Virtual Shimokita 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #30 Kyotaku-ji Temple

     Kyotaku-an Hermitage was founded sometime between 1716 and 1735 in Wakinosawa Village.  

     Sugae Masumi (1754-1892), a travel essaysist, visited northern provinces from 1783.  When he visited Wakinosawa Village in 1793, he talked with Daisen, the owner of Kyotaku-an Hermitage.  According to his account, Konpira Gongen, a Japanese god of merchant sailors, was worshiped by those who worked for shipping industry and fisheries.  Kyotaku-an Hermitage was founded due to the syncretism with Buddhism.

     The hermitage was changed into Kyotaku-ji Temple in 1817.

     When the Nanbu Family got rid of the Kakizaki Family in the 1450's, Wakinosawa Village was ruled by Onisawa Shuzen.  It is unknown whose side Shuzen supported.

     In the latter half of the 18th century, the village had 4 local maritime boats, 20 fishing boats, a saltworks, 40 horses, and 103 cattle.  The largest industry of the village was fishing cod.

Address: Katsurazawa-284 Wakinosawa, Mutsu, Aomori 039-5326

Phone: 0175-44-2412