Virtual Kasai Saigoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #12 Soju-ji Temple

 

     It is unknown when Soju-ji Temple was founded on a hill in Tamano Village, Kasai County, Harima Province.  The village was first documented in 1371, aside from the legend that Emperors Oke and Woke buried their lover, Nehime, in the field when they were still spending their fugitive lives.

     According to Nihonshoki, the Chronicles of Japan, whose editing was finished in 720, Prince Woke and his older brother, Prince Oke, sought refuge in Shijimi Village after their father, Ichinohe Oshiha, was killed by his cousin, Emperor Ohatsuse Wakatake (418-479).  Woke later became the 23rd Emperor, and Oke the 24th.

     Nehime is believed to have been buried in the Tamaoka Burial Mound.

     The temple was relocated to its present place sometime between 1504 and 1521.

     Soju-ji Temple’s Buddhist tanka poem is:

To the Merciful One I pray and plead,

O Kannon, hear my heart's deep need.

Guide my soul with your loving grace,

Through this life to a sacred place.

Address: 433 Tamanocho, Kasai, Hyogo 679-0107

Phone: 0790-47-0007

Tamaoka Burial Mound

Address:  Tamaokacho, Kasai, Hyogo 679-0109

Phone: 0790-43-1803