Eikokuji Temple

Overview

Eikokuji Temple, also known as the "Ghost Temple," is a historic Soto Zen temple founded in 1408. It's famous for a ghost painting said to be created by the temple's first head priest. During the Seinan War, Saigo Takamori used this temple as his headquarters for 33 days. The temple features a two-meter-tall wooden Nio statue at the gate and the oldest multi-layered stone pagoda in the Kumamoto region. Visitors can also see a monument to Masanori Ichii, a pioneer in modern Western dentistry, and a collection of stone Buddhas. Located a 10-minute walk from Hitoyoshi Station, the temple offers a unique blend of spiritual and historical experiences.

Visit Information