It is said that Jofukuji Temple, the predecessor of Myooin Temple, was founded in 807 by the priest Kukai (also known as Kobo Daishi), founder of the Shingon sect of Buddhism, although no detailed record of this remains.
When it was first built, Myooin Temple was in a somewhat out-of-the-way location and fell into ruin in the 1600's, but in 1619, Katsunari Mizuno, the first lord of the Fukuyama Domain, came to the area and restored it as a place of prayer for the domain. Furthermore, Katsusada, the third lord of the domain, retired the head priest of Jofukuji Temple and moved Myooin Temple to that location.
During the dismantling and repair of the Hondo (main hall) between 1962 and 1964, ink inscriptions were found on the daikoryo kaerumata, wooden struts on the large arched beam of the inner sanctum (the central space for the Buddha), indicating that the existing building was constructed in 1321.
During that period, diplomatic relations with China had been restored and new architectural styles were introduced. A number of changes were occurring in the realm of architecture. This main hall was also built using an eclectic combination of architectural styles, including Japanese, Zen, and traditional Buddhist styles.
The kentozuka, which supports the interlocking wooden brackets between the pillars, is Japanese-style, while the mountain-shaped construction of the crosspiece that supports the door is traditional Buddhist, and the shape of the arched beams curving upward is characteristic of Zen architecture.

Myooin Temple’s five-storied pagoda has also been designated as a national treasure, along with the Hondo. Built in 1348, it is the fifth oldest five-storied pagoda in Japan. Records show that, in order to pay for its construction, a vast number of very small donations were gathered from the people.
There is a teaching in Buddhism that Maitreya Bodhisattva will eventually descend from the heavenly realm to this world to teach, guide, and save the people. The people donated their small amounts of money to try to connect with Maitreya, hoping that one day they too would be able to ascend to the Tusita Heaven where Maitreya dwells.
The five-storied pagodas that are older than the one at Myooin Temple were all built by the imperial court and the imperial family. The five-storied pagoda at Myooin Temple, however, was built by local residents through their numerous small donations. Cases of this nature are quite rare in the world. While Japanese cypress is commonly used in the construction of temples and shrines, wood from locally grown pine trees was also used for a portion of the building materials, making this historical site a place where you can feel the deep love of the local residents of Fukuyama.
In addition to the wall paintings on all four sides, there are three Buddha statues enshrined in the center, and the ceiling is painted with arabesque gates, flowers, birds, and heavenly maidens dancing in the sky, all in extremely vivid colors, seemingly representing the Pure Land (the land of the Buddha).