Virtual Old Mutsu 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #9 Narayama-Kannon-do Hall

 

     Narayama-Kannon-do Hall was built in 850 where Nihonkonpounyusoko Kitakamieigyosho is located.  When Kitakami Nanbu Industry Complex was expanded, a small hill where the hall used to be located was leveled and the hall was moved to its present place in 2002.

     As the Old Mutsu 33 Kannon Pilgrimage was organized in 811, an Avalokitesvara image could have been enshrined earlier in Isawa County, Mutsu Province.  The county was organized in 804.  Archaeologically speaking, the hall was rebuilt in the latter half of the 10th century with the image of Arya Avalokitesvara, who is the human-figure prototype of the other 6 metamorphoses, enshrined.  However, it is unknown whether it is the original image or not.

     Aisari Fortress used to be on the top of the nearby hill in the 15th century, the area could have functioned as a fort even in the ancient times although it is unknown which side used the fort: the Imperial Army or northern foreigners.  The Aisawa Family was first documented in 1382, and Aisari Fortress was first documented in 1565.  Tosen-ji Temple could have been founded to protect the fortress's Kimon, namely Ogre Gate.  Kimon is north-east.

Address: Yamanenashinoki-43-123 Aisaricho, Kitakami, Iwate 024-0051

Nihonkonpounyusoko Kitakamieigyosho

Address: Yamanenashinoki-43-155 Aisaricho, Kitakami, Iwate 024-0051

Phone: 0197-67-5286

Aisari Fortress Ruins

Address: Tate-14-1 Aisaricho, Kitakami, Iwate 024-0051

Tosen-ji Temple

Address: Teramaezawa-21 Aisaricho, Kitakami, Iwate 024-0051

Phone: 0197-67-4766