Interview with Head Priest Murata Ryuzan
Kanryuji Temple has watched over Kurashiki’s history.
We spoke with Head Priest Murata Ryuzan.
About the Kurashiki 88-Temple Pilgrimage
I heard that you restored the “Kurashiki 88-Temple Pilgrimage.”
Murata (honorific omitted)
It began when someone who lived locally came to me for advice.
It was around the early 1970s.
That person was a teacher with an interest in history and faith. They asked me, “There’s something called the Kurashiki 88-Temple Pilgrimage, and I’d like to walk it sometime. Would you come along with me?”
So we actually went around together, and the condition of the route was terrible…
Trees had fallen, vegetation had swallowed the paths, and landslides had blocked the way. It was in no condition to be walked.
Many of the halls were also in a dilapidated state.
So we began by restoring each of the 88 sites.
People from all over the community helped, and we were able to restore them little by little.
When was the Kurashiki 88-Temple Pilgrimage established?
Murata
The Kurashiki 88-Temple Pilgrimage is said to have been established in the middle of the Edo period.
For most of the Edo period, Kurashiki was under the direct control of the Edo shogunate, and there was also a magistrate’s office here.
The Edo shogunate placed great importance on Buddhism, so Kurashiki, as a territory under its direct control, was a region with a very strong Buddhist faith.
Against this background, the Kurashiki 88-Temple Pilgrimage was established by local residents.
Even after the Meiji period began, local people continued to cherish the Kurashiki 88-Temple Pilgrimage.
But things changed in the Showa period.
The Pacific War broke out, and people had no time to focus on their faith.
After the war, rebuilding the economy became the top priority.
People were so busy making ends meet that they had no time to go on the 88-temple pilgrimage.
Eventually, it was forgotten by some local people, and the 88 sites fell into disrepair.
About “Bitchu Kurashiki-gaku”
What kind of course is “Bitchu Kurashiki-gaku”?
Murata
I have been involved with “Bitchu Kurashiki-gaku” since it was launched, and I am still its chairperson.
Bitchu Kurashiki-gaku is a lecture series held at Kurashiki Community Center on the second Thursday of every month (except August), from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m.
The lectures cover a wide range of topics related to the Bitchu and Bizen regions, with a focus on Kurashiki.
We also hold study tours and social gatherings.
The first Bitchu Kurashiki-gaku lecture was held in October 2005.
Since then, it has been held regularly for 17 years (as of 2022), with some interruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
How did you come to launch Bitchu Kurashiki-gaku?
Murata
Kurashiki and Bitchu are regions with a very long history.
However, misinformation and inaccurate understandings of history are widespread, and many people have misconceptions.
In particular, the history of a local area like Kurashiki, which is not covered in textbooks like those for Japanese or world history, often remains uncorrected.
So it began with my feeling that if we live in or are connected to a place like Kurashiki, we need to share accurate local history and information with one another.
At first, the plan was started by just two of us.
Eventually, volunteers connected to Kurashiki who shared the same vision came together, and we launched Bitchu Kurashiki-gaku.
I’d be happy if people joined Bitchu Kurashiki-gaku and got a feel for Kurashiki’s history.
Experience Kurashiki’s history by visiting Kanryuji Temple
Kanryuji Temple is on top of Tsurugatayama, so why not take in the view from its grounds?
Even in Kurashiki, a territory under direct shogunate control with a magistrate, the upheaval at the end of the Edo period could not be avoided.
Kanryuji Temple bears the scars of that upheaval and is an essential place to visit when learning about Kurashiki’s history.
Why not visit Kanryuji Temple and experience Kurashiki’s history?
Kanryuji Temple Information
| Name | Kanryuji Temple |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Hoju-san |
| Buddhist sect | Omuro school of Shingon Buddhism |
| Address | 2-25-22 Achi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-422-0357 |
| Parking | Available |
| Principal image | Mahavairocana Buddha |
| Blessings | Fulfillment of wishes, peace in this life, etc. |
| Goshuin (offering for sutra transcription) | Available (300 yen) |
| Visiting hours | Daytime only |
| Closed | None |
| Admission | Free |
| Payment methods for admission and sutra offering |
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