Minobu Kuonji Temple: Head Temple of Nichiren Buddhism, 400-Year-Old Weeping Cherry

Kuonji on Mount Minobu is the head temple of Nichiren Buddhism. The solemn temple buildings that spread out beyond the steep flight of 287 stone steps, and the weeping cherry trees over 400 years old, are overwhelming. From the summit you can see Mount Fuji, and at the temple lodgings you can experience vegetarian cuisine and religious services, making it a mountain sacred site where faith and nature are in harmony.

Head Temple of Nichiren Buddhism

Kuonji Temple in Minobu Town, Yamanashi is the head temple of Nichiren Buddhism. A temple opened by Saint Nichiren in 1281, it is one of the most important sacred sites for Nichiren Buddhist worshippers. Grand temple buildings spread across the mountainside of Mount Minobu (1,153 meters elevation), and the inner sanctuary at the summit can be reached by ropeway. Rising to the summit in about seven minutes one way, you can look out to Mount Fuji, the Southern Alps, and Suruga Bay.

287 Stone Steps and Weeping Cherry

In front of Kuonji Temple main hall are steep stone steps of 287 steps called Bodai-tei. Each step is high, and the way the view opens and the main hall appears once you reach the top symbolizes the path toward the heights of faith. Several weeping cherry trees over 400 years old stand on the grounds, and at full bloom from late March to early April they show an overwhelming beauty, cascading like waterfalls of blossom.

Minobu Mountain Temple Lodging Experience

Mount Minobu has many temple lodgings where guests can stay and experience vegetarian cuisine, early morning religious services, and sutra copying. As an accommodation experience that deeply touches Japanese Buddhist culture, it has grown popular with foreign tourists in recent years.

Best Season

The greatest highlight is late March to early April, when the weeping cherries reach their peak. The seasons of fresh green and autumn leaves are also quiet and beautiful, well suited to a visit.

Access

From Minobu Station on the JR Minobu Line, take a Yamanashi Kotsu bus for about 15 minutes, then walk about 20 minutes to Kuonji, or about 5 minutes by shared taxi. The inner sanctuary at the summit is reached by ropeway (about 7 minutes one way).

Practical Travel Notes

• The greatest highlight is the weeping cherry from late March to early April. This period is very crowded, however, so an early morning visit is recommended
• The 287 steps of the Bodai-tei are tall and steeply pitched. If the climb is hard, you can also take the gentler Otokozaka or Onnazaka slopes, or a paid conveyance
• Allow half a day for the visit alone, or a full day to overnight if you include the summit ropeway and a temple lodging stay
• There are several paid parking lots, some about a 3-minute walk from the main hall. They fill quickly in cherry season, so arrive early
• Staying at a temple lodging lets you enjoy the vegetarian cuisine and early morning services unique to Mount Minobu. Nearby are the temple-gate town of Minobu and shops serving local dishes made with yuba

A Quick Tip

During the weeping cherry season, worshippers gather from across the country and it becomes very crowded. To avoid the crowds visit early in the morning, and if the steps are hard, consider the Otokozaka and Onnazaka slopes or a conveyance. An overnight stay at a temple lodging lets you savor the special time of quiet early-morning grounds.

📚 Sources

This article draws on the official guidance of Minobusan Kuonji, tourism information from Minobu Town, notices on the mountain ropeway and lodging temples, and the explanations posted at the Bodaitei steps and weeping cherries. Ropeway hours, lodging and prayer reception, and the weeping-cherry peak can change by year and season. Since fees and times may change, please confirm Kuonji's official information before you visit.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: Half a day for the main visit, or a day to an overnight if you add the inner-sanctuary ropeway or a temple stay.
• Stairs note: The 287 Bodaitei steps are tall and steep; the gentler side slopes or a paid ride are alternatives.
• Best season: Late March to early April, when the weeping cherries peak, is the top highlight.
• Avoiding crowds: Car parks fill in cherry season, so arrive early in the morning.
• Special experience: A temple stay offers Minobus vegetarian cuisine and early-morning prayer.