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.
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.

Ratings:
Crowd
Cleanliness
Overall rating

Comments

  1. wow that's beautiful and that baby frog and lizard are adorable!! You guys always look like you have the BEST time!! That's so amazing!

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    1. Thanks so much Ashli. Yup we do. =) We're loving every moment that we have here in Japan.

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  2. wow!! so beautiful!! This looks like such a magical trip. The photos are breathtaking. I love that you even inclded local wildlife like that cute little frog! lovely post <3 can i come too? :D

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    1. Hello Cendu! Yah of course! Please do join us on our next adventure. =)

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  3. I just love exploring and this post basically bit me in the butt telling me I need to get my travel on again, ASAP!

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    Replies
    1. You gotta visit Shirakawa-go Gigi. It's the perfect place to start your travel this year.

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  4. Amazing! The greenery looks so pleasant & so refreshing. I went to lots of temples in Tokyo but never been to this one. Next time!

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    Replies
    1. You'd surely love Myozenji. I do hope you visit this place next time.

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  5. The roof design on the temple and bell tower looks amazing and really unique. Exploring the grounds seems like it would be a very enlightening spiritual experience.

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    1. I agree Yonnah, Myozenji's thatched roof design is very unique from those of the temples in the city.

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  6. That temple is gorgeous! Looks like a lovely time.

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    1. Yes we did have a lovely time at the temple grounds. =)

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  7. Hi what a place to visit, thanks for the details.....

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  8. Looks like a lovely place. Thanks for sharing its history.

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  9. that tiny frog is so cute... ever thought I'd find a frog cute. thanks for checking out heartbeatindy.com.

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    1. Thanks for checking out nicerioadventures.blogspot.com as well. =)

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  10. I have not visited this temple so thanks for sharing such history and other information about this temple. I will try to plan my next trip for this place.

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  11. I've never been there. I would love to visit it.

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  12. Great :) I wasn't aware that Japan has such beautiful Temples.

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    Replies
    1. This is just one of the thousands of beautiful temples in Japan. You should visit.

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  13. The pictures are really great, I am sure, you had a great time there.

    Thanks for sharing.

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  14. Wow what a great beautiful place. Japan such an amazing place

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  15. I really like how nature friendly it is around the temple. Really beautiful.

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  16. Didn't know about this! I am thinking of taking a trip to Gifu this spring and might go here.

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    Replies
    1. Please do check out Myozenji temple when you explore Shirakawa-go.

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  17. This place looks so calm and peaceful. I would like to see that tiny little frog. :)

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    1. Hahaha. I guess there are plenty of those around especially during rainy season.

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  18. This temple looks beautiful. Thanks for sharing the history along with your beautiful photos!

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  19. Looks like such a peaceful and relaxing place.

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    1. It really is. The temple vicinity has its own charm. You should visit it when you are in Shirakawa-go.

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  20. The structure of Myozenji temple looks amazing! It exudes a very unique character! Love the photos!

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  21. Such a beautiful and serene temple. That frog is adorable!

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    1. That's true Vaishali. Let's name the frog Kermit. =)

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  22. I am quite wondering, are you living in Japan? I admire your narratives so much! Keep them rolling!

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  23. Thanks for sharing! I definitely need to travel more.

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  24. A temple in the lap of nature. Beautiful. Amazing pictures.

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  25. Wow, what a remarkable place, these temples are just stunning!

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  26. What a unique looking temple. It's the first time that I have seen a temple like that in Japan. I'm used to the large temples in Kyoto and Nara.

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