Virtual Kako County Bando 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #1 Hozo-ji Temple

 

     While legend has it that Hozo-ji Temple was founded by the priest Gyoki (668–749), historical geography suggests otherwise. Even in the 9th century, the lower reaches of the Kakogawa River split into numerous branches near its mouth, forming vast deltas, sandbars, and wetlands. The coastal areas of present-day Befu-cho and Onoe-cho in Kakogawa City were subsequently formed through sediment accumulation since the Middle Ages, land reclamation during the Edo period (1603-1867), and landfill projects in the Showa era (1926-1989). Therefore, it is estimated that the coastline at that time extended only slightly south of the current Sanyo Electric Railway Main Line (near Befu Station and Onoe-no-Matsu Station).

     Even today, Hozo-ji Temple is located right next to the dike along the Beppu River. Consequently, it is highly unlikely that the temple was situated at its present location in the 8th century.

     In 1624, the Great Kan'ei Fire struck the temple, reducing its historical documents to ashes and leaving its early history untraceable. Only the principal image—a standing statue of Amida Buddha, believed to date back to the Muromachi period (1336–1573)—testifies to the temple's long and enduring history.

Address: 1 Chome-23 Befucho Honmachi, Kakogawa, Hyogo 675-0126

Phone: 079-437-8271