Central San Jose in Santa Clara County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin

Photographed By Jordan Yee AKA "Ranger Yee", December 2009

1. San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin Marker

This marker is part of the San Jose Historic Walk series of markers.

Inscription. In 1902 a San Jose Buddhist Church was founded as a recognized branch of the San Francisco Buddhist Church. In 1906 property at 630 North 5th Street was purchased and services conducted by the first resident minister from Japan Reverend Honen Takahashi. Brothers Shinzaburo and Gentaro Nishiura built a new church at this site in 1913 which was renamed the Independent Buddhist Mission. In 1917 this church became known as the Buddhist Church of San Jose. The present Hondo was erected in 1937 at 640 North 5th Street by the same Nishiura Brothers under the leadership of Reverend Jokai Kow and the supervision of New York architect George T. Shimamoto.

Erected by City of San Jose. Historic Landmarks Commission.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Asian Americans • Churches & Religion. A significant historical year for this entry is 1902.

Location. 37° 21.001′ N, 121° 53.707′ W. Marker is in San Jose, California, in Santa Clara County. It is in Central San Jose. Marker is on 5th Street, 0.1 miles north of Jackson Street, on the right when traveling north. This marker is erected in front of the San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 648 North 5th Street, San Jose CA 95112, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking

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distance of this marker. The Second Buddhist Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Ideal Laundry (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Yasunaga Produce and Transfer Company (about 300 feet away); Mr. Peckham (about 400 feet away); Taihei Hotel (about 400 feet away); Ken Ying Low (about 400 feet away); Nihonmachi (about 400 feet away); Tom & Mary’s Snack Shop & Dr. Watanabe’s Office (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Jose.

Regarding San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin. "The Nishiura Brothers and their sons were probably the most prevalent builders in Japantown, with modest residences as well as prominent community structures to their names. The Nishiura brothers, Shinzaburo and Gentaro, were originally from the Mie prefecture in Japan. They were carpenters and builders, responsible for such prestigious projects as the Japanese Pavillion at San Francisco’s 1915 Panama Pacific Exposition. They built many Buddhist temples in California before World War II, expressing their Buddhist faith through their carpentry skills. The San Jose Buddhist Temple was constructed by the brothers in 1937. They were also known to have carved an elaborate Buddhist altar, or Butsudan, for use in worship at the Heart Mountain internment camp. In 1910, the brothers

Photographed By Jordan Yee AKA "Ranger Yee", December 2009

2. San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin Marker

resided in a boarding house on N. 6th Street; at that time they were both listed as carpenters. The Nishiura name continues to be associated with construction in Japantown through the late 1950s, as the second generation of the family carried on the business. Both Shinzaburo and Gentaro’s sons, Harry and George respectively, are listed as contractors for buildings in the neighborhood, including multiple houses and commercial buildings. For a time, between 1951 and 1966, the Nishiura Construction Company worked out of a shop at 565 N. 6th Street where Soko Hardware is located today."

From "SAN JOSE JAPANTOWN HISTORIC CONTEXT AND RECONNAISSANCE SURVEY"
San Jose, California. October 10, 2006

Photographed By Jordan Yee AKA "Ranger Yee", December 2009

3. San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin Marker

The San Jose Buddhist Church Besuin is visible in the background.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 5, 2010, by Jordan Yee AKA "Ranger Yee" of Fremont, California. This page has been viewed 1,995 times since then and 89 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 5, 2010, by Jordan Yee AKA "Ranger Yee" of Fremont, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. Close-Up view of marker showing full view of marker text. • Can you help?