Myojo-ji

Myojo-ji is a Buddhist temple in Hakui featuring three main halls arranged side by side and a five-story pagoda designed to withstand the coastal winds. The complex contains ten buildings recognized for their architectural merit from the Momoyama period.

The temple was founded in 1294 and gained prominence when the Maeda clan adopted it as their family temple during the Edo period. This support from a powerful clan helped shape the temple's growth and importance over centuries.

The temple served as a retreat for the Maeda clan, a connection that shaped its standing in the region and remains visible in how locals regard the place. You can sense this historical bond reflected in the careful design of the buildings and the respect shown by visitors who come here.

The temple grounds are easy to explore on foot, with the main halls and pagoda located centrally for convenient access. Shaded pathways between buildings make walking comfortable on hot or rainy days.

The five-story pagoda was specifically built to withstand the strong winds coming from the nearby coast. This design choice reveals how the builders adapted their construction methods to cope with the challenging location.