Kuonji is the head temple of Nichiren Buddhism, founded in 1281 by Nichiren himself on Mount Minobu, and remains an active pilgrimage site for the sect. Reaching the main hall involves climbing a steep stone staircase of 287 steps known as the Bodai-tei, though a side path and elevator offer an alternative for those who prefer not to climb.
Minobusan Kuonji is the head temple of Nichiren Buddhism, founded in 1281 by Nichiren himself on the slopes of Mount Minobu after he retreated to the mountain following years of persecution and exile, making the site the spiritual center for millions of Nichiren-sect followers across Japan and worldwide. The temple's main approach climbs a dramatic staircase of 287 stone steps (Bodaitei) flanked by centuries-old cedars to the main hall complex, where the Soshido founder's hall and a five-story pagoda anchor a large precinct that also includes a bell tower and several subsidiary halls housing relics associated with Nichiren's life. Kuonji is especially renowned for its weeping cherry trees (shidarezakura), among the most celebrated in Japan, which bloom in a cascade of pink around the main hall and Soshido in the first half of April, drawing large crowds specifically for the display. The Minobusan Ropeway, a separate cable car reached a short walk from the main temple grounds, climbs to the summit of Mount Minobu at 1,153 meters, where an observation platform offers views across the Southern Alps and, on the clearest days, to Mount Fuji itself; a small shrine and short nature walk sit at the summit station. The temple complex's Treasure Museum, located beneath the Main Hall, displays historical manuscripts and artifacts connected to Nichiren and the temple's founding for a separate admission fee. A visit combining the temple grounds and the ropeway typically takes two to three hours.
| Admission | Adult Temple grounds free; Treasure Museum ¥500 ($3.10); Minobusan Ropeway round trip ¥1,500 ($9.40) · Child Treasure Museum ¥200 ($1.30); reduced ropeway child fare |
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| Hours | 5:00am–5:00pm (seasonal variation); Treasure Museum 9:00am–4:00pm, closed Thursdays |
| Typical visit | 2–3 hours (with ropeway) |
| Best time | Early April for the temple's celebrated weeping cherry trees, or clear days for the ropeway's mountain views |
| Getting there | Bus from JR Minobu Station to the temple's main gate area, roughly 10 minutes |
| Address | 3567 Minobu, Minobu, Minamikoma District, Yamanashi 409-2593 |
Location
3567 Minobu, Minobu, Minamikoma District, Yamanashi 409-2593
35.3781, 138.4392 View on map
Highlights
- Head temple of Nichiren Buddhism, founded in 1281 by Nichiren on Mount Minobu
- 287-step Bodaitei staircase flanked by centuries-old cedar trees
- Celebrated weeping cherry trees (shidarezakura) blooming in early April
- Minobusan Ropeway to a 1,153-meter summit with Southern Alps and Mount Fuji views
- Treasure Museum beneath the Main Hall with Nichiren-related manuscripts and artifacts
Tips for visiting
- Visit in early April for the temple's celebrated weeping cherry trees, though expect the year's largest crowds
- Take the ropeway on a clear day for the best chance of a distant Mount Fuji view from the summit
- Pace the 287-step Bodaitei staircase with rest stops, as it is a sustained climb without an elevator alternative
- Check the Treasure Museum's Thursday closure before planning a visit around its exhibits
- Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the temple grounds span a wide, hilly precinct
When to visit
Early April for the weeping cherry trees, or clear days for the ropeway's Southern Alps and Mount Fuji views.
Accessibility
The main staircase to the temple has a parallel cable-car alternative for visitors with limited mobility, and the ropeway to the summit is wheelchair accessible, though the summit's nature walk includes some uneven natural terrain.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
A visit combining the temple grounds and the ropeway to the summit typically takes two to three hours.
Is it worth it for kids?
The ropeway ride and cedar-lined staircase are generally engaging for children, though the temple's religious significance is more meaningful to older visitors.
Is photography allowed?
Photography is generally permitted across the temple grounds and ropeway; photography inside some halls near sacred objects may be restricted.
Is there an alternative to climbing the 287 steps?
A cable car (funicular-style Bodaitei Elevator) alongside the staircase provides an alternative for visitors unable to manage the full climb.