Trees In the Town

 

Virtual Akashi 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #6 Raigo-ji Temple

 

     In 717, Gyoki carved 8 Avalokitesvara statues in Nyoi-ji Temple.  He is said to have founded Raigo-ji Temple and enshrined one of them, an Eleven-Faced Ekadasamukha statue.  Unfortunately, the statue was reduced to ashes in fire in 1924.

     Another Eleven-Faced Ekadasamukha statue was made in 1925.  It is recorded that Sakurai Shozaemon supported the revival of the temple.

     In 1982, an outward Ekadasamukha statue was made by Matsuhisa Horin (1901-1987), his son, Sorin (1926-1992), and his daughter, Maya (1954-).  As 3 generations of sculptors of Buddhist images took part in its production, the statue is called Sanze Kannon, or Three-generation Avalokitesvara.  If prayers are made to the statue, wishes for the past, present and future are supposed to be granted.

     The temple’s Buddhist tanka poem is:

Again and again,

Spirits and minds visit Raigo-ji Temple

To see purple clouds hanging over the moonlit mountain.

     Raigo-ji Temple used to have a hermitage with a spring, which gushed pure water.  The hermitage is An in Japanese, and the spring is called An-no-ido.  Because this area is close to the sea, seawater mixes with the well water.  Although it is difficult to obtain good quality water in the area, fresh water springs up in the well.

Address: Yagi-310 Okubocho, Akashi, Hyogo 674-0063

Phone: 078-936-1323

Nyoi-ji Temple

Address: 259 Hasetanicho, Nishi Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 651-2237

Phone: 078-991-0009

An-no-ido Spring

Address: Yagi-294 Okubocho, Akashi, Hyogo 674-0063

Trees In the Town

 

Virtual Akashi 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #5 Ryosen-ji Temple

 

     Ryosen-ji Temple was founded in Fujie Village, Akashi County, Harima Province, in 1254 by Priest Kakushin (1207-1289).  Later, in 1701, Priest Houn revived it and converted it to the Linji Chan Sect.  The hall was destroyed by fire in 1803, but was rebuilt three years later in 1806.

     In Fujie Village, Kakinomoto Hitomaro (662-710) composed a tanka poem:

I fish for sea bass at the Fujie Cove.

I wonder if they take me to be a local fisherman

While I'm just a traveler.

     The village was documented in the Wamyo Ruijusho, namely Japanese Names for Things Classified and Annotated,  which was a Japanese dictionary compiled in 938.

     A temple school was held in the main hall, and when the school system was established in 1872, Futae Elementary School was opened.  Futae refers to Fujie and Matsue.  The current main hall was newly built in 1941.

     The temple’s Buddhist tanka poem is:

Ryusen-ji Temple transforms itself

According to each of our enlightenments.

How grateful we are!

Address: 1305 Fujie, Akashi, Hyogo 673-0044

Phone: 078-923-6001

Trees In the Town

 

Virtual Akashi 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #4 Otaki-san Shogo-ji Temple

 

     It is unknown when a Kannon-do hall was built in Hayashizaki Village, Akashi County, Harima Province.  The village was first mentioned on June 2nd, 1176, that Fujiwara Narichika (1138-1777) passed through the village when he was exiled to Bizen Province, where he was starved to death on July the 9th.

     In 1364, fundraising for the revival of Fukusho-ji Temple, whose nick name is Suma-dera, was held by copying the sutra.  It is unknown whether before or after the fundraising that the hall became Shogo-ji Temple.  In 1449, the villagers made a bell for the temple but the bell was moved to Myokei-in Temple, which was founded by Fukushima Masanori (1561-1624) for his late mother, Shounin (?-1602).  After the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600, Masanori became the lord of Aki Province, but it is unknown why the bell was moved but the temple seems to have been abolished in those days.

     In February, 1700, Priest Yukai of Jinno-ji Temple built a Kannon-do hall in the site of Shogo-ji Temple, supported by the village head, Zenbei.  It was restored in 1794, and the current hall was rebuilt in 1966.

     Shogo-ji Temple’s Buddhist tanka poem is: 

The river water from Mount Otaki

Is the same with that in Fudaraku

The water can tie up your wishes.

