Having appealed to the government and the people of Japan three times, according to tradition, Nichiren Shonin left Kamakura on 12th May 1274 and travelled to Mount Minobu in modern-day Yamanashi Prefecture. He built a tiny hermitage there and spent the last nine years of his life practicing, and teaching his disciples and followers there. To accomodate the increasing number of visitors to his hermitage a larger temple called Myo-Hokke-in Kuon-ji was erected. Nichiren Shonin lectured in it for the first time on 21st November, 1281. Mount Minobu is a very sacred place and despite its harsh conditions over the winter season, it held a very special place in Nichiren Shonin's heart.

Above: The site of Nichiren Shonin's hermitage on Mt. Minobu where he spent the last eight years of his life.

Above: Nichiren Shonin's Mausoleum (Sobyo) at Kuon-ji on Mt. Minobu - In accordance with his will, Nichiren Shonin's ashes were brought back to Minobu and enshrined in a mausoleum there.

Below: Today Kuon-ji Temple, the Head Temple of Nichiren Shu, established by Nichiren Shonin on Mount Minobu.

Below: The altar in the main hall at Kuon-ji.

Abutsu-bo's Grave, on Mt. Minobu: Previoulsy a believer in Pure Land Buddhism, the samurai Abutsu lived on Sado island. When he heard of Nichiren Shonin's exile to Sado, and his arrival on the island, he determined to go and kill the priest. As he was a man of honour, however, he listened to what Nichiren Shonin had to say first. By the time their conversation was over, he had been convinced to convert and have faith in the Lotus Sutra. He and his wife provided Nichiren Shonin and his small group with the supplies necessary for survival for the remainder of that winter.

Above: Enjoying Japanese Cuisine

Participants in the 100th Memorial Service for Captain John M. James’ (1839-1908) held at the Head Temple of Nichiren Shu, Kuon-ji on Mt. Minobu.

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