About Jokoji Temple

Jokoji Temple was built in1633 by Jokoin (Hatu) who was Mrs. Takatugu Kyogoku.

Takatugu Kyogoku was a Daimyo of the Obama Clan from1600 to 1609.

The Jokoin's grave remains in the precincts of this temple.

Through Edo Period, Jokoji was very prosperous, but in1923 it had the main hall burned down in a fire, and declined.

From 1990~2003 the temple gate and shoin were repaired and the main hall was rebuilt.

Hatu was born in1568 at Odani catsle in Oumi (now, Siga Prefecture)

Her father was Nagamasa Azai and her mother was Oithi.

Oithi was a sister of Nobunaga Oda, a famous daimyo in

the age of warring states.

Hatu had two sisters. The elder sister was Tyatya, and she became a wife of Hideyosi, and called Yododono. The younger sister was Gou, and she became a wife of Hidetada Tokugawa, the second syogun of Tokugawa shogunate.

About 20 yeas old Hatu got married to Takatugu Kyogoku in Oumi. The Kyogoku family was an old distinguished family.

At the battle of Sekigahara in1600, Takatugu took side with Ieyasu Tokugawa . And after the battle Takatyugu became the Daimyo of Obama Clan.

Hatu and Takatugu spent for several years in Obama. They started building of a new Obama Catstle. But before the completion of the castle Takatugu died in 1609 by sickness.

And so Hatu became a nun at zen temple Tozennji in Edo. And changed her name for Jokoin as was the custum in those days.

At the battle of Osakanojin Jokoin worked hard to make peace between Tokugawa Family and Toyotomi Family. But after all Tokugawa Family won victory at the battle, And her sister Tyatya (called Yododono at that time) and Tyatya 's son Hideyori died in battle. Jokoin was very sorry she could not save their lives.

In 1930 Jokoin ordered to build a new temple at the foot of Notiseyama in Obama. And named jokoji after her name.