Virtual Kako County Saigoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #32 Encho-ji Temple

 

     The exact founding date of Encho-ji Temple in Nagasa Village, Kako County, Harima Province, remains unknown. The earliest recorded mention of both the temple and the village appears together in a historical document dated August 1515.

     Geographically, the temple's modern precincts sit directly upon the leveled front section (zenpo-bu) of the Seiryozan Tumulus, an early Kofun period (4th century) burial mound. The tumulus is estimated to have a total length of approximately 78 meters, with a rear circular section about 45 meters in diameter and 6 meters in height.

     A close historical connection between the temple and the tumulus is supported by both artifacts and temple records. The temple precincts house a composite-type stone sarcophagus made of Ryuzan stone (tuff), which is said to have originated from the tumulus. According to local tradition, it was once used as a bridge over a nearby stream before being preserved at the temple. Furthermore, Encho-ji’s own temple chronicle records that in 1543, twelve iron arrowheads (yajiri) were discovered from a "cave" on the site, which strongly suggests that the temple utilized or managed the tumulus grounds during the medieval and feudal periods. Given that the transition from bronze to iron arrowheads occurred during the early Kofun period, these twelve iron arrowheads signify that the local rulers of this region possessed advanced iron technology and held significant power at a very early stage in Japanese history.

Address: Nagasuna-1051 Noguchicho, Kakogawa, Hyogo 675-0016

Phone: 079-422-7365

Enchoji Stone Coffin

Address: Nagasuna-1051 Noguchicho, Kakogawa, Hyogo 675-0016

Seiryozan Tumulus

Address: Nagasuna Noguchicho, Kakogawa, Hyogo 675-0016