Komyoji temple is the head temple of the seizan jodo sect. it is said to have been founded in 1198 by rensho hoshi (kumagai jiro naozane), a disciple of honen shonin. it is also said to be the "origin of the jodo sect" where honen shonin first expounded the teachings of nembutsu. in contrast to otukuni-dera temple, known as the temple of peonies, komyoji temple is popular as the temple of autumn leaves, and the maple trees lining both sides of the approach to the temple grounds are especially vibrant in late autumn.