Virtual North Settsu 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #17 Jumyo-ji Temple

 

     Jumyo-ji Temple was founded by Gyoki in the 720s.  

     The temple's document suggests that it was supported by Ashikaga Yoshimasa (1436-1490), the 8th Shogun.  In those days, provincial samurai guardians appointed their vassals as administrators to "collect" taxes of manors of Buddhist temples.  Their policy strengthened their rule over the manors as well as enabled them to embezzle the taxes.  Yoshimasa tried to have the manors "returned" to the temples.  The above mentioned "support" could have meant his such policy.

     It was revived in 1559 by Priest Unsaku.

     Ashikaga Yoshiteru (1536-1565) was in reign from 1547 to 1565 as the 13th Shogun of the Muromachi Shogunate.  However, Yoshiteru fled to Kuchiki, Omi Province, in 1553, pressured with the military force of Miyoshi Nagayoshi (1522-1564).  Yoshiteru stayed there till 1558.  From 1553 to 1558, Kyoto was ruled by Nagayoshi, but he was mainly based in Akutagawa Castle.  In those days, Ikeda Nagamasa (?-1563), who had surrendered to Nagayoshi, was based in Ikeda Castle, and Jumyo-ji Temple was located in the castle town.

     The temple was later rebuilt in 1697.  Although it was completely destroyed in the Great Hanshin Earthquake in 1995, it still keeps military flags and helmets that prove the temple was patronized by samurai.  It also has a 4.5 meters long wooden rain-making dragon.

Address: 2-20 Nishihonmachi, Ikeda, Osaka 563-0059

Phone: 072-751-4676

Akutagawa Castle Ruins

Address: Hara, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1051

Ikeda Castle Ruins

Address: 3-19 Shiroyamacho, Ikeda, Osaka 563-0052

Phone: 072-753-2767