[Osaka] Sakai City Honganji Sakai Betsuin

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The largest wooden building in Sakai City, also known as the "Northern Gobo," the current main hall was rebuilt in 1825.
After the abolition of feudal domains and the establishment of prefectures in 1871, it served as the Sakai Prefectural Office for 10 years, before being returned to the Jodo Shinshu Honganji sect and designated as the Sakai Prefectural Office Site by the prefecture.

The Honganji Sakai Betsuin is said to have been founded by Yoshiuji Ashikaga's fourth son, Suke.
In 1470 (Bunmei 2), Doken invited Rennyo Shonin to rebuild the hall.
Later, in 1728 (Kyoho 13), the main hall was completed at its current location, but was destroyed in a fire in 1798 (Kansei 10), leaving only the front gate and bell tower.
The current main hall was rebuilt in 1825 (Bunsei 8) and is the largest surviving wooden building in Sakai.
Amida Buddha is enshrined in front, Saint Shinran to the right, and Rennyo to the left.

The sliding screens separating the inner and outer sanctuaries of the hall feature illustrations of trade with Western Europeans, evocative of the medieval free city of Sakai.

The temple bell in the bell tower was donated by Sakai Magistrate Hasegawa Fujihiro, who promoted the restoration of Sakai during the Genwa era. It bears an inscription dating from 1617 (Genwa 3), making it the oldest temple bell in the city with a known date. (City-designated Tangible Cultural Property)

Honganji Sakai Betsuin
📍Address: 3-1-10 Shinmeicho Higashi, Sakai Ward, Sakai City
[Hankai Electric Railway]
Get off at Shinmeicho or Myokokuji Station and walk east for 3 minutes.

From JR Sakaishi Station or Nankai Koya Line Sakai-Higashi Station, it's about a 10-minute taxi ride away.

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