Virtual Kasai Saigoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #3 Senzan-ji Temple

 

     While the exact founding date of Senzan-ji is unknown, its history is deeply rooted in the region. If ancient enough, it originated in Arita Manor (first recorded in 1184), from which Michiyama Manor later split (first recorded in 1221). Higashi-Michiyama Village eventually formed here and was divided into Kami-Michiyama and Shimo-Michiyama before 1688.

     The temple precincts feature an Iwakura (a sacred rock where a deity resides), indicating that the location has been a place of worship since prehistoric times.

     For your information, on the opposite hill of the valley, there sits Isozaki Shrine, which is said to have been founded in the 8th century.

     Senzan-ji Temple’s Buddhist tanka poem is:

Walk toward Senzan-ji with a spirit pure and bright,

Unstained by muddy worldly thoughts or dark deceitful night.

Upon the sacred lotus flower's vow rely,

Where holy promise blossoms clean beneath the open sky.

Address: 116 Kamimichiyamacho, Kasai, Hyogo 675-2453

Isozaki Shrine

Address: 559-1 Shimomichiyamacho, Kasai, Hyogo 675-2454