明星院

Myōjō-in is a Buddhist temple in Goto featuring a spacious main hall supported by twenty cypress wood pillars that frame the interior space. The ceiling displays carefully crafted paintings that form a central visual element within the hall.

The main hall was built in 1778 under the direction of the 28th feudal lord of Goto and represents the oldest wooden structure in the region. Its construction marks an important moment in the island's architectural development during the late Edo period.

This temple serves as the first stop on a pilgrimage route connecting 88 sacred places throughout Goto, drawing visitors interested in traditional Buddhist practice. People come to pray and experience the spiritual significance the site holds within the local community.

The temple offers easy access and has parking available for visitors, making it straightforward to reach by vehicle. Plan your visit by checking which days the temple is open, as closures occur on certain dates throughout the month.

The main hall ceiling contains 121 paintings of birds and flowers created by artists of the Kano school, one of Japan's most renowned painting traditions. These works form a rare collection representing this influential artistic lineage.