Virtual Old Kasai 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #22 Chomei-ji Temple

 

     It is unknown when Josen-ji Temple was founded.  Its precincts had a good spring, and Sarasvati was enshrined by the spring.  Josen literally means Eternal Spring.

     One day, when Tokugawa Iemitsu (1604-1651) visited the area to do falconry, he had a slight disorder and dropped in at Josen-ji Temple.  Priest Senkai prayed to Sarasvati and offered the spring water.  Nakane Masamori (1588-1666) presented the water with a medicine, and Iemitsu felt better.  Iemitsu named the spring Longevity Spring and changed the temple name Chomei-ji (Longevity Temple).  Masamori was trusted by Iemitsu and became his Senior Advisor.

     When the Shimabara Rebellion broke out in 1637, Masamori dispatched Koka ninja into Hara Castle, where Christian peasants shut themselves up.  The ninja found the Christians' provisions were left scarce and the information made the seizure easier.  After the suppression of the rebellion, Masamori organized ninja to establish a spy agency of the Tokugawa Shogunate, and not only suppressed Christians but also investigated inside stories of daimyo.

Address: 5 Chome-4-4 Mukojima, Sumida City, Tokyo 131-0033

Phone: 03-3622-7771