Kichijo-in Temple in Kojima Shionasu is a historic temple founded by the monk Kosen in the second year of the Genko era (1322), during the late Kamakura period and the reign of Emperor Go-Daigo.
Since the time of the honorary chief priest (Motoyama Keijo), Kichijo-in has held various events as an open temple where not only parishioners but everyone can participate, such as the Kojima 88 Temples Day Trip Pilgrimage. This spirit has been passed down to the current chief priest, Motoyama Kaihan.
On New Year's Eve, a traditional event called "New Year's Bell and First Shrine Visit," which has become difficult to hold recently, takes place.
Introducing Kichijo-in Temple in Kojima Shionasu.
Kichijo-in is not a tourist temple, so entry to the main hall is not allowed.
However, you are free to visit the temple grounds. It was also a