#Japan #Kumamoto City #Tree Burial #Eternal Memorial #Honmyoji Temple

New Developments at Honmyoji Temple

On January 20, 2026, Honmyoji Temple in Kumamoto City will unveil its brand new eternal memorial hall and tree burial service, provided by Eitai Corporation, a company that operates nationwide with a focus on eternal memorial systems. Honmyoji, renowned as the family temple of Kato Kiyomasa, the first lord of the Kumamoto Han, has long stood as a place of historical significance and faith for locals and visitors alike.

In recent years, Japan has faced challenges with declining birthrates, the rise of nuclear families, and diversifying lifestyles. Individuals and families are increasingly voicing their concerns about not having heirs to carry on burial traditions, as well as their desires to prepare memorials while they are still healthy. In response to these contemporary needs, Eitai Corporation is establishing new models of memorial services, including an eternal memorial hall and tree burial option at Honmyoji, aligning them with modern values and lifestyles.

Unique Features of Eternal Memorial Hall

No Heir, No Problem

With Honmyoji managing the memorial services eternally, individuals without successors or those whose families live far away can find peace of mind knowing that their memorial will be cared for in perpetuity.

Dedicated Staff for Comprehensive Support

Honmyoji will have dedicated staff residing at the temple to assist clients through all stages of the process—from initial viewing and contract procedures to the burial event itself. The presence of a reliable point of contact ensures that clients have the necessary support every step of the way.

Zero Maintenance Burden

With the dedicated staff handling all cleaning and maintenance duties, families and individuals won’t have to worry about the laborious tasks of upkeep like cleaning or mowing. Clients will only pay an initial fee that includes comprehensive care, with no annual maintenance costs or unexpected additional charges.

Available Products at Honmyoji

Eternal Memorial Hall: Goshukaku

• - Individual plot for one: Starting from ¥880,000 (additional ¥220,000 for each additional person)

This individual space can be utilized by couples or families, and it includes essential Buddhist ceremonial tools for easy access, allowing for simple visits without needing to bring equipment. The indoor space protects visitors from seasonal weather fluctuations, ensuring a comfortable visiting experience any time of year.

Tree Burial: Yasuragi no Kaze

• - Individual plot for one: Starting from ¥550,000 (additional ¥330,000 for each additional person)

This urban-style tree burial allows individuals to return to nature in a garden-like setting. Rather than using trees as grave markers, stone grave markers clearly indicate the resting place, providing peace of mind regarding mixed family remains. Individual plots are securely separated to ensure that remains do not intermingle.

Additional group burial plans are also available for those wishing to combine remains with multiple loved ones.

About Honmyoji Temple

Honmyoji Temple boasts a rich history spanning approximately 400 years and is affiliated with the Nichiren sect of Buddhism. Founded in 1585 by Kato Kiyomasa to honor his father, the temple has moved locations due to historical events and conflicts, including the destruction of its main hall during the Seinan War. Nevertheless, it underwent extensive reconstruction efforts, and the temple as it stands today was established in its current location after several years of work commencing in 1884.

• - Temple Name: Hoshyuzan Honmyoji
• - Location: 4-13-1 Hanazono, Nishi-ku, Kumamoto City, 860-0072
• - Access: Approximately 6 minutes by car from Kamikumamoto Station

Company Overview

• - Company Name: Eitai Corporation
• - Location: 3F Crest Takebashi Building, 3-21 Kanda Nishikimachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0054
• - Established: October 7, 2004
• - CEO: Genki Kabayama
• - Stock Exchange: Tokyo Growth Market (Code: 369A)
• - Business Scope: Consulting for temples (planning and establishment of tree burials/electronic memorials, marketing and sales support for cemetery usage)
• - Corporate Website: Eitai Corporation
• - Service Website: Eternal Memorial Services

Eitai Corporation is committed to creating a future of reliability and support through partnerships with temples. For inquiries, please reach out directly.