Virtual Kameda Domain 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #8 Erin-ji Temple

 

     Erin-ji Temple was founded in Sakanoshita Uchikurose, Yurihonjo, Akita 015-0022, sometime between 1390 and 1394, when Ashikaga Ujimitsu (1358-1408), the 3rd Shogun of the Ashikaga Shogunate, established his monarchial power.  Kusunoki Masanobu invited Priest Teiki from Daijo-ji Temple in Kaga Province to pray for the comfort of his ancestors in the other world.  He also built Kurose-tate Fortress in Sakanoshita and invited Shinmei-sha Shrine there.

     Kusunoki Masaie, who supported the Southern Court, came to Osawa Village, Senboku County, Dewa Province, and built the Shirasaka-date Fortress there.  He was buried in Hiwatashi-100 Iwayamachi, Yurihonjo, Akita 018-0711.  His son, Masayasu, advanced to Utetsu Village and built Hiraoka-date Fortress.

     At the turn of the 15th century, Masanobu advanced downstream along the Imo River and built Iwakura Fortress.  According to the document kept in Erin-ji Temple, the family name of his offspring, Masataka (?-1450),  was recorded as Utetsu.

     During the Warring States Period (1467-1568), the Utetsu Family ruled the area and used Erin-ji Temple as their family temple.  Under the Tokugawa Shogunate (1603-1867), the Utetsu Family was promoted to Shingu, Namegata County, Hitachi Province.

     Erin-ji Temple lost its supporting family, and moved to Hataya, Yurihonjo, Akita 015-0052.  In 1635, it moved to Okimura Uchikurose, Yurihonjo, Akita 015-0022, and then to its present place in 1852.  It is unknown why the temple moved clockwise so often.

Address: Hodooka-37 Uchikurose, Yurihonjo, Akita 015-0022

Phone: 0184-22-1060

Daijo-ji Temple

Address: Ru-10 Kanazawa, Ishikawa 921-8114

Phone: 076-241-2680

Uchikurose-Shinmei-sha Shrine

Address: Tsutsumizawa Uchikurose, Yurihonjo, Akita 015-0022

Shirasaka-date Fortress Site

Address: Shirasakadate-31 Osawagotera, Daisen, Akita 019-2103

Iwakura-date Fortress Site

Address: Iwakura Fukuyama, Yurihonjo, Akita 015-0053