Kōzō-ji (Kisarazu, Chiba)

Kōzō-ji (高蔵寺) is a Buddhist temple located in the city of Kisarazu in Chiba Prefecture, Japan. The temple is also known as the "Takazō Kannon". It is the 30th temple in the Bandō Sanjūsankasho, the circuit of 33 Buddhist temples in Eastern Japan sacred to the Bodhisattva Kannon. Amulets issued by the temple are highly valued throughout Japan.[1]

Kōzō-ji
高蔵寺
Kōzō-ji, Kisarazu, Chiba Prefecture
Religion
AffiliationBuddhism
DeityBodhisattva Kannon
RiteShingon Buzan-ha Sect
Location
Location1245 Yana, Kisarazu, Chiba Prefecture 292-0812
CountryJapan
Geographic coordinates35°20′19.7″N 139°59′40″E
Architecture
FounderEmperor Yōmei
Completed585-587 (traditionally)
Website
takakurakannon.com
Sanmon gate

History

According to legend, Kōzō-ji was founded in the Asuka period during the brief period of the Emperor Yōmei, father of Prince Shōtoku, and a vocal supporter of Buddhism. Later, the priest Gyōki built and dedicated the temple to the Bodhisattava Kannon after having seen the Kannon in a vision. The area around the temple is associated with the mother of Fujiwara no Kamatari (614 – 669), a statesman, courtier and politician of the Nara period. Kamatari's mother despaired of giving birth to a son, but was told in a vision at this temple that she should visit the Kashima Shrine, after which she gave birth to Fujiwara no Kamatari.[2]

Hondō main hall

The Hondō (main hall) of Kōzō-ji is a multi-story structure. It features an 'irimoya' roof typical of Buddhist architecture the 6th century with a hip roof that slopes down on all four sides and integrates on two opposing sides with a gable. The Hondō was probably constructed in 1526.[3]

Kannon statue

Kōzō-ji is noted for its Kannon statue, formerly known as the Kanzeon Bosatsu (正観世音菩薩). The statue stands 3.6 metres (11.8 ft) high, and is made of a single piece of wood from a camphor tree. The Hondō features an unusual raised-floor construction. The Kannon statue was formerly hidden from view, but now sits on the raised floor and can be viewed by parishioners of the temple and by the general public.

Structures

The three major structures of Kozo-ji are designated as Kisazaru City important cultural properties. They are the:

Observances

Order in Buddhist pilgrimages
Bandō Sanjūsankasho
29 Chiba-dera　--　30 Kōzō-ji 　--　31 Kasamori-ji

Transportation

Kōzō-ji is in the Yano District of Kisarazu, which is one hour by bus from Kisarazu Station on the JR East Uchibō Line and Kururi Line.

References
  1. 高蔵寺（木更津市） Archived 2012-04-26 at the Wayback Machine (in Japanese)
  2. 高蔵寺（木更津市） Archived 2012-04-26 at the Wayback Machine (in Japanese)
  3. Chiba-ken Kōtō Gakkō Kyōiku Kenkyūkai Rekishi Bukai (1989), Chiba-ken no rekishi sanpo (in Japanese) (1st ed., rev. ed.), Yamakawa Shuppansha, p. 243, ISBN 978-4-634-29120-1
  4. 第30番　平野山 高蔵寺（高倉観音） Archived 2012-04-21 at the Wayback Machine (in Japanese)
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