Virtual Mogami 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #13 Jofuku-ji Temple

 

     It is unknown when Jofuku-ji Temple was founded in Mikawa Hamlet, Yamanobe Village, Murayama County, Ideha Province.  If it was founded in ancient times, Murayama County wasn't independent from Mogami County yet.

     Yamanobe Village was developed as early as the Jori system was introduced nationwide.  In the 8th century, rice fields were rezoned by the unit of 11,881 square meters.  Horizontal 6 units were called Jo, and vertical 6 units were called Ri.  Accordingly, the rezoning system was called the Jori system.  According to tradition, an image of Arya Avalokitesvara, who is the human-figure prototype of the other 6 metamorphoses, was carved and was enshrined in the south of the village about the same time.  The image was hidden from public view ever since.  Mikawa Hamlet was developed where the image was enshrined later.  In 1987, it was displayed to the public to commemorate the 555th anniversary of the organization of the Mogami 33 Kannon Pilgrimage.

     In the medieval days, the powerful local family became samurai and called themselves the Yamanobe Family.  They built Yamanobe Fortress in the middle of the 11th century.  In 1601, they were forced to adopt the 4th son of Mogami Yoshimitsu (1546-1614), Yoshitada (1588-1665).  Practically, the family was taken over.

Address: 23-3 Mikawajiri, Yamanobe, Higashimurayama District, Yamagata 990-0312

Phone: 023-665-7716

Yamanobe Fortress Ruins

Address: 39-1 Yamanobe, Higashimurayama District, Yamagata 990-0301