Virtual Gyotoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #3 Choson-ji Temple

     Enjo-zan Choson-ji Temple was was founded sometime between 1532 and 1555 by Priest Keizan and was supported by Matsubara Shigeyuki, who was a vassal of the Later Hojo Clan and who ruled Hirata Village.  In those days, Choson-ji Temple and Hirata Village were both located on the left bank of the Edo River.

     In 1538, a big battle was fought around Konodai Castle, which was located 6 kilometers north from Choson-ji Temple, between Koga Kanto Deputy Shogun, who was supported by the Later Hojo Clan, and the Oyumi Kanto Deputy Shogun.  Although the Chiba Family, who had ruled Shimousa Province, fought for  Koga Kanto Deputy Shogun, they faded, facing the power of the Later Hojo Clan.  Soon, the Chiba Family became a vassal of the clan.  The Hara Family was a vassal of the Chiba Family, and the Takagi Family was a vassal of the Hara Family. 

     In those days, Takagi Taneyoshi (1501-1565) moved his base from Negiuchi Castle to Kogane Castle, which commanded Edo, Naka, and Ara Rivers.  Accordingly, Taneyoshi controlled the inland waterway between Edo Bay and the northern part of the Kanto Region.  He also ruled the saltworks in Gyotoku, the largest in the Kanto Region.  All in all, he became independent from the Chiba and Hara Families.  The relation between Matsubara Shigeyuki and Takagi Taneyoshi is unknown.

     The sango of Choson-ji Temple, Enjo, meant salt pans, and the temple was surrounded with salt pans.  The temple gained the faith and belief of salt workers.

Address: 8-5 Hongyotoku, Ichikawa, Chiba 272-0103

Phone: 047-357-2241