:Kōzō-ji (Kisarazu, Chiba)
{{Short description|Buddhist temple in Chiba Prefecture, Japan}}
{{Infobox religious building
| name = Kōzō-ji
{{nihongo2|高蔵寺}}
| native_name =
| image = File:Kisarazu Kozo-ji 02.jpg
| image_size = 260px
| alt =
| caption = Kōzō-ji, Kisarazu, Chiba Prefecture
| map_type =
| map_size =
| map_alt =
| map_caption =
| location = 1245 Yana, Kisarazu, Chiba Prefecture 292-0812
| coordinates = {{coord|35|20|19.7|N|139|59|40|E|region:JP_type:landmark_scale:50000|display=inline, title}}
| religious_affiliation = Buddhism
| rite = Shingon Buzan-ha Sect
| deity = Bodhisattva Kannon
| country = Japan
| functional_status =
| website = {{URL|http://takakurakannon.com}}
| founded_by = Emperor Yōmei
| year_completed = 585-587 (traditionally)
}}
File:Kouzouji in Kisarazu.JPG gate]]
{{nihongo|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.[http://www.kanko.chuo.chiba.jp/kanko/2804/ 高蔵寺（木更津市）] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426015632/http://www.kanko.chuo.chiba.jp/kanko/2804/ |date=2012-04-26 }} {{in lang|ja}}
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.[http://www.kanko.chuo.chiba.jp/kanko/2804/ 高蔵寺（木更津市）] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426015632/http://www.kanko.chuo.chiba.jp/kanko/2804/ |date=2012-04-26 }} {{in lang|ja}}
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.{{Citation | last = Chiba-ken Kōtō Gakkō Kyōiku Kenkyūkai Rekishi Bukai | title = Chiba-ken no rekishi sanpo | publisher = Yamakawa Shuppansha | year = 1989 | edition = 1st ed., rev. | pages = 243 | isbn = 978-4-634-29120-1|language=ja}}
Kannon statue
Kōzō-ji is noted for its Kannon statue, formerly known as the {{nihongo|Kanzeon Bosatsu|正観世音菩薩|}}. The statue stands {{Convert|3.6|m|ft|1}} 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
Observances
- February 2 -- Setsubun observance of the beginning of spring
- March -- Vernal Equinox Higan service
- August 18—Kannon Festival
- August 24 -- Segakie, a memorial service
- September -- Autumnal Equinox Higan service
- December -- 'Joya no Kane', ringing of the temple bell 108 times for the New Year[http://www.bandou.gr.jp/temple/temple21-30.php 第30番 平野山 高蔵寺（高倉観音）] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120421042749/http://www.bandou.gr.jp/temple/temple21-30.php |date=2012-04-21 }} {{in lang|ja}}
Order in Buddhist pilgrimages
: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
{{Reflist}}
External links
- [http://takakurakannon.com Official home page]
{{Buddhist temples in Japan}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Kozo-ji (Kisarazu, Chiba)}}
Category:6th-century Buddhist temples
Category:Buddhist temples in Chiba Prefecture