Rengeji Temple is the head temple of the Jodo sect of Buddhism in Maibara City, Shiga Prefecture. Its history is very old, and it is said that the temple has a deep connection with the end of the Kamakura Shogunate.

In 1333, the Hojo Nakatoki clan, who was the last Rokuhara Tandai of the Kamakura shogunate, visited Banba-juku here in Maibara on the way to escape to Kamakura after being attacked by Ashikaga Takauji.

However, the army of Doyo Sasaki, who was in the enemy camp, blocked his way, and in the end, 432 members of his family committed suicide at this Rengeji temple. From 6-year-old children to 60-year-old seniors, the family records are designated as national important cultural properties and are carefully preserved.

Hundreds of family graves are lined up behind Rengeji Temple. The hall in the precincts was burnt down again in the aftermath of the Onin War in the Muromachi period, but was rebuilt in the Sengoku period.

■ Basic information
Name: Rengeji Temple
Address: 511 Banba, Maibara City, Shiga Prefecture
Nearest station: JR Maibara Station (10 minutes by bus)
Hours: 8:30-17:00 (Treasure Hall)
Fee: (as below)
No regular holiday
Parking: Use nearby parking lots

*Please check the website for detailed information.