Mibu-dera was founded in 991 and belongs to the Risshū school. Mibu-dera houses tombs of pro-shōgunate Shinsen-gumi members, who fought bloody street battles resisting the forces that succeeded in restoring the emperor in 1868. Except for an unusual stupa covered in Jizō statues, the temple is of limited interest. It is, however, definitely worth visiting during Mibu kyōgen (comic drama) performances in late April, or the Setsubun celebrations in early February.
