Virtual Miki County 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #21 Saiko-ji Temple

 

     The Fujita Family was based in Bishamon Fortress in the upper reaches of the Mino River.  Their branch built Arakawa Fortress along its tributary stream, which might have been called Ara River.  When Noborinosuke was the head of the branch, he built a hall to enshrine his personal guardian Buddhist image at the foot of the fortress.  After the Siege of Miki from 1578 to 1580, the fortress was abolished and they founded Saiko-ji Temple to pray for the comfort of those who were killed in the war.

     In 1694, Priest Yushun rebuilt the hall as Kannon-do Hall, and Saiko-ji Temple was established as the principal temple in the area.  In 1728, more halls were built, and Yushun became the first head priest.  The second head priest, Eishun, built a memorial hall.

     The halls were repeatedly rebuilt due to fires and other disasters.  During the time of the 13th head priest, the temple buildings were completely destroyed by Typhoon No. 23 in 1965.  The priest and the supporting members of the temple were allowed to move the Buddhist building which had been built by Kobayashi Chobei (1872-1943), the first president of Kobe Electric Railway, in Suzurandai, Kita Ward, Kobe, in 1940.  The dedication ceremony was held in 1968.

Address: 168 Yokawacho Kamiarakawa, Miki, Hyogo 673-1111

Phone: 0794-72-0540

Bishamon Fortress Site

Address: 547 Yokawacho Bishamon, Miki, Hyogo 673-1233