Virtual Kasai Saigoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #17 Josen-ji Temple

 

     In 1580, Josen-ji Temple was founded by Iwasaki Denbei on the western grounds of the Noue Fortified Residence to honor the memory of Iwasaki Genbei, who fell during the Siege of Miki Castle. Otoshi Shrine occupies the eastern end of the site. Historical records do not mention the precise connection between Genbei and Denbei.

     Since the temple was founded in 1580—immediately following the fall of Miki Castle—it is likely that an existing family chapel or small shrine within the residence was restored or re-established as Josen-ji to quickly honor the fallen.

     Given the surprisingly large area for a relatively unknown local samurai, the residence likely enclosed not only living quarters but also farmland, storehouses, and a family chapel, functioning almost as a self-contained fortified hamlet.

     Although modern land consolidation has flattened the area, the elevated grounds of Otoshi Shrine on the east and Josen-ji on the west suggest that the residence originally stood on a continuous natural ridge or raised plateau.

     Standing here today, looking over the quiet fields, one cannot help but recall Basho's famous haiku:

Summer grass—

all that remains of warriors' dreams.

     The lost fortress and the memory of the samurai have all merged into the peaceful countryside.

     Josen-ji Temple’s Buddhist tanka poem is:

How blest is Bairinsan, so bright with flowers,

Where joyful blessings grace the quiet hours.

To hear the Lotus Sutra day by day,

Fills all our hearts with peace along the way.

Address: 358 Nakanishicho, Kasai, Hyogo 675-2243

Phone: 0790-48-2267

Noue Fortified Residence Site

Address: 362 Nakanishicho, Kasai, Hyogo 675-2243

Otoshi Shrine

Address: 270 Biwakocho, Kasai, Hyogo 675-2201

Phone: 0790-48-2209