Gosoan Site
This location marks the site of Nichiren’s hut on Mt. Minobu, where he sought asylum after leaving Kamakura. Beginning in 1274, he lived here under the protection of Hakiri Sanenaga (1222–1297) until his death in 1282.
It was here that Nichiren spent his final eight years reading, writing, and training his disciples. Nichiren read the Lotus Sutra extensively and wrote most of his scriptures at Gosoan. He developed the founding principles of the sect here.
The low stone walls surrounding the empty plot of grass were built with a donation by Lady Kenju-Inden, the wife of Lord Sakai of Himeji. This was the location of the hut where Nichiren once lived. The Gosoan site is also considered the birthplace of Kuonji Temple, founded by Nichiren.
Near Gosoan-ato is Gobyosho, a tomb that holds a portion of Nichiren’s ashes. This is the tomb where his ashes were brought after his funeral. Gobyosho is an octagonal-style pagoda made of marble. His ashes are stored both in the Goshinkotsudo Hall of Kuonji Temple and in this pagoda. The pagoda is inscribed with Nichiren’s mantra Namu myoho renge kyo.