Virtual Gyotoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #10 Fukuo-ji Temple

     Fukuo-ji Temple was founded in 1431 by Priest Ryoko.

     Ashikaga Harutora was born on June 13, 1394.  At the age of 9, he entered Seiren-in Temple, on June 21, 1403.  On March 4, 1408, he became a priest, and was named Gien.  Ashikaga Yoshikazu (1407-1425) and Yoshimochi (1386-1428) died of a disease one after the other, and the shogunate became vacant.  Chief vassals assembled at Iwashimizu-Hachiman-gu Shrine and decided the next shogun by lot on January 17, 1428.  Gien became the sixth shogun, Yoshinori (1394-1441). Ashikaga Mochiuji (1398-1439), the 4th Kanto Deputy Shogun, wasn't satisfied with the decision and though he should be the 6th Shogun.  Uesugi Norizane (1410-1466) and Chiba Tanenao (1419-1455) were trying to stop Mochiuji.

     Priest Yudo merged Ryogon-ji Temple to Fukuo-ji Temple and renamed it Sorin-ji.

     It is interesting that both Ryogon-ji and Fukuo-ji Temples were founded in the first half of the 15th century in the estuary of Edo River.  The estuary might have changed from mudflats to dry enough land to settle in.  Human greediness sometimes brought development, and sometimes caused political strife.

     About a century later, in 1527, Kinkai immigrated from Ise Province with some sand from Ise Shrine.  He taught locals various skills including how to extract salt from sea water.

Address: 3 Chome-10-2 Tokagi, Ichikawa, Chiba 272-0024

Phone: 047-377-1243