Virtual New Mutsu 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #28 Daizen-in Temple Takoura-Kannon-do Hall

 

     It is unknown when Daizen-in Temple Takoura-Kannon-do Hall was founded in Kesen County, Mutsu Province.  The hall is located in the precincts of Ozaki Shrine, which is said to have been founded in 783.  Presumably, Daizen-in Temple was founded as Ozaki Shrine's shrine temple before the New Mutsu 33 Kannon Pilgrimage was organized in 1123 and was abolished after the Meiji Restoration with its Kannon-do hall left.  Takonoura is the place name which means Octopus' Inlet.

     Takonoura is known for its fishing port and the Takonoura shell midden, which is an archaeological site consisting of a Jomon period shell midden and the remains of an adjacent settlement.  The rocky rias coast of Iwate Prefecture was densely settled from the early through late Jomon period.  The midden has many varieties of shellfish, fish bones, and the bones of mammals such as dogs, Sitka deer, whales, wolves and dolphins.  In addition, stone axes, weights, and carved bone objects, such as fish hooks, and bone jewelry have been found. 

     Kesen County was first documented in 811, independent from Monou County, which was organized sometime between 757 and 771.  Presumably, Ozaki Shrine was founded when the Kesen area was developed to be organized into Kesen County.

     The county was actually ruled by Kon Family until the then family head was killed in slaughter in Sueyama, Momunofu County, Mutsu Province, in 1590.

     In 1590, both the Osaki and Kasai Families were "dismissed" by Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1536-1598).  On October 16th of the year, revolts against Hideyoshi's rule broke out.  On July 4th, 1591, the revolts were finally suppressed.  On August 14th, Date Masamune (1567-1636) summoned the leaders of the revolts to Sueyama and killed them all.

The Kon Family lasted long but the fisheries in the county has lasted longer.

Address: Torisawa-176-5 Akasakicho, Ofunato, Iwate 022-0007

Ozaki Shrine

Address: Torisawa-75 Akasakicho, Ofunato, Iwate 022-0007

Phone: 0192-26-4078