Virtual Old Mutsu 33 Kannon Pigrimage #22 Gangyo-ji Temple

 

     It is unknown when Gangyo-ji Temple was founded along Sarugaishi River between Tono Valley upstream and Kitakami River downstream.  There is no member temple of the Old Mutsu 33 Kannon Pilgrimage in the upper reaches, and it seems Gangyo-ji Temple was in the frontier of the pilgrimage's range.

     Jomon pottery, which should have been used by the contemporaries of the pilgrimage's organization, was excavated from the Gangyu Site nearby.

     Gangyo-ji Temple arouses my interest in what range the pilgrimage covers.

     Tono Valley is a mysterious basin.  It is unknown who ruled the area before the arrival of samurai from the Kanto Region in 1189.  What merit did the gateway to the valley have at the beginning of the 9th century, when the Old Mutsu 33 Kannon Pilgrimage was organized?

Address: 13 Chiwari-18 Fushiushi, Kitakami, Iwate 024-0101