Virtual New Innami County 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #23 Choraku-ji Temple

 

     Shuku Village, Innami County, Harima Province, was first listed in the Keicho Kuni-ezu, or the Keicho Maps of the Provinces, which was published in 1611.  After 1653, the village was renamed Obata.  Shuku Village was either developed in the upper reaches of Hei Manor or organized within the manor, but the history of the manor itself isn’t clear. 

     Anyway, it is unknown when Choraku-ji Temple was founded either in Shuku Village or in Obata Village.  As the temple is located at the foot of Atago Shrine, the temple and the shrine had something to do with each other.

     Tradition says Heinosho Shrine was founded in 713, but it was first documented in 1275.  The Hei Manor could have been developed sometime between 713 and 1275.

     There were some Shuku Villages across Japan.  They were all along highways and functioned as stages or stage points.  Shuku Village in Innami County was along the highway between Himeji and Miki Castle.  It is unknown how important the stage was.

Address: 150-1 Heisocho, Kakogawa, Hyogo 675-1235

Phone: 079-428-0190

Atago Shrine

Address: Kobata-151-2 Heisocho, Kakogawa, Hyogo 675-1235