Temples & Buddhist Denominations

Using Yūzū Nenbutsu Shū temple records for genealogy. Concentrated in the Kinki region of Japan.

Researching genealogy records held by independent (unaffiliated) Buddhist temples in Japan.

Using Jōdo Shinshū Honganji-ha (Nishi Honganji) records for Japanese genealogy. Explains the hōmyō (dharma name) system and kakochō access.

Using Shinshū Ōtani-ha (Higashi Honganji) records for Japanese genealogy.

Using Sōtō Shū (Soto Zen) temple records for Japanese genealogy. Japan's largest Buddhist sect with 14,700 temples.

Using Jōdo Shū (Pure Land) temple records for genealogy. The "yo" element distinguishes Jōdo Shū posthumous names.

Using Nichiren Shū temple records for genealogy. The "Nichi" (日) character in posthumous names is a key identifier.

Using Tendai Shū temple records for genealogy. Particularly relevant for Heian nobility and samurai family research.

Guide to all Shingon Shū branches for genealogy research. Lists head temples for Kōyasan, Chizan-ha, Buzan-ha and other branches.

Directory of all 14 Rinzai Shū branch head temples for genealogy research.