Virtual Kako County Bando 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #9 Jison-in Temple

 

     While the origins of Jison-in Temple in Arai Village are shrouded in mystery, local history offers some fascinating clues. We know that Sugioka Yasushige, a vassal of Akamatsu Mitsusuke (the military governor of Harima Province), originally established the Arai Fortified Residence here, around the location of today’s Hachiman Shrine. However, following the turmoil of the Kakitsu Rebellion in 1441, the power structure shifted dramatically. Memos by Uragami Norimune (1429–1502), the rising power in the region, reveal that the Kajiwara Family had taken over the administration of Arai Village, effectively replacing the Sugioka Family.

     What is particularly striking is how this political shift aligns with the layout of the village's temples. Risho-ji Temple, a stop on the major Kako County Saigoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage, sits right near the old fortified residence, suggesting it served as the community's primary, established spiritual hub. This leaves Jison-in Temple, a site on the Bando Pilgrimage, in a secondary role.

     This geographic and historical relationship strongly implies that Jison-in was not a public village temple. Instead, it could very well have been founded as a private sanctuary—perhaps a quiet retreat for the displaced Sugioka Family after losing their residence, or conversely, a private family temple built by the newly arrived Kajiwara Family to solidify their own spiritual presence in their newly acquired territory.

Address: 8-9 Araicho Nakashinmachi, Takasago, Hyogo 676-0012

Phone: 079-443-1151

Hachiman Shrine

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

Risho-ji Temple

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