Virtual Akashi 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #24 Chokai-ji Temple

 

     Chokai-ji Temple was founded in 1351 during the Southern and Northern Courts Period (1337-1392) by Akamatsu Ujinori (1330-1386), presumably for his late father, Norimura (1277-1350), the Samurai Guardian of Harima Province.  Ujinori supported the Southern Court.

     The temple's main deity is the standing statue of Eleven-Faced Ekadasamukha, which was carved out of sandalwood, and which was brought from Tang China by Ennin (794-864).  The temple had 29 sub-temples in its precincts in its prime.  During the Edo Period (1603-1867), the temple was known for its numerous cherry trees with its nickname Hakuunro, namely White Clouds Building.  Lords Matsudaira of Akashi Domain hosted annual cherry blossom viewing parties in its precincts, and they attracted many literati and artists.

     The temple’s Buddhist tanka poem is:

Spring flowers invite storms.

The clouds of falling cherry blossoms

Wave over the garden of the Buddhism teaching.

Address: 9-1 Imadera, Nishi Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 651-2114

Phone: 078-974-1253