Address: 410 Matsue, Akashi, Hyogo 673-0036

Fukusho-ji Temple (Suma-dera Temple)

Address: 4 Chome-6-8 Sumaderacho, Suma Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 654-0071

Phone: 078-731-0416

Myokei-in Temple

Address: 2-1 Komachi, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, 730-0041

Phone: 082-241-7471

Trees In the Town

 

Virtual Akashi 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #3 Jinno-ji Temple

 

     Jogan-ji Sairin-bo Temple was founded west of Hayashi-jinja Shrine in 716 by Fujiwara Umakai (694-737), who was appointed to be the vice ambassador of the 9th Japanese Mission to Tang China in the year.

     When Umakai recuperated at Mayadani Hot Springs, he received a revelation in a dream, which led to him making 7 Bhaisajyaguru images (the Akashi Seven Yakushi Buddhas) and enshrining them in 7 locations within Akashi County.  The main deity of Jinno-ji Temple is said to be one of the 7.

     Besides Jinno-ji Temple, Chorin-ji, Koke-ji, and Jurin-ji Temples claim that they belong to the Akashi Seven Yakushi Buddhas.  Taisan-ji Temple doesn’t say it belongs to the Akashi Seven Yakushi Buddhas but it was also founded by Umakai, so it might be a member of the Akashi Seven Yakushi Buddhas.  Nothing is known about the other 2 temples.  Have they been abolished?

     We can’t find Mayadani Hot Springs today.  Was it today’s Arima Hot Springs?

     Jinno-ji Temple is a branch of Mitsuzo-in Temple, and was moved to its current location after the Meiji Restoration Government issued the Gods and Buddhas Separation Order in 1868, changing its name to Jinno-ji.  Presumably, the temple should have broken off its relation with Hayashi-jinja Shrine.

     The temple’s Buddhist tanka poem is:

In the western forest,

The flowers safeguarding Buddhism bloom and colorful birds play

Even on the dead trees.

Address: 2 Chome-14-18 Hayashi, Akashi, Hyogo 673-0034

Phone: 078-923-4351

Hayashi-jinja Shrine

Address: 5-1 Miyanoue, Akashi, Hyogo 673-0031

Phone: 078-922-0150

Mitsuzo-in Temple

Address: 3-8 Funagecho, Akashi, Hyogo 673-0026

Phone: 078-922-4488

Chorin-ji Temple

Address: 9-4 Zaimokucho, Akashi, Hyogo 673-0893

Phone: 078-911-4727

Koke-ji Temple

Address: 2-chome-10-35 Taidera, Akashi, Hyogo 673-0845

Phone: 078-911-3755

Jurin-ji Temple

Address: 1074 Takasagocho Yokomachi, Takasago, Hyogo 676-0051

Phone: 079-442-0242

Taisan-ji Temple

Address: Zenkai-224 Ikawadani-chō, Nishi Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 651-2108

Phone: 078-976-6658

Trees In the Town

 

Virtual Akashi 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #2 Muryoko-ji Temple

 

     Matsudaira Tadakuni (1597-1659) assumed that Muryoko-ji Temple to be Hama-no-tachi, or Beach Residence, where Shining Prince, the protagonist of the Tale of Genji, stayed.  The alley which runs in front of the temple is called Tsuta-no-komichi, and it is assumed to be the route through which the Shining Prince went to Oka-no-tachi Residence, where Princess Akashi lived.  Of course, everyone and everything is make-believe.

     Zenraku-ji Temple nearby has not only Monk Akashi Stone Monument and the pine tree which Shining Prince watched, but also other historic landmarks: the five-ringed stupa Taira Kiyomori (1118-1181) built and the garden Miyamoto Musashi (1584-1645) made.  It's full of tourist resources.  By choosing Jisso-in and Muyoko-ji Temples as its #1 and #2 member temples, the organizer of the Akashi 33 Kannon Pilgrimage might have tried to attract literary nerds to the pilgrimage and thus to increase the number of its pilgrims or sightseers.

     Muryoko-ji Temple’s Buddhist tanka poem is:

Now, the infinite light appears,

And the retribution is cleared,

In Urayama with the Moon shining.

Address: 10-11 Taikancho, Akashi, Hyogo 673-0897

Phone: 078-912-8839

Zenraku-ji Temple

Address: 11 Taikancho, Akashi, Hyogo 673-0897

Trees In the Town

 

Virtual Akashi 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #1 Jisso-in Temple

 

     Hermit Hodo, who lived in the enchanted land atop the Holy Eagle Peak, or Vulture Peak, in India.  One day, he left there on a purple cloud, passing through China and Baekje, and arrived in Japan.  He descended to Mount Hokke in Harima Province.  The mountain is located in today's Hokkezan, Sakamotocho, Kasai, Hyogo 675-2222.

