Virtual New Mutsu 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #4 Tokura-ji Temple

 

     Both Tokura-ji Temple and Tokurasan Shrine were founded in 807 in Igu County, Mutsu Province.  It is unknown whether Tokura-ji Temple was the shrine temple of Tokurasan Shrine or Tokurasan Shrine was Tokura-ji Temple's tutelatry shrine.  The temple enshrined Thousand-Armed Sahasrabhuja and the shrine enshrined Goddess Ukemochi.

     Before the organization of Igu County, Iku Kuninomiyatsuko ruled Iku Country.  They built not only circle or square burial mounds but also keyhole-shaped burial mounds.  They were the northernmost Kuninomiyatsuko on the Pacific coast that is confirmed.  Omoshi or Shida Kuninomiyatsuko was documented but their whereabouts are unknown.  Some say they were located in the south of Natori County and others say in the north.  Natori Kuninomiyatsuko, however, declined quite early and left no signs in the Medieval samurai's days.  Their shrine, Sakura Shrine, was taken over by Suwa Shrine.  Kakuda Fortress was built in the county by Date Munemitsu sometime between 1558 and 1570.

     Sendai Kuji Hongi, a historical Japanese text, contains 10 volumes.  Its 10th volume is called Kokuzo Hongi, the Record of Local Chiefs, and lists 135 Kuninomiyatsuko.  Iku Kuninomiyatsuko was one of the 135.  Some territories later became provinces and others became counties.  No Kuninomiyatsuko was appointed to any part of Ideha Province.  The northernmost Kuninomiyatsuko along the coast of the Sea of Japan was Sado.

Address: Tokura-95 Oda, Kakuda, Miyagi 981-1514

Phone: 0224-62-5341

Tokurasan Shrine

Address: Tokura-96 Oda, Kakuda, Miyagi 981-1514

Phone: 0224-62-3359

Suwa Shrine

Address: Suwawakiminami−4, Sakura, Kakuda, Miyagi 981-1522

Phone: 0224-62-4771

Kakuda Fortress Site

Address: Gyukan-1 Kakuda, Miyagi 981-1505

Phone: 0224-63-2221