Eikoku-ji, Buddhist temple in Hitoyoshi, Japan.

Eikoku-ji is a Buddhist temple in Hitoyoshi with traditional Japanese architectural elements and surrounded by local gardens and structures. The grounds feature classical wooden buildings, quiet pathways, and typical temple decorations that visitors can explore.

Eikoku-ji was founded in 1408 or 1410 by Sagara Maezuku, with Jikitei Chōshin as founding abbot and Ikkei Eijū invited as honorary founder. During the Sengoku period its monks served the Sagara clan as envoys in diplomatic negotiations. In 1877 Saigō Takamori, defeated at Tabaruzaka, placed his headquarters here for 33 days; the temple burned in the June street fighting and the current main hall was rebuilt in 1891.

The temple keeps a hanging scroll of a ghost painted, by tradition, by the founding monk Jitchū Jōshin (Sesshō Chōshin). Legend says he drew the vengeful spirit's ugly form, and the ghost, startled, asked for his guidance and was released. The pond where the ghost is said to have appeared stands in the grounds, and a ghost festival is held each summer.

Eikoku-ji is an 11-minute walk (about 900 m) from JR Hitoyoshi Station on the Hisatsu Line. The Kyushu Sanko Kanko bus (Juguritto loop bus) stops at Eikoku-ji-mae, right by the temple. By car it is 3 km from the Hitoyoshi Interchange on the Kyushu Expressway.

The pond in the grounds is where the ghost is said to have appeared, and the temple's ghost scroll is attributed to the founding monk Jisshō Chōshin, not Jitto. The temple is the ninth stop on the Higo Thirty-Three Kannon pilgrimage. In summer, the Eikoku-ji Yūrei Matsuri is held in reference to the legend.