Yōmei-ji

Yōmei-ji is a Buddhist temple in Tsuwano featuring traditional architecture with a thatched roof design. The main building overlooks grounds with a garden where a waterfall cascades into a central pond.

Founded in 1420, the temple became the family shrine of the Kamei clan who ruled the Tsuwano domain. It remained connected to the region's leadership and history for centuries afterward.

The temple serves as a living center for Buddhist practice, where monks maintain traditional meditation and daily routines visible to visitors. The grounds reflect how this place remains meaningful to local people who care for and visit it regularly.

The temple sits a short walk from Tsuwano Station and welcomes visitors throughout the day. Comfortable shoes help when exploring the gardens and cemetery grounds on foot.

The cemetery holds the grave of celebrated writer Mori Ogai, who requested that his birth name Mori Rintaro be used on his marker. This detail connects literary history to the temple grounds in an unexpected way.

Location: Tsuwano

Inception: 1420

GPS coordinates: 34.46989,131.77011

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:03