Virtual Yashima Domain 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #27 Taho-in Gassho-ji Temple

 

     The pilgrimage to Mount Chokai has an obverse route and a reverse route.  The reverse route is also called the Yashima Route and had 18 temples which organized and supported the Mount Chokai Pilgrimage.  Taho-in Gassho-ji Temple was one of them and was located in Kogawa Village. 

     The temple was usually called Taho-in, but the temple’s priest was also called Tahoin.  Gassho-ji might have been the temple's official name.  Taho-in Gassho-ji Temple used to be located in Shimokogawa Chokaimachi Kogawa, Yurihonjo, Akita 015-0505.  As there is a graveyard at the northernmost corner of Shimokogawa, the temple could have been located there.  Some of its holy goods, including the lion head for the lion dance, were inherited by the Mifune Family in Shimokogawa.  The family's ancestors could have succeeded the priesthood of the temple from generation to generation.  The family produced Toshiro Mifune (1920-1997), an actor and producer.

     Kuroishi Shrine, which enshrines a stone statue, is said to be located in the hill behind their house near the graveyard.  The temple might have been abolished after the Meiji Restoration Government issued the Gods and Buddhas Separation Order in 1868.  It is unknown whether the statue is the #27 deity of the Yashima Domain 33 Kannon Pilgrimage, Horse-Headed Hayagriva, or the #27 deity is personally kept by the Mifune Family.