     In 650, by imperial order of Emperor Karu (596-654), Hoto founded Ichijo-ji Temple and many other temples in other provinces.  Zenraku-ji Temple is said to be one of them.

     Zenraku-ji Temple was burned down in 1119, and was revived by Taira Kiyomori (1118-1181) in 1156.  It became a large temple complex with 17 sub-temples, and Jisso-in Temple was one of the subtemples.

     Jisso-in Temple was burned down in 1539, when Akamatsu Harumasa (1495-1565) attacked Edayoshi Castle.  It was revived in 1593.

     Previously, in 1585, Takayama Ukon (1552-1615) started ruling Akashi County, and started building Funage Castle near the sea coast, replacing Edayoshi Castle.  The construction of the castle and its castle town was finished in 1586.  So, Jisso-in Temple was revived as the castle town grew.

     The temple was burned down in 1945 during World War II, but was revived again after the war.

     Jisso-in Temple’s Buddhist tanka poem is:

Avalokitesvara leads every mind to make a vow

The every mind that comes to worship Avalokitesvara

Is the true nature of all phenomena.

Jisso means the true nature.

Address: 12-25 Taikancho, Akashi, Hyogo 673-0897

Phone: 078-911-5073

Ichijo-ji Temple

Address: 821-17 Sakamotocho, Kasai, Hyogo 675-2222

Phone: 0790-48-2006

Edayoshi Castle Site

Address: 4 Chome Edayoshi, Nishi Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 651-2133

Funage Castle Site

Address: 10-33 Shinmeicho, Akashi, Hyogo 673-0027

Trees In the Town

 

Akashi 33 Kannon Pilgrimage

 

     Akashi 33 Kannon Pilgrimage was organized in Akashi County, Harima Province, in 1685.  It isn’t recorded why and by whom the pilgrimage was organized.  If you don’t mind my speculating why and by whom as I please, the organization could have had something to do with when it was organized.

     To begin with, the 5th lord of the Akashi Domain, Matsudaira Tadakuni (1597-1659), arrived at Akashi in 1649.  He was a literature nerd.  As you may know, Japanese people love to carry out Seichi-Junrei, namely Religious Pilgrimage, but actually to visit the location sites of literature works, movies, and even anime.  In anime’s cases, we even assume that this and that real places are actually related to this and that scenes in certain anime, and we make pilgrimages according to those assumptions.  Tadakuni did what we do today.

     Tadakuni assumed that certain places were the places where the stories of Tale of Genji took place.  In the Tale of Genji, Monk Akashi and Princess Akashi lived in Oka-no-tachi, or Hill Residence.  They are all imaginary, but Tadakuni built even a five-ringed tower grave for Monk Akashi and identified the pine tree which the Shining Prince, who stayed at Hama-no-tachi, or Beach Residence, looked at and the alley through which he visited the princess.  Tadakuni even composed tanka poems for the places and built stone monuments there with his tanka poems inscribed.  Some of them became “holy places” for literature nerds like him.  Some temples became popular enough to attract more worshipers, and accordingly increase their income.

     Tadakuni and his son, Nobuyuki (1631-1686), were good owners and managers of the domain.  After Nobuyuki moved out, however, Honda Masatoshi (1641-1707) came.  During his reign, the people of the domain complained to the inspector, pointing out that the domain administration was "inhumane."  Masatoshi was dismissed on February 2nd, 1682, and Matsudaira Tadanao (1656-1721) arrived.

     The domain needed to be put back on track.  Organizing a 33 Kannon pilgrimage could decrease the number of outbound pilgrims or tourists, and, if the pilgrimage could attract some nerds, increase the number of inbound tourists.  It even increased the income of 33 temples and that could help stabilize public morals.

Trees In the Town

 

Virtual Sakai 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #33 Sosen-ji Temple

 

     It is unknown when Tenkyo-zan Sosen-ji Temple was founded by Priest Junko (?-1593) in Yanagi-machi Township, Sakai Town, Izumi Province.  It belongs to Pure Land Buddhism and is a branch of Chion-in Temple.  Its main deity is Amida Buddha.

