Kozukadaishi Temple

What is Kozuka Daishi? (Overview)

嵯

It is a temple of the Shingon sect that is said to have been founded by Kobo Daishi in the 6th year of Emperor Saga’s reign (815), and its official name is Mandarazan Kontaiji Henchi-in. Located in the Kozuka area of Daijingu Shrine in the Kobe area, it is popularly known as Kozuka Daishi because its principal image is Kobo Daishi. It is one of the three great masters to ward off evil spirits in the Kanto region, and its festival is held on the 21st of every month. It is particularly crowded during the first festival on January 21st, which is the New Year’s Day in the lunar calendar. There are also many legends surrounding Kobo Daishi, including Kozuka Daishi.

Origin of Kozuka Daishi

　

When Kobo Daishi stayed in this area, the ancestral god of the Ibe clan appeared and told Daishi to carve a wooden statue. As told, Daishi carved two statues and floated one off the beach of Merasaki, where it ended up in present-day Kanagawa Prefecture, where it became the principal image of Kawasaki Daishi (Heikenji Temple). The other shrine enshrined here is Kozuka Daishi. It is still enshrined as the principal image.

加羅陀山　荒野の山へと　へたつれと　くもいはおなし　遍照の月Karadasan Koyano Yamaeto Hetatsuredo Kumoiha Onaji Hennsyouno Tuki

Kadarasan　I’ve been following the mountains in the wilderness, but the clouds on the moon look the same　

Hokyointo

　

It is a tower that houses a sutra called the Hokyo Indharani Sutra, which originated in China. In Japan, they were built as memorial towers and tomb towers from the end of the Heian period, and later, in the Edo period, they began to be built in temple grounds. The pagoda in the precincts here was built in 1817 by the 31st chief priest Denkai, the local Kichiemon Takagi, and Komyo-ko groups from nearby villages. The stonemasons are said to have been Kato Isuke, Kanasuke, and Ihei from Shinjuku, Hojo Village.

Chozuishi

　

It is used to hold water for worshipers to cleanse their hands and mouths. In 1827, more than 130 people from 51 villages in Awa, led by Sumiyoshiya Tokubei of Kanamari Village, worked together to dedicate the shrine. The stonemason was Isaburo Suzuki of Nagasuka Village, and the two lions carved in relief on the front are spectacular.

Sano Kitokuhi Monument

It was built in November 1902 to commemorate the great achievements of Sano Kichizaemon of Kobe Village in agricultural improvement. For many years, Kichizaemon was engaged in land clearing, tree planting, irrigation, etc., while also participating in expositions and exhibitions, striving to develop and disseminate agricultural technology.

Stone lantern

It was dedicated in November 1835 by people living in the vicinity, mainly in Mera. There is a night light on the front, and the purpose is to ensure safety when walking at night.

Akai

　

It is a well used to draw water to offer before the Buddha, and legend has it that once upon a time, Kobo Daishi carved a wooden statue of himself in the well.

Fukuhara family grave

The grave of the Fukuhara family, the founding family of Shiseido. The Fukuhara family was a prominent family in the former Matsuoka Village, and Arinobu, the grandson of Chinese herbalist Yusai Fukuhara and the fourth son of Chinese scholar Yurin Fukuhara, later founded Shiseido. He was also instrumental in establishing a life insurance system. (For details, please visit Matsuoka Shrine)

Tateyama City Kobe Historical Exploration (Southern Area) Map