A major Nichiren sect temple founded in 1585 by Kato Kiyomasa to pray for the soul of his father, Kiyomasa's mausoleum was established here after his death in 1611. Situated on Hanazono Hill in western Kumamoto, the precinct is reached by a long flight of stone steps and is graced by the main hall and Niomon gate. Revered as "Seishoko-san" by locals, the temple draws many pilgrims each year around…

Honmyoji Temple was founded in 1585 by Kato Kiyomasa, lord of Higo Province, to pray for the soul of his father, Kato Kiyotada. Although the temple is said to have originally stood at a different location, it was relocated and expanded to its present site on Hanazono Hill in what is now Nishi Ward, …