     Judging from when the founder died, the temple could have been founded after the Warring States Period (1467-1568), when Sakai Town forfeited its right of self-government to Oda Nobunaga (1534-1582), the then actual ruler of Japan.

     As the temple is located outside the Medieval urban area of Sakai Town and inside its modern area, it could have been relocated when the town was reconstructed after it was burned down in 1615 during the Siege of Osaka.

Address: 2 Chome-2-33 Yanaginochohigashi, Sakai Ward, Sakai, Osaka 590-0933

Phone: 072-232-9485

Trees In the Town

 

Virtual Sakai 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #32 Zencho-ji Temple

 

     Zencho-ji Temple was founded by Priest Kenku in 1549, supported by Miyoshi Masakatsu (?-1569) for his late father, Masanaga (1508-1549).

     Masanaga fought with Miyoshi Nagayoshi (1522-1564) for Hosokawa Harumoto (1514-1563), the 17th head of Kyocho-Hosokawa Family, till 1548, but Masanaga and Nagayoshi fought against each other in 1549.  Masanaga held Eguchi Fortress, which is supposed to have been located near Eguchi Bridge.  The fortress was seized by Nagayoshi and Masanaga was either killed in battle or was drowned in the river on his way to Enami Fortress, where Masakatsu was based.

     Maasakatsu became subject to Nagayoshi in September, 1558.  He was buried in the precincts of the temple, but the temple is supposed to have been relocated to its present place later.  Its original location is unknown.

Address: 3 Chome 1-43, Shinmeichohigashi, Sakai Ward, Sakai, Osaka 590-0935

Phone: 072-238-0103

Eguchi Bridge

Address: Higashiyodogawa Ward, Osaka, 533-0002

Enami Fortress Site

Address: 4 Chome-1-39 Noe, Joto Ward, Osaka, 536-0006

Trees In the Town

 

Virtual Sakai 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #31 Chogan-ji Temple

     Tsukamoto Nishikawa was born in Mameduka Village, Sumiyoshi County, Settsu Province, today's Mamezukacho, Kita Ward, Sakai, Osaka 591-8042.  The village was first documented in 1569.

     While traveling around the country, Nishikawa met Priest Rennyo (1415-1499), the 8th head of the Hongan-ji branch of Ture Pure Land Buddhism, in Kakizaki, Echigo Province, today's Joetsu, Niigata Prefecture, became Rennyo's disciple, and changed his name to Ryosai.

     Rennyo was a passionate missionary, sending letters to his followers around the country containing the teachings of the sect's founder, Shinran (1173-1263), in easy-to-understand language, instead of using sutras in classical Chinese, which common people could not read.  Renyo suffered various forms of persecution and moved from place to place.  It is recorded that Renyo visited Kakizaki in 1479.

     After returning to Sakai, Ryosai built a training hall for True Pure Land Buddhism, Ryosai-an Hermitage, in Ojigaue, today's Kitatadeicho, Sakai Ward, Sakai, Osaka 590-0017.  Its foundation date is unknown.

     During the Ishiyama Hongan-ji War from 1570 to 1580, a battle between Honganji forces and Oda Nobunaga (1534-1582), it is recorded that Ryokan, the 3rd priest of Ryosai-an Hermitage, followed Kennyo (1543-1592), the 11th head of Hongan-ji Temple, and provided food and financial support.  Ryokan also accompanied Kennyo when he retreated to Sagimori after a peace agreement was made with Nobunaga.

     During the reign of the 5th priest, Ryokei, Ryosai-an Hermitage was relocated to Kitanosho Manor, Sakai, and the temple's name was changed to Chogan-ji Temple.

     During the Summer Siege of Osaka in 1615, Sakai Town was burned down and completely destroyed.  Later, when the Tokugawa Shogunate redeveloped Sakai, temple towns were formed, and Chogan-ji Temple was moved to its present location.

     According to temple records, the current main hall was completed in January, 1863.  The hall's architectural and decorative style exhibits characteristics of the late Edo Period, which is consistent with the temple's history.

     However, on the sliding screen separating the outer sanctuary  and the auxiliary room in the main hall on the 2nd floor, there is an ink inscription reading, "The Winter of the Year of the Horeki Kanoto-Mi" (1761), indicating that the screens were made approximately 100 years earlier.

