Virtual Shimousa 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #32 Funatoyamagoya-Kannon-do Hall

     It is unknown when Funatoyama-goya-Yakushi-do Temple was founded.  The precincts have Kannon-do Hall, which enshrines the statue of Arya Avalokitesvara, who is the human-figure prototype of the other 6 metamorphoses.  Rather, the precincts have been a holy place and have halls for Bhaisajyaguru, Arya Avalokitesvara, and Acalanatha.  The precincts also have Tenjin, Yawata, and Mitsumine Shrines.  There are also 700-years old itabi and a washbasin dated 1830.  The precincts have been a holy place in which anything holy goes.  Why?

     The precincts are along a cutting between Tone and Edo Rivers.  In 1890, the Tone Canal was opened nearby between Tone and Edo Rivers, and it was a toll canal.  In 1891 alone, 37600 boats passed.  In 1895, a streamer from Tokyo sailed through the canal to Choshi in 18 hours.  All in all, we can guess variety of people passed by even in Edo Period, and that they left some religious footsteps in Funatoyamagoya.

     Even in modern times, the Tone Canal Corporation organized the Tone 88 Pilgrimage, a copy pilgrimage of the Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage, to promote tourism along the canal.

Address: 292 Funatoyamagoya, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-0801