Virtual Kako County Chichibu 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #23 Itoku-in Temple

 

     Kaiun-ji Temple was said to have been founded by Gyoki (668-749) and later revived by Priest Kaiun in 1626 as the shrine temple of Mikuriya Shrine.  The temple had 2 sub-temples (including Itoku-in) and 4 subordinate monastic quarters (including Saizo-bo). During the Meiji era, the anti-Buddhist movement resulted in the closure of most of these Buddhist facilities, leaving only Saizo-bo, which was renamed Itoku-in in 1941.

     The temple also houses the Avalokitesvara statue, which is historically known as "Hosage Kannon" (Sail-Lowering Avalokitesvara) because passing ships would lower their sails to pay their respects. This statue was originally enshrined in a Kannon-do hall located on the beach south of Itoku-in Temple but was moved to the temple itself after the hall burned down.

Address: Nishifutami-943 Futamicho, Akashi, Hyogo 674-0094

Phone: 078-942-1184

 Mikuriya Shrine

 Address: Higashifutami-1323 Futamicho, Akashi, Hyogo 674-0092

 Phone: 078-942-3461