Virtual Kameda Domain 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #19 Ryuo-ji Temple

 

     In the 17th century, the danka system was established by the Tokugawa Shogunate.  Under the system, the Tokugawa Clan made the affiliation with a Buddhist temple compulsory to all citizens.

     In 1632, Ryuo-ji Temple was founded to carry out the danka system in Kami-Hebita Village, which was developed along the upper stream of Ja River, literally Snake River.  The temple was a branch of Ryumon-ji Temple, which was the family temple of the Iwaki Family, the lords of the Kameda Domain.  Hebita means Snake Rice Fields.  Kami-Hebita Village was independent from Akotsu Village by 1612, when Kami-Hebita Village was first documented.

     The place name Goshonomae suggests that the temple was regarded as a palace by the locals.  Did a member of the Iwaki Family become its priest?

     Ryuo-ji Temple’s sango is Shochu-san.

     During the Eastern Jin Period (317–420) in China, Southern China overtook the north in population due to the migration of northern Chinese to southern China.  The Xiang River Basin was also developed.  Some literary works which had Xiang Chong, literally Xiang Middle, in their titles were born.  As Xiangchong is pronounced Shochu in Japanese, the first priest of Ryuo-ji Temple might have had some sympathy with the works.  Did he migrate from Iwaki County, Mutsu Province, as the Iwaki Family did?

As Xiao and Xiang Rivers met, I met an old friend.

Today, why should I transfer to someone new

To enjoy water?

Sugawara Michizane (845-903)

     From 1710 to 1788, the village's output decreased 1 percent, and decreased another 7 percent from 1788 to 1838.  Living with someone high-ranking wasn't beneficial to the villagers.

Address: Goshonomae-37 Iwakikamihebita, Yurihonjo, Akita 018-1222

Phone: 0184-72-2658

Ryumon-ji Temple

Address: Mukaiyama-25 Iwakiakahira, Yurihonjo, Akita 018-1215

Phone: 0184-72-2373