Saikyō-ji

Saikyo-ji is a Buddhist temple in Hirado whose main hall houses a statue of Amida Nyorai and displays carved monkeys adorning the roof edges along the approach path. The grounds contain multiple religious structures and gardens spread throughout the property for visitors to explore.

The temple was founded in 1607 under the direction of Matsura Shigenobu, who incorporated architectural elements taken from Fushimi Castle. A guest hall and main gate were relocated from the castle to this site, marking how historical structures were repurposed for the new monastery.

The temple serves as the main monastery of the Tendai Shinsei sect and oversees a network of around 450 branch temples across Japan. Visitors can sense this religious leadership through the scale and arrangement of the buildings.

The temple is easy to navigate with marked paths and provided maps that guide visitors through the religious buildings and gardens on the grounds. Morning hours tend to be less crowded, allowing you to appreciate the structures and decorative details more easily.

The temple museum holds a collection of historical artifacts and documents connected to Mitsuhide Akechi, a significant military leader from medieval Japan. This collection provides visitors with unusual insight into how religious institutions preserved connections to samurai history.