In 2008 some members of the Sangha made a pilgrimage to Japan to visit major Temples associated with Nichiren Shonin's life. The pilgrimage was made to coincide with the commemoration of Captain John M. James’ (1839-1908) 100th Memorial Service held at the Head Temple of Nichiren Shu, Kuon-ji on Mt. Minobu. It's believed that Captain James was the first European Nichiren Shu believer. According to his wishes, his grave is on Mt. Minobu.

Among others temples that were visited were Seicho-ji, Tanjo-ji, and Kyonin-ji in Chiba Prefecture; Ryuko-ji, Kosoku-ji, and Ankokuron-ji in Kamakura; Kuon-ji, and Shishin-kaku on Mt. Minobu; Keishin-in on Mt. Schichimen; Ikegami Honmon-ji and James' Slope in Tokyo.

Tanjo-ji (Nichiren Shonin's birth)

Seicho-ji (Entering the priesthood)

Above: Fifteen years after Rencho left Mt. Kiyosumi to further his studies, he returned to report his findings. On the morning of 28th April, 1253, when he was thirty two, Rencho stood on a high peak called Asahigamori facing the rising sun over the Pacific Ocean and chanted Namu Myoho Renge Kyo, proclaiming his belief that the Lotus Sutra (Myoho Renge Kyo) is the teaching for people of the age of Mappo that would lead them to Buddhahood.

Kyonin-ji (The Komatsubara Persecution)

Ryuko-ji (The Tatsunokuchi Persecution)

Above, Myohon-ji: Yoshimoto Hiki encountered Nichiren Shonin preaching on a busy corner in Kamakura and was deeply moved by these sermons and became a disciple, despite being 21 years senior to Nichiren Shonin. When Nichiren Shonin returned from his exile (after submission of the Rissho Ankoku Ron) to Kamakura, Yoshimoto provided him with his residence for a lecture hall. Following Nichiren Shonin's guidance Yoshimoto decided to establish a temple to console the souls of his father, sister and other family members. Construction of the temple was completed in 1260. The temples official name Chokozan came from his posthumous title and Myohon from his mother.

Minobu-san Kuon-ji (Retiring to Minobu)

Mount Shichimen

Ikegami Honmon-ji (Nichiren Shonin passes away)

Kitayama Honmon-ji (Nikko Shonin's Temple)