Virtual Aduma 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #30 Saien-ji Temple

     Saien-ji Temple was founded in 1567 by Priest Kakugen.  As its precincts have 2 itabi which are dated 1494 and 1527, it must have been a holy place even before the foundation of the temple.

     Hojo Ujiyasu (1515-1571) won the Second Battle of Konodai against Satomi Yoshihiro (1530-1578) in 1564, and invaded Shimousa and Kazusa Provinces.  He retired from fighting in 1566, and sent his sons, Ujimasa (1538-1590) and Ujiteru (1542-1590), to finally defeat Yoshihiro.  Ujimasa built a fort at the foot of Mt. Mifune to seize Sanuki Castle in Kazusa Province, which had been occupied by Yoshihiro in 1556.  Ujiteru advanced along Obitsu River, the longest river in the Boso Peninsula at the time, to seize Kururi Castle.  

     Yoshihiro, however, attacked the Mifuneyama Fort with precise timing on August 23, 1567.  He beat Ujimasa, who wasn't ready yet.  In the sea, the Awa Navy, or the Awa Pirates, overpowered the navy of the Later Hojo Clan.  Ujiteru was still on his way to Kururi Castle and was afraid that his retreat would be cut off.  The Hojo brothers withdrew to Sagami Province, and the Later Hojo Clan lost the southern half of Kazusa Province to Yoshihiro.

     As Katsushika County was ruled by the Later Hojo Clan, Kakugen might have built a temple in a holy place to commemorate those who were killed in the battle.

Address: 8 Chome-5-18 Tateishi, Katsushika City, Tokyo 124-0012

Phone: 03-3691-0012