The3rd International Workshop on
Complex Systems

November 16-19, 2005 ---- Sendai, Japan

Welcome to Johgi
[IWCS2005 Home Page]
Welcome to Johgi
Five-storied pagodas at Johgi

The History of Johgi-Nyorai

About 800 years ago there was the civil war between Genji and Heike (Taira).

Shortly before the war，a holy Amida-Nyorai painting was given by China to Lord Shigemori Taira. At his death in 1179 A.D., Lord Shigemori left the holy painting in the care of Sadayoshi Taira，a member of his tribe.

In 1180 A.D., defeated by Genji at the battle of Dannoura，the tribe of Taira fled in all directions．Sadayoshi Taira settled in this place, naming himself Johgi and built a small shrine in which to keep the holy painting.

Since then, the holy painting of Amida-Nyorai has been called Johgi-Nyorai. Many people attracted by the painting's miraculous virtues continually visit to see it.

Johgi-Nyorai is believed to give good luck to those who pray for their families' happiness, such as happy weddings，ease of　childbirth and success in business.

May good luck follow those who visit here.
The Five-Storied Pagoda

This five-storied pagoda is a spiritual shrine built for Sadayoshi Taira (Johgi) and as a Buddhist symbol for the eternal peace of mankind.

This pagoda was built using neither nails nor bolts and is so skillfully built that the wood easily withstands the natural threats of earthquakes and typhoons.

The same aged trees on the same slope of the same mountain were used to build the pagoda.
A delicate balance was also considered in making full use of the nature and the merit of each piece of wood.
That is why the five-storied pagoda, with the genius of nature, has kept its own beauty for hundreds of years.

There are 32 wooden five-storied pagodas in Japan of which the Johgi-Nyorai pagoda is one. It uses Aomori-Hiba wood (a hard wood) up to the roof and has a bronze Sourin (spire) rising from the roof peak.

The principle Buddhist image of the five-storied pagoda is of Amitabha.
Guidance
(1) Main Gate (10) Kumano Shrine
(2) Enmei Jizou (11) Plum Tree (Date's)
(3) Bell House (12) Kwannon-zou
(4) Sadayoshi Do (13) Five-storied pagoda
(5) Office (14) Tamatebako／Exhibition Hall
(6) Shogun Jizou (15) Tea Room／Yasuragi
(7) Tyoumeisui (Holy Water) (16) & (17) Tea House
(8) Mound of The Emperor (18) Lavatory
(9) Tombs of Successive Chief Priests (19) Main Temple
FURTHER INFORMATION
ON THE
SAIHOJI TEMPLE EXHIBTION HALL

Johgi-Tamatebako Treasure Box
This exhibition hall contains many fantasies. As you go through the automatic door with pictures of the treasure on it, you will find a hall which is divided into five sections : Sky, Wind，Fire，Water and earth representing the five−storied pagoda.

The two main exhibits in the hall are the trick theatre where you can play and learn the old Johgi Buddha stories while seeing the culture and nature of the area and the 1:10 scale model of the five−storied pagoda with the video of its construction.

Other attractions include exhibits with the music boxes of children's songs and folk songs．Also，when you open some doors they have tricks with laser beams．

Please try these exhibits and enjoy the fantasies.

Details of the Five Sections of the Hall
Sky ----- The Five-Storied Pagoda
You can see the history of building the five-storied
pagoda from a video，with explanations of other pagodas included.
The building of the five−storied pagoda was a dream for many years.
Wind ----- The Trick Theatre
A guide dressed as Johdo-kun will introduce you to the
history of the Saihoji Temple.
Fire ----- Historical Picture Scroll of the Buddha Johgi Nyorai
A beautiful picture scroll shows the history of the
miracles of the blessed and enlightened Buddha Johgi
Amida Nyorai.
Water ----- People and Nature of Miyagi
When you open the doors you will find the nature of the Miyagi area
and its festivals jumping out in front of you.
You will hear people's voices and music boxes playing
children's songs and folk songs.
Earth ----- Gokurakuzan Saihoji Temple
This door will lead you to the world of Buddha and
introduce you to the faces of the people who have
assisted with the Saihoji Temple.
Saihoji Temple Exhibition

The Treasure --- Articles left by Taira-no-Sadayoshi：

  • Wooden saddle
  • Wooden stirrup
  • Iron tea kettle

The Five-Storied Pagoda
   1：10 scale model

TEA CEREMONY
（To achieve -"Yasuragi"- Peace of Mind）
While enjoying the five−storied pagoda，Would you like to be refreshed with a delicious cup of Japanese tea？

Visiting　Times
Saihoji Temple Exhibition -- daily（except Wed．）9：00AM to 3:00PM
Tea Ceremony ------------- daily（except Wed．）10:00AM to 3:00PM
Note： When a national holiday falls on a Wednesday, the exhibition will be open and will close the following day．
Fee
Adult ------ 0 JPY
Children ------ 0 JPY
Tea Ceremony ------ 300 JPY

SAIHOJI TEMPLE ADMINSTRATION OFFICE
1 Johge，Aza，Okura，Aoba-ku
Sendai-City，Miyagi
TEL：（022）393-2235
HomePage: http://www.johgi.or.jp/
[IWCS2005 Home Page]
This page will be updated when information becomes available.