Virtual New Innami County 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #11 Myosen-ji Temple

 

     It is unknown when Myosen-ji Temple was founded in Ushitani Village, Innami County, Harima Province.  The village was first documented in 1588, when the Iho Manor handed in their self-assessment to the Toyotomi Regime.  The Iho Manor was first documented in 1305.  As the temple belongs to Caodong Chan School, it might have been founded after the school's introduction to Japan in the 13th century.

     The Iho Manor is supposed to have been located somewhere around today's Ihocho, Nakasuji,Takasago, Hyogo 676-0081, and Sonecho, Takasago, Hyogo 676-0082.

     Myosen-ji Temple is located at the eastern foot of the medieval fortress, Oshioyama Fortress.  Opposite the fortress, there is another hill across Ten River.  The hill has an ancient tumulus, Kyozukayama Tumulus.

     Kyozukayama Tumulus is located at the tip of a ridge extending from north to south in Takasago City.  It is about 83 meters above sea level.  It is a keyhole-shaped tumulus with a length of 23.6 meters.  The shape is one of the few in the Harima Region.  The rear section forms a 14.1-meter square.  The main burial chamber was excavated in 1929, and surveys of the tumulus and main burial chamber were conducted in 1980 and 1981.  A row of revetment stones remains on part of the base of the tumulus, revealing the planned shape and size of the tumulus.

     It is unknown whether or not the the head of the local powerful family who was buried under Kyozukayama Tumulus and the Oshio Family, who were the lords of Oshioyama Fortress were related by blood.  However, the valley between the tumulus and the fortress should have been a strategic point both economically and militarily from ancient times through medieval days, until the Oshio Family was destroyed in the Siege of Miki Castle from 1578 to 1580.

Address: 595 Kitahamacho, Takasago, Hyogo 671-0121

Phone: 079-447-2439

Kyozukayama Tumulus

Address: Amida Amidacho, Takasago, Hyogo 676-0827