     Chogan-ji Temple's nickname is Nikai-do, or Two-storied Hall.  The temple is said to have undergone major renovations at the end of the Edo Period, when the hall, which had been on the first floor, was raised to the second floor, resulting in its current appearance.  It has been doubted if such renovations were carried out in the Edo Period, when heavy machinery was unavailable.  This mystery has now been solved by the dismantling and restoration work being carried out lately.

     In 2022, Choganji Temple, with the cooperation of its parishioners, carried out long-awaited repairs to its main building.  It was discovered that the second-floor hall and the first-floor building were completely different in terms of the ways they were constructed and what wood was used for them.  This proved that the most part of the 2nd floor was built in 1761, and it was raised to the 2nd floor in 1863.

     The mystery seems to have been solved, but new questions continue to arise.

     First of all, during the Edo Period, buildings higher than two stories were prohibited, so why was Chogan-ji Temple allowed to build a two-storied hall?  Were the shogunate's regulations relaxed, or were the regulations themselves weakened due to the chaos at the end of the period, or did the temple have some special power?  To begin with, how and by what means was the hall raised to the second floor?

     It seems there will never be an end to the mystery of the temple.

     Anyway, it is certain that Chogan-ji Temple has an architectural style that was rare nationwide, and that the limited space as an urban temple caused its style.

Address: 3 Chome-1 Shinmeichohigashi, Sakai Ward, Sakai, Osaka 590-0935

Phone: 072-238-3136

Honganji-Sagimori-betsuin Temple

Address: 1 Saginomori, Wakayama, 640-8053

Phone: 073-422-4677

 

Trees In the Town

 

Virtual Sakai 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #30 Senshu-ji Temple

 

     Priest Eitetsu is said to have been an unrecorded son of Koga Toyomichi (1459-1536), a highranking noble man.  The priest studied Buddhism in Byodo-in Temple for 24 years.  He founded Senshu-ji Temple in 1558 at the age of 63.  As Toyomichi's only legitimate son was Michinobu (1487-1543), Eitetsu could have been Michinobu's half brother.

     Senshu-ji Temple used to be located in today's 2 Chome Shinmeichohigashi, Sakai Ward, Sakai, Osaka 590-0935.  It is said to have been relocated to Kagishi-cho, Nishinari Ward, Osaka, in 1904, but the ward doesn't have Kawagishi-cho, nor does it have a Senshu-ji Temple.

     Sakai City has another Senshu-ji Temple, which is said to have moved to its present place in 2015 from 947-5 Hirai, Naka Ward, Sakai, Osaka 599-8251.  Its history is unknown.  Osaka City has another Senshu-ji Temple, which isn't located in Nishinari Ward.

     Senshu-ji Temple's graveyard had the grave of Nunoya Gohe (1795-1851).  It is unknown where the grave has gone.

     For your information, Nunoya Gohei lived in Shukuin-machi Township and ran a cotton wholesale business.  He sold cotton goods to the residences of feudal lords, and his family business flourished.  He appreciated the elegance of traditional Japanese art, and enjoyed painting as a leisure activity, adept at the Shijo School painting.  He built a villa in Shiomigaoka, in today's Sumiyoshibashicho, Sakai Ward, Sakai, Osaka 590-0973.  In the Tenpo era (1831-1845), he hired potters from Awata, Kyoto, and built two kilns at the west end of Hishibashi Bridge, which is supposed to have been located near today's Ohama Bridge.  He also produced his own tea utensils.  His works were made of red porcelain with a white glaze, and are very elegant.  It is stamped with the seal Shiomi or inscribed Shiomi with a pallet, referring to the location of the villa.  They were presented to Gohei's friends.  There are not many of these left, and they are still coveted by tea ceremony lovers to this day.  He passed away on December 26th, 1851, at the age of 66.  He was buried in the grave yard of Senshu-ji Temple.  His posthumous name was Kotokuin Shoyo Teihan Zenshi according to the inscription on his grave, which was still known when the History of Sakai City was published in 1930. 

Byodo-in Temple

Address: Renge-116 Uji, Kyoto 611-0021

Phone: 0774-21-2861

Senshu-ji Temple

Address: 537-2 Hirai, Naka Ward, Sakai, Osaka 599-8251

Phone: 072-281-5711

Senshu-ji Temple

Address: 2 Chome-3-5 Tateba, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0020

Phone: 06-6561-0113

Ryujin-do Shrine

Address: 2 Chome-3-12 Ryujinbashicho, Sakai Ward, Sakai, Osaka 590-0971