroyed by fire during the wars of 1574. In 1619, the temple was moved to its present location.
Takuan Soho played an important role in the reconstruction. The temple complex was subsequently expanded and developed, and its grounds still retain the atmosphere of an early Edo-period Zen temple.
Historic Buildings and Cultural Properties
Nanshuji contains a number of historic structures, including the Butsuden Hall, Hojo, and the tea house Jisso-an. Among them, the dry landscape garden is particularly notable for its combination of tranquility and traditional Japanese aesthetics.
Butsuden Hall — Important Cultural Property
The Butsuden Hall was rebuilt in 1653 in the traditional Zen architectural style. It features an irimoya-zukuri hipped-and-gabled roof covered with ceramic tiles and a distinctive two-tiered roof structure.
The interior has a stone-paved floor, with an image of Shakyamuni Buddha enshrined at the center. The ceiling is decorated with a powerful painting known as the “Dragon Glaring in Eight Directions,” attributed to Kano Nobumasa.
The Butsuden is particularly valuable as the only surviving Zen-style Buddhist hall of its kind in Osaka Prefecture.
Sanmon Gate — Important Cultural Property
The Sanmon Gate was rebuilt in 1647. It is a two-story gate with three bays and a single entrance, featuring an irimoya-zukuri roof and traditional tile roofing.
The upper level is surrounded by a veranda with railings, while fan-shaped rafters can be seen beneath the eaves. The gate is also known as the Kanromon and has an imposing appearance characteristic of Zen architecture.
Karamon Gate — Important Cultural Property
The Karamon Gate is a small gate located to the right of the Butsuden. It is believed to have been built around the same period as the Butsuden.
Its decorative details are particularly interesting, including carvings on the beams connecting the columns and kihana wooden ornaments at the ends of the pillars. These details share design characteristics with the Butsuden and Sanmon Gate.
Hojo and the Dry Landscape Garden
The present Hojo was rebuilt in 1960. A dry landscape garden spreads out along its southern side and has been designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty.
The garden is believed to have been created around 1619. According to temple tradition, it was designed by Furuta Oribe, a renowned tea master and garden designer.
White sand forms the main surface of the garden, while the natural rise of the ground is used to create a symbolic dry waterfall. A dry stream made from small stones flows from the waterfall, harmonizing with the stone arrangements and stone bridge at the center of the garden.
Tea House “Jisso-an”
Jisso-an is a tea house built in a style favored by Sen no Rikyu. Reconstructed in 1960, it provides a quiet setting where visitors can appreciate the history and aesthetics of the Japanese tea ceremony.
Other Facilities on the Temple Grounds
Zen-do, Guest Hall, and Kitchen
The temple grounds also contain a Zen-do meditation hall, guest hall, and kitchen quarters. These buildings support the temple’s religious functions and preserve its traditional atmosphere.
The kitchen building was rebuilt in 2011, helping improve the facilities for visitors and temple activities.
Grave Associated with Tokugawa Ieyasu
The temple grounds include a site said to be the grave of Tokugawa Ieyasu. A memorial was constructed here in 1967 by Miki Keijiro on the former site of the main building of Toshogu Shrine.
Graves of the Miyoshi Clan and Tea Masters
Nanshuji contains graves associated with the Miyoshi family, including Miyoshi Motonaga and Miyoshi Nagayoshi. There are also graves connected with leading figures in the tea ceremony, including Sen no Rikyu and Takeno Joo.
Graves associated with the major tea schools, including Omotesenke, Urasenke, and Mushakoji Senke, can also be found here, reflecting the temple’s deep connection with tea culture.
The Beauty of the Dry Landscape Garden
The dry landscape garden in front of the Hojo is believed to date from the early Edo period, when the Butsuden and other major buildings were constructed.
Its white sand and dry stream of small stones create a serene composition. A stone bridge and dry waterfall are carefully integrated into the landscape, while the horizontal stone arrangements provide a distinctive visual accent.
The garden offers visitors an opportunity to appreciate the essential beauty of karesansui, the traditional Japanese dry landscape garden style, without the use of a conventional pond or flowing water.
Cultural Properties of Nanshuji
Important Cultural Properties
The following buildings were designated Important Cultural Properties in December 1993:
- Butsuden Hall — including two ridge-end plaques
- Sanmon Gate — including one ridge-end plaque
- Karamon Gate
National Place of Scenic Beauty
The Nanshuji Garden was designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty in 1983. Preserved as an important example of a traditional Japanese dry landscape garden, it is a valuable cultural property visited by travelers and researchers interested in Japanese garden design.
Visiting Nanshuji Temple
Nanshuji brings together the history of Sakai, Zen Buddhism, and Japanese tea culture in one tranquil temple complex. Its connection with the Miyoshi clan, as well as with Sen no Rikyu and Takeno Joo, makes it an especially interesting place for those wishing to learn about Sakai’s merchant culture and the development of the tea ceremony.
The quiet temple grounds and beautifully composed dry landscape garden also provide an opportunity to experience the refined aesthetics of traditional Japan.
Access
The nearest public transportation stop is Goryomae Station on the Hankai Tramway Hankai Line, approximately a 5-minute walk from the temple.
The temple can also be reached from the Yamanokuchibashi and Daisen Nishimachi Danchi-mae stops served by Nankai Bus.