About Koukyouji Temple
ABOUT KOUKYOUJI TEMPLE
Ippouzan Shoujouin Koukyouji (referred to below as "Koukyouji") is a temple located in the heart of Hiroshima City. It follows the Jodo Shu (Pure Land) sect founded by Honen Shonin, and has a history of approximately 470 years. The entire temple, including the main hall, was destroyed by the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima, but it was rebuilt in 1970 through the efforts of the 18th head priest and the temple's parishioners, and continues to serve the community today.
1559 (Eiroku 2)
Founded by Priest Tenrenja Seiyo Enshin.
1606 (Keicho 11)
Established by Priest Genrenja Shoyo Hozan, the 21st head priest of Konkai-Komyoji Temple (a head temple of the Jodo Shu sect) in Kurodani, Kyoto.
Date unknown
According to tradition, Koukyouji once stood at Gosensui, the site of what is now Shukkei-en Garden.
1619 (Genna 5)
Relocated to its current site in Hashimoto-cho when Lord Asano Naga-akira entered Hiroshima Castle.
1945 (Showa 20)
The entire temple was destroyed by the atomic bomb. Buddhist statues, temple registers, and treasures were all lost.
1946 (Showa 21)
Under the post-war land readjustment project for the reconstruction of the war-damaged city,
the temple grounds were reduced to about half their original size.
1970 (Showa 45)
The current main hall was built through the efforts of the 18th head priest, Gensei Tabe, and the parishioners.
A statue of Amida Buddha was enshrined as the principal image, received from Tanjo-ji, a special temple of the Jodo Shu sect.
2002 (Heisei 14)
Priest Masamichi Tabe became the 19th head priest of Koukyouji.
The 18th head priest, Gensei Tabe, passed away.
2017 (Heisei 29)
A succession ceremony was held, and the current head priest (20th) took office.
2024 (Reiwa 6)
Launched the official Koukyouji website and official LINE account.
A Message from the Head Priest
Namu Amida Butsu
Thank you for visiting Koukyouji Temple.
Koukyouji has stood in the heart of Hiroshima for over 470 years. Like much of this city, the temple was lost entirely to the atomic bomb in August 1945 — and like this city, it was rebuilt. We continue to hold the memory of those lost that day close to our hearts, and to offer prayers for peace.
Jodo Shu, the Pure Land sect of Buddhism founded by Honen Shonin, teaches that the simple recitation of Namu Amida Butsu — calling upon Amida Buddha — is a path open to all people equally, regardless of age, background, or nationality. This spirit of openness is at the heart of everything we do at Koukyouji.
Whether you have come to pray, to explore, or simply to find a quiet moment amid your travels in Hiroshima, you are warmly welcome here. Please feel free to walk the grounds, visit the Yakushido Hall, and rest in the garden.
We hope your visit brings you a moment of peace.
Namu Amida Butsu Gassho
Jodo Shu Koukyouji 20th Head Priest
