Virtual Old Tsugaru 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #12 Tokoshinai-Kannon-do Hall

 

     Mount Iwaki was a holy place for northern foreigners since prehistoric times.  In 780, Iwaki Shrine was founded at the top of the mountain, and Kannon-in Temple was founded there in 796.  Along the Sea of Japan, the Imperial rule advanced to Akita Prefecture in 733 but retreated to Yamagata Prefecture in 780.  Along the Pacific Ocean, the rule advanced to Miyagi Prefecture by the end of the 8th century and reached Iwaki Prefecture at the beginning of the 9th century.  Obviously, the shrine and temple were founded by northern foreigners.

     Later, a branch of Iwaokiyama Shrine was founded in Tokoshinai Village as the entrance to the mountain.  Iwakiyama Shrine at the top of Mount Iwaki was considered as the inner shrine.

     Another branch of Iwakiyama Shrine was invited to Hyakuzawa Village in 1091 as the route from Koshinai Village had many accidents.  Hyakutaku-ji Temple was founded as the shrine temple of the new shrine in Hyakuzawa Village.

     When the shrine building was destroyed by fire in 1446, it was rebuilt by the Nagami Family in 1463.  

     In 1597, Tsugaru Tamenobu (1550-1608) restored the building, and, in 1604, Tsugaru Nobutake (1574-1607) presented a temple bell.  In 1692, the building that had been destroyed by fire was rebuilt by Tsugaru Nobumasa (1646-1710), the 4th lord of the Hirosaki Domain.

     After the Meiji Restoration Government issued the Gods and Buddhas Separation Order in 1868, Kannon-in Temple, was abolished and it was changed into Iwakiyama Shrine in 1873.

Address: Sarusawa 78 Tokoshinai, Hirosaki, Aomori 036-1201

Phone: 0172-93-2202

Iwakiyama-jinja Shrine

Address: Terasawa−27 Hyakuzawa, Hirosaki, Aomori 036-1343

Phone: 0172-83-2135