Chichibu Fudasho No.7 Hocho-ji Temple
The Main Hall is also called Ushibushi-do, which means “Hall of the Lying Cow”. A stone statue of a lying cow is placed in front, giving the hall its name. It is the largest Main Hall of all the Chichibu pilgrimage temples. Its design and carvings were based on original plans by Hiraga Gennai (1728–1780), an inventor and scientist. It was rebuilt in the 18th century and has been carefully restored and preserved since then.
Chichibu Fudasho No.7 Hocho-ji Temple
- Japanese / English notation
- 青苔山 法長寺（せいたいさん ほうちょうじ）/ Seitai-San Hocho-ji Temple
- Location
- 〒368-0072 Yokoze1508,yokozemachi,chichibu-gun,Saitama
- School
- Soto Zen School
- Principal Image
- Juichimen Kannon (Eleven-Faced Kannon)
- Tagline
- A Temple with a Grand Main Hall
- Blessings
- Wealth and Merit
- Business Prosperity
- Family Safety
- Highlights
- Bussokuseki: This is a stone monument carved with the Buddha’s footprints and is a symbol of the Buddha’s teachings.
- Boundary Stone: This stands in front of the gate. It is inscribed with “Kunshu sanmon ni iru wo yurusazu,” which forbids strong-smelling food and alcohol inside the gate.
- Miracles of Kannon at This Temple
- A Samurai
Long ago, a samurai warrior lost his life in conflicts in this area. A temple monk gave him a respectful burial, and his family continued to pray at his mound.
One day, a newborn calf went to the mound with the family, weeping, and said, “I have been reborn as a cow to make up for my past mistakes. If you honor Kannon, I will be saved.”
The calf then died. The family kept praying to Kannon, and it is told that the samurai’s spirit was finally freed from suffering.
- Nearest station
- 20-minutes walk from Seibu Railway Yokoze Station.