Virtual Kako County Chichibu 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #30 Fukuden-ji Temple

 

     Fukuden-ji Temple is said to have been founded in 606 by Prince Shotoku (574-622).

 Inaya Village was first documented in 1326.  During the Southern and Northern Courts Period (1337-1392) and the Muromachi Period (1336-1573), it received the patronage of the Akamatsu Clan, and it is believed that Akamatsu Norimura (1277-1350) and Akamatsu Masanori (1455-1496) built and renovated the temple buildings.

     It was destroyed by fire during the Warring States Period (1467-1573), and was converted to the Caodong Chan Sect sometime between 1592 and 1596.

     The place name Inaya means Rice Warehouse and the temple name Fukuden means Fortune Fields.  The names suggest what it looked like around the area in ancient times, when the temple was founded.  In the medieval days, the Inaya Fortress was built in the grounds of Fukuden-ji Temple.

     One intriguing mystery surrounding Fukuden-ji is its dual role in local pilgrimage routes: it is designated as both the 30th station of the Kako County Chichibu 33 Kannon Pilgrimage and the 28th station of the Innami County 33 Kannon Pilgrimage.

     Historically, the Kako River formed the natural boundary between Kako County on the left bank and Innami County on the right. Interestingly, Fukuden-ji is not alone—a total of five stations of the Innami County Pilgrimage are located on the left bank today. This strongly indicates that in ancient times, the main stream of the Kako River flowed much further to the east. As the river shifted its course westward over centuries—and was eventually fully straightened in the early 20th century—this entire area was left on the left bank, preserving the memory of the ancient landscape through its sacred pilgrimage sites.

Address: Inaya-607 Kakogawacho, Kakogawa, Hyogo 675-0034

Phone: 079-422-5848

Inaya Fortress Site

Address: Inaya-584-1 Kakogawacho, Kakogawa, Hyogo 675-0034