Virtual Aduma 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #3 Shoo-ji Temple

 

     Shoo-ji Temple was founded by Priest Shungi (?-1199) in 1178 as a shrine temple of Hachioji Shrine nearby, which was said to have been invited by Minamoto Yoritomo (1147-1199).  It was in 1180 that Yoritomo raised his army against the Taira Clan in Izu Province, so it is impossible that Yoritomo, who was confined to his house in Izu Province, founded the shrine in or before 1178 in Katsushika County, Shimousa Province.  However, the legend was believed by Tokugawa Iemitsu (1604-1651), the 3rd shogun of the Tokugawa Shogunate, and he presented some field to the shrine.

     In 1538, Oyumi and Koga Kanto Deputy Shoguns clashed against each other in Konodai, Shimousa Province.  The Oyumi Kanto Deputy Shogun was killed in battle, and Koga’s side won.  Chiba Masatane (1495-1546) fought for Koga Kanto Deputy Shogun.  Chiba village, where Shoo-ji Temple was located, belonged to the Chiba Family and the temple burned down.  Although the Chiba Family belonged to the winner's side, they kept declining and the ruined temple was left neglected.

     The biggest winner in the Battle of Konodai was Hojo Ujitsuna (1487-1541).  He made Koga Kanto Deputy Shogun his puppet, and grabbed the hegemony over the southern half of the Kanto Region except Awa Province.  Years later, in 1590, the Later Hojo Clan was destroyed by Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1536-1598), and his ally, Tokugawa Ieyasu (1542-1616), who later established the Tokugawa Shogunate, moved to Edo.  He earnestly developed the surrounding areas, and Shoo-ji Temple was revived by Priest Gen'ei (?-1652) in those days.  Chiba Village was hit by floods repeatedly and the temple lost its documents.

Address: 5 Chome-29-14 Horikiri, Katsushika, Tokyo 124-0006

Phone: 03-3601-3998