Interview with Chief Priest Takahashi Ryuzen
Kanryuji Temple has watched over the history of Kurashiki.
I spoke with Chief Priest Takahashi Ryuzen.
About the Kurashiki 88 Sacred Sites Pilgrimage
I heard that Chief Priest Takahashi has reorganized the "Kurashiki 88 Sacred Sites Pilgrimage".
Takahashi
The opportunity came from a consultation with someone living in the area.
It was around the early 1970s.
That person was a teacher, interested in history and faith, and asked me, "There is a Kurashiki 88 Sacred Sites Pilgrimage, and I would like to go around it once, would you accompany me?"
So when we actually went around together, it was in terrible condition...
Trees were fallen, paths were overgrown, and landslides had occurred, making it impossible to navigate.
Many of the halls were in a dilapidated state as well.
So we started by restoring each of the 88 sites.
Various local people cooperated, and we were able to gradually restore them.
When was the Kurashiki 88 Sacred Sites Pilgrimage established?
Takahashi
The Kurashiki 88 Sacred Sites are said to have been established in the mid-Edo period.
For most of the Edo period, Kurashiki was a direct territory of the Edo Shogunate, and there was a magistrate's office.
The Edo Shogunate placed great importance on Buddhism, so Kurashiki, being a direct territory, had a very strong faith in Buddhism.
With that background, the Kurashiki 88 Sacred Sites were established by the hands of the residents.
Even after the Meiji period, the Kurashiki 88 Sacred Sites have been cherished by the local people.
However, the situation changed in the Showa period.
The Pacific War broke out, and faith was no longer a priority.
After the war, the priority shifted to rebuilding the economy.
With daily life being overwhelming, there was no room to go on the pilgrimage.
Eventually, the 88 sites were forgotten by the locals and fell into disrepair.
About "Bichu Kurashiki Studies"
What kind of course is "Bichu Kurashiki Studies"?
Takahashi
I have been involved since the establishment of "Bichu Kurashiki Studies" and am currently the chairman.
Bichu Kurashiki Studies is a lecture series held at Kurashiki Community Center on the second Thursday of every month (except August) from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM.
It covers a wide range of themes related to the Bichu and Bizen regions centered around Kurashiki.
We also hold study tours and social gatherings.
The first session of Bichu Kurashiki Studies was held in October 2005.
Since then, it has been held regularly for 17 years (as of 2022), with interruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic).
What was the motivation behind establishing Bichu Kurashiki Studies?
Takahashi
Kurashiki and Bichu are very historic regions.
However, there is often a spread of incorrect information and historical misconceptions, and many people are misinformed.
Especially, the history of a region like Kurashiki, which does not appear in textbooks like Japanese or world history, remains uncorrected and unchanged.
Therefore, I thought it was necessary for those who live or are involved in Kurashiki to share the correct history and information of the local area.
Initially, the planning started with just me and one other person.
Eventually, volunteers who shared the same sentiment gathered, and that led to the establishment of Bichu Kurashiki Studies.
I would be happy if people could casually participate in Bichu Kurashiki Studies and feel the history of Kurashiki.
Experience Kurashiki's History by Visiting Kanryuji Temple
Since Kanryuji Temple is located on Tsurugata Mountain, why not enjoy the view from the temple grounds?
Moreover, even in Kurashiki, where there was a magistrate during the Edo period, the turmoil of the late Edo period could not be avoided.
Kanryuji Temple, which bears the scars of that turmoil, is an essential spot for discussing the history of Kurashiki.
Why not visit Kanryuji Temple and feel the history of Kurashiki?
Data on Kanryuji Temple
| Name | Kanryuji Temple |
|---|---|
| Other Name | Hojusan |
| Sect | Shingon Sect Omuro School |
| Location | 2-25-22 Achi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-422-0357 |
| Parking | Available |
| Main Deity | Dainichi Nyorai |
| Benefits | Fulfillment of wishes, peace in this world, etc. |
| Goshuin (Donation Fee) | Available (300 yen) |
| Visiting Hours | Daytime only |
| Closed Days | None |
| Admission Fee | Free |
| How to Pay Admission and Donation Fees |
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