Virtual Honjo Domain 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #11 Kanman-ji Temple

     There used to be Kisakata Lake around today's Oshiokoshi-73-1 Kisakatamachi, Nikaho, Akita 018-0400.  Kanman-ji Temple was founded on the western bank of the lake.

      In August, 1257, Hojo Tokiyori (1227-1263), the 5th Regent of the Kamakura Shogunate, visited the lake.

     The lake's beauty of archipelago and that of Matsushima were equally praised even by Matsuo Basho (1644-1694):

Oh, Kisakata

In the rain

It's as beautiful as Xi Shi.

     The area was, however, hit by the 1804 Kisakata Earthquake and the lake bed was raised by 2 meters.  The lake became wetland and the Honjo Domain started reclaiming rice fields.  The 24th priest Kakurin tried to protect nature from development.  In 1822, he died in the prison of the domain.

     We can only find small hills scattered among rice fields today.

Address: Kisakatajima−2, Kisakatamachi, Nikaho, Akita 018-0122

Phone: 0184-43-3153