Summary
Nison-in was founded in the years 834-848 by the Chief Tendai Abbot Ennin. It was established as the official temple of Emperor Saga.
During the early Kamakura era, Honen Shonin (1133-1212) lived and taught Buddhism at Nison-in. He gained prestige from powerful nobles of the time and led the temple to prosperity.
The temple's prosperity also lies in the long-standing relationship with the Imperial family. The third generation Chief Priest Tanku became a teacher of Buddhism to Emperor Tsuchimikado (Reign 1197-1210) and Emperor Go-Saga (Reign 1242-1246). The fourth generation Chief Priest Eikuu also taught four emperors; Emperor Go-Fukakusa (Reign 1249-1259), Emperor Kameyama (Reign 1259-1274), Emperor Go-Uda (Reign 1274-1289) and Emperor Fushimi (Reign 1288-1298).
Nison-in was one of four temples appointed to carry out religious duties at Kyoto Imperial Palace from as early as the 14th century until the Meiji restoration in 1868. Nobles, famous merchants, scholars and members of the Imperial household are buried at the temple graveyard.
Since the Meiji era, Nison-in has belonged to the Tendai sect of Buddhism, though it was originally a place to study the four combining sects; Tendai, Shingon, Risshu and Jodo.
The temple’s original structure was destroyed by fire during the Onin War (1467-1477) however in 1521, the main hall and the Imperial envoy gate have been reconstructed. The existing structure of the main hall, main gate, Hachisha-no-miya Shrine and the mausoleum of Priest Tanku are designated Cultural Properties of Kyoto. The “Nison” or the two revered statues are also designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan.
In 2016, we completed a major refurbishment of the main hall, marking a new chapter in the history of Nison-in.
Cultural Properties
With the temple’s long and prosperous history, we have inherited many kinds of treasures.
The “Portrait of Priest Honen (Ashibiki no Miei)” is a prized item from our collection. It is said to be the oldest remaining portrait of Honen Shonin and was created by the priest-painter, Takuma, on the command of Kanezane Kujo (1149-1207).
Along with the two revered statues of Shaka Nyorai and Amida Nyorai, there is also the original copy of the “17 Precepts by Honen” which has been designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan.
- Important Cultural Properties of Japan
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Wooden statue of Shaka Nyorai / Wooden statue of Amida Nyorai / Portraits of Five High Priests / Triptych portraits of Shaka Triad
Portraits of the Ten Kings of Hell / Portrait of Priest Honen / Portrait of Sanetaka Sanjonishi
Portrait of Kineda Sanjonishi / 17 Precepts by Honen with Ornamental box / Homon Meigi Volume One
- Important Art Object
- Raigo of the Twenty-five Attendants 17 parts
- Cultural Properties of Kyoto
- Main hall / Main gate / Hachisha-no-miya Shrine / Mausoleum of Priest Tanku