Nichiren (1222-1282) preached an absolute devotion to the Lotus Sutra and harshly criticized the Kamakura shogunate's religious policies. After submitting his Rissho Ankoku-ron in 1260, he was exiled twice — to Izu in 1261 and to Sado in 1271, after the miraculous "Tatsunokuchi Persecution." His prediction of foreign invasion was confirmed by the 1274 Mongol Invasion.

Sado Island, off Niigata, hosted [Emperor Juntoku](/character/sanetomo) (1221), [Nichiren](/character/nichiren) (1271), and [Zeami](/character/zeami) (1434) among many cultural figures. During the Edo period, over 20,000 mizukae nin'soku laborers were sent to its gold mines as de facto exiles, creating a unique dual exile culture.

The "Sanbohzon" revealed by Nichiren Shonin refers to three sacred treasures: Kuon-jitsujo Honshi Shakyamuni Buddha, Nichiren Daibosatsu, and the Odaimoku Mandala. This article explores the faith system of Nichiren Buddhism rooted in the Lotus Sutra and guides you through the major temples including Kuonji on Mt. Minobu, Ikegami Honmonji, and Nakayama Hokekyoji.