Virtual Kako County Saigoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #4 Risho-ji Temple

 

     It remains unknown exactly when Risho-ji Temple was founded in Arai Village (Kako County, Harima Province). However, the temple houses a wooden standing statue of Amida Nyorai (Amitabha), which is estimated to have been carved during the Kamakura Period (1185–1333).

     To understand the historical context of the area, local traditions hold that people from Izumo Province migrated via the Seto Inland Sea and settled in Arai in 629, founding Arai Shrine. Later, during the Heian Period (794–1185), the Arai area became part of Takasago Mikuriya—a type of estate dedicated to supplying fish and other seafood to the Imperial Court, major shrines, and aristocratic families. Within this estate, Hachiman Shrine was established as a private sanctuary for the local lord, while also serving as a branch of Arai Shrine. Centuries later, between 1441 and 1444, a warrior named Sugioka Yasushige is said to have built the fortified residence of Arai on the site where Hachiman Shrine stands today. Arai Village first appears in historical records in a letter by Uragami Norimune (1429–1502), which indicates that the village was under the rule of the Kajiwara family at the time.

     Given this historical background, if Risho-ji Temple was founded as a Pure Land Buddhist temple from its very inception, its establishment must postdate the late 12th century, when Pure Land teachings flourished across Japan. Therefore, it is highly plausible that the foundation of the temple and the creation of its principal image occurred simultaneously during the Kamakura Period (1185-1333), reflecting the growth of Buddhist devotion in this flourishing coastal community.

Address: 1 Chome-9-11 Araicho Otabi, Takasago, Hyogo 676-0005

Hachiman Shrine

Address: 1 Chome-10-7 Araicho Otabi, Takasago, Hyogo 676-0005