When the three years were up, he received numerous letters from his disciples and supporters in China requesting his return and he also wanted to return but many of his devotees in Japan, including former chief priest of Myosin-ji Temple, Ryokei Shosen, firmly hoped that he remain in Japan and appealed to the Shogunate.
来日3年目になると、中国の弟子や支援者たちから隠元の帰国を要請する手紙が多数届き、隠元本人も帰国を希望したが、元妙心寺住持の龍渓性潜（りょうけいしょうせん）をはじめとする日本側の信奉者たちは、隠元が日本に留まることを強く希望し、その旨を幕府にも働きかけている。