Kokenji Temple

overview

Soto sect of Zen Buddhism, Reishozan Kokenji Temple
Kouken-ji Temple was founded in 1427 (Oei 34) by the Zenji (priest) Ketsudo Nosho of Kounji Temple in Murakami, Echigo. Zenji Nosho was a grandson of Masashige Kusunoki. He is said to have realized that it would be difficult for him to become a military commander again after he was wounded in the knee by a stray arrow from the enemy in battle and thus entered the path of Zen Buddhism.
The main temple was founded by Oi Goro Mitsuyasu, one of the twelve Yuri clans who ruled Yashima in the Azuchi-Momoyama period .
His grave still remains at Kokenji Temple today.
It is said that the Niou statue at the main gate of Koukenji Temple was carried by a wagon after arriving at present-day Nishimehama, Yurihonjo City, by sea from Kyoto during the An’ei era (1772-81).