Virtual Old Akita 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #13 Gion-ji Temple

 

     Kanazawa Fortress was built by the latter half of the 9th century at the latest along the route between Taga Castle, where Mutsu Provincial Government office was located, and Akita Fortress, where that of Ideha Province was located.  Gion-ji Temple was founded in the north-east of the fortress presumably to protect the fortress's Kimon, namely Ogre Gate.  Kimon is north-east.

     In China, where the lunar old calendar is used, the year-end and New Year days mark not only the turning point of the year but also the transition from winter to spring.  It was a time of great change, and people tended to be sick.  They thought demons came to make them sick.

On the other hand, in the Chinese zodiac system that have been used since ancient times, seasons and directions used the same phrases: Rat, Cow, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Chicken, Dog, and Wild Boar.

     New Year's Eve, the boundary of the year, falls between Cow and Tiger.  The direction north-east also falls between Cow and Tiger.  At the time between Cow and Tiger, there come demons.  Then, they should come from the direction between Cow and Tiger, from north-east.  North-east is the gate for demons.  It's a very plain syllogism.

     Kimon idea is supposed to have been imported to Japan by the end of the 9th century.  If Gion-ji Temple was actually founded due to the idea, it means the idea reached Ideha Province almost contemporaneously with its arrival at the capital of Japan.

     In the Later Three-Year War (1083-1087), Kanazawa Fortress fell.  In medieval times, Gion-ji Temple became an armed group and ruled the surrounding area.

     Onodera Tanemichi (1487-1546) was killed by Priest Konjobo of Gion-ji Temple and Owada Mitsumari of Yokote Fortress.  Presumably in 1549, when Tanemichi's 4th son, Kagemichi (1534-1597), killed them in revenge, the temple burned down.

     Priest Jusei (?-1615) revived the temple presumably after the establishment of the Tokugawa Shogunate in 1603.  In the 19th century, when pilgrimage became popular, the temple thrived.  It enshrined 33 Avalokitesvara images between the temple and the site of Kanazawa Fortress.

Address: Teranosawa-16 Kanezawa, Yokote, Akita 013-0813

Phone: 0182-37-2525

Site of Kanezawa Fortress

Address: Kanearaizawa Kanezawanakano, Yokote, Akita 013-0813