Virtual Kako County Chichibu 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #17 Kongo-in Temple

 

     The exact founding date of Kongo-in Temple in Innami Shinson (Harima Province, Kako County) is unknown. Innami Shinson was the last new village developed during the Edo period (1603–1867) in this region. The area's development began between 1704 and 1711, when Kaemon moved from Sakai, Izumi Province, to reclaim the land. In 1712, Numata Riheiji, originally from neighboring Kako Shinmura, was appointed as the village head (shoya) of Innami Shinson and led its full-scale land reclamation. By 1737, the village had grown to 171 households with a population of 886. Based on this rapid settlement, Kongo-in Temple was likely founded in the first half of the 18th century.

     It is plausible that political and social friction influenced the leadership shift from Kaemon to Numata Riheiji. As a merchant from Izumi Province, Kaemon was an outsider (takokusha) to both the Himeji Domain and the local farmers. The domain likely preferred an experienced local farmer to ensure stable tax collection, while incoming settlers and neighboring villages would have resisted being led by an urban merchant unfamiliar with local agricultural customs and water rights. Consequently, while Kaemon provided the initial impetus, Riheiji—a local figure from neighboring Kako Shinmura—was appointed as shoya to establish a stable, functioning farming community.

Address: 549 Inami, Kako District, Hyogo 675-1111