Chionji Temple

Chionji Temple (智恩寺), located at the southern entrance of the Amanohashidate Sandbar in Miyazu, is an important temple of the Rinzai sect of Japanese Zen Buddhism. Dedicated to Monju Bosatsu, the bodhisattva of wisdom, Chionji houses one of Japan’s "Three Important Statues of Monju Bosatsu," making it a significant pilgrimage site for those seeking knowledge and clarity. The statue, enshrined in the temple's main hall, has attracted students, scholars, and exam-takers for centuries, who come to pray for academic success, mental sharpness, and guidance in life. Unique omikuji (fortunes) in the shape of colorful folding fans are sold at the temple; many visitors tie these fan-shaped fortunes to the pine trees scattered across the grounds, adding to the temple’s serene and distinctive atmosphere.

The temple complex offers a blend of spiritual, historical, and architectural interest. At the entrance stands a massive wooden gate, welcoming visitors with its impressive size and intricate craftsmanship. Further inside is the two-story tahōtō pagoda, built in the 16th century during the Muromachi Period, and now recognized as the oldest surviving structure within the temple grounds. The temple is also home to the grave of Izumi Shikibu, one of Japan’s most celebrated female poets from the Heian Period, whose romantic and deeply emotional poems are still admired today. Surrounded by centuries-old pine trees and tranquil views of Miyazu Bay, Chionji Temple offers visitors not only a place for prayer and reflection, but also a glimpse into Japan’s rich cultural and literary heritage.