Virtual Kesen 33 Kannon Pigrimage #8 Enmei-ji Temple

 

     In 734, gold dust was found in Kesen County, Mutsu Province.  Later, a gold mine was developed, and it became one of the most productive gold mines in Japan.  As the mine also produced crystal, the mine was called Tamayama, namely Jewel Mountain.  Takekoma Village was developed at the foot of the mine.  Thousand-Armed Sahasrabhuja and Acalanatha were enshrined in the mountains separately.

     In the 16th century, Caodong Chan School spread their teachings to Mutsu Province.  In 1559, Priest Shukei founded Enmei-ji Temple in Takekoma Village supported by Abe Yozaemon.  The temple came to maintenance the halls for Sahasrabhuja and Acalanatha.

In the middle of the 17th century, the production declined.  In the 1660's, Matsuyama Jube developed rice fields to support ex-mineworkers.

     Today, the remains of the mine gush out hot water, and the tourist industry supports the area.

Address: Kamihosone−9, Takekomacho, Rikuzentakata, Iwate 029-2203

Phone: 0192-54-2067

Takiyama Fudo-son

Address: Takinosato, Takekomacho, Rikuzentakata, Iwate 029-2203

Tamayama remains of gold mines

Address: Kamitsubo, Takekomacho, Rikuzentakata, Iwate 029-2203

Reisen Tamanoyu Spa

Address: Kamitsubo-104-8 Takekomacho, Rikuzentakata, Iwate 029-2203

Phone: 0192-55-6866