Chichibu Fudasho No.4 Kinsho-ji Temple
The Kannon Hall was built in 1709.
In 1783, a volcano located about 50 km away erupted, and the heavy ashfall destroyed crops, leading to a severe famine. Many local residents lost their lives. The head priest at the time vowed to enshrine stone statues in prayer for the deceased, and it is said that around 3,000 statues were gathered through donations from across Japan.
Although some were lost due to landslides on the hillside, about 1,300 statues still remain today.
Chichibu Fudasho No.4 Kinsho-ji Temple
- Japanese / English notation
- 高谷山 金昌寺（こうこうさん きんしょうじ）/ Koukoku-San Kinsho-ji Temple
- Location
- 〒368-0004 Yamada1815-2, chichibu-shi, Saitama
- School
- Soto Zen School
- Principal Image
- Sho Kannon (Sacred Kannon)
- Tagline
- A Temple That Warms the Heart with the Child-Rearing Kannon
- Blessings
- Peaceful Child-Rearing
- Safe Childbirth
- Family Safety
- Highlights
- Child-Rearing Kannon: This is also called Maria Kannon.
- Sake-Drinking Jizo: This statue wears a sake cup on its head and holds a sake flask. It was carved by a stonemason at the request of a village headman as a sign of regret over his habitual drunken behavior.
- Large straw sandals: These are at the gate and are believed to have the power to step on evil things.
- Miracles of Kannon at This Temple
- Araki Tange
Long ago, there was a man named Araki Tange. He was greedy, did not care about what was right, and often harmed others instead of helping them.
One day, a pilgrim asked him for some alms. Tange was taking a nap and became angry, so he hit the pilgrim. But the pilgrim did not get angry. He gently said,
“If you cannot give anything, even a kind word is enough. But it is wrong to strike someone weaker than you.”
The pilgrim continued, “All people are children of gods and Buddhas. I am the same. Without help, I will not survive.”
Hearing this, Tange had no reply. He reflected on his actions, changed his heart, and came to believe in Kannon. From then on, he became a good and compassionate man.
- Nearest station
- 45-minutes walk from Chichibu Railway Oonohara Station.