OSAKA - A centuries-old temple in Osaka has become a hotspot for trespassing and online ghost-hunting rumors, following the absence of its head priest and the fallout from a criminal case involving its former leader.
Located in Abeno Ward, Shōenji is a temple with deep historical roots tracing back to the Heian period. Once cherished by locals and even linked to *Tsurezuregusa* author Yoshida Kenkō, the site is now overrun with weeds and mystery. Since the end of last year, the temple has been without a head priest, and the grounds have fallen into disrepair.
Adding to the turmoil, a partially constructed building on the property has been dubbed a "ghost spot" on social media, drawing waves of thrill-seeking minors and resulting in a surge of illegal entries. Police have stepped up patrols, but the problem continues to escalate.
The origin of the situation dates back two years, when then-head priest Tsujimi was arrested and sentenced to two years and six months in prison by the Osaka High Court. At the center of the scandal was the large unfinished structure on temple grounds, which Tsujimi had planned to turn into a special elderly care facility to save the temple’s struggling finances. However, false filings to Osaka City halted construction, and the project was left abandoned.
With the temple effectively leaderless and unmanaged, the site has deteriorated, giving rise to rumors and ghost stories that have spread rapidly online. The derelict building, particularly at night, emits an eerie presence that has captured the imagination of curious youths. Reporters witnessed several teenagers trespassing into the grounds, crossing ropes and lingering around the structure before slipping inside. At one point, lights were seen moving on the second floor, despite the building being off-limits and unsafe.
Police confirmed that since May, they have apprehended 13 minors for trespassing. An inspection of the interior—conducted with permission from the current caretaker—revealed extensive vandalism: graffiti sprayed across walls, shattered windows, and signs of overnight stays, including sleeping bags and bottles of water. The building, four stories tall, has dangerously exposed areas and open shafts plunging to the first floor, posing serious risks to intruders.
"Even though patrols are frequent, it's a crime to enter," said the caretaker. "It's also property damage. I just want them to stop."
Experts note that Shōenji’s plight reflects a broader trend: more temples across Japan are being left unattended as successors become harder to find. These so-called "vacant temples" are increasingly targeted not only for illegal exploration but also for theft of Buddhist items and other valuables.
One long-time parishioner expressed deep sadness over the temple’s decline. "At first, I was angry. But with incidents happening almost daily, now it's just resignation. It’s heartbreaking."
With its reputation as a haunted location spreading and trust among parishioners eroding, the path to restoring Shōenji remains uncertain.
Source: KTV NEWS
