Virtual Saitama City Chichibu 34 Kannon Pilgrimage #28 Kakuzo-in Temple

 

     Kakuzo-in Temple was founded by Priest Nichiga (?-1658) in Fukasaku Village, Adachi County, Musashi Province.

     There used to be Fukasaku Pond, which was 545 meters wide and 1745 meters long, at the foot of the Omiya Plateau.  The farmers of Horisaki Village, which was located on the plateau, and which had only 41 households even at the turn of the 19th century, tried to reclaim the pond at the beginning of the 17th century.  They used the dig-up construction method to develop rice fields.  In the method, they dug up mud in swamps and developed rice fields which looked like the teeth of a comb.  They used boats when they planted rice.  In 1612, about 1 hectare of rice field was newly registered.  More reclaiming was planned, but the pond was a natural habitat of numerous birds and was used for the shogun's falconry.  In 1658, further reclaiming was forbidden.

     Nichiga witnessed the development and the setback of Fukasaku Village.

     Nichiga practiced Buddhist training in Mt. Hiei.  He brought the female head of Lion Dance to Fukasaku Village.  The temple was revived by Priest Seihan, who brought male heads of Lion Dance and a Tengu mask.  Annually, either on the third or the fourth Saturday, villagers perform a stirring dance with a tengu dancing around the stage.  The dance is called Fukasaku Sasara Lion Dance.

Address: 2 Chome−４−2 Haruoka, Minuma Ward, Saitama 337-0008

Phone: 048-687-1530