Virtual Kasai Saigoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #5 Kyugaku-ji Temple

 

     Kyugaku-ji Temple was founded by Priest Shoko in 1446 in the mountains to the north of its current location.  It means that the temple was established when Chan Buddhism (specifically the Caodong school) was flourishing in the Northern part of Harima Province.

     In those days, the Keta Family ruled the Keta Village, so the family might have supported the foundation of the temple.

     It is unknown when the temple moved to its current location but, when Asano Naganao (1610-1672) stayed in the temple in 1645, it was already in its present place.

     As the Keta Family moved to Nozato Village (today's Nozato, Himeji, Hyogo 670-0811), being subject to Kuroda Mototaka (1524-1585), the temple’s relocation could have had something to do with the move of the family.

     In the Edo period (1603-1867), the Keta Family became the head of metal casters in Himeji.

     Kyugaku-ji Temple’s Buddhist tanka poem is:

To distant heights we make our way,

And reach Kyugaku's sacred gate,

Where Buddha's promises array,

Deep as the stream that bears its fate.

Address: 982 Kamiketacho, Kasai, Hyogo 675-2465

Phone: 0790-44-1405

Keta Fortress Site

Address: Shimoketacho, Kasai, Hyogo 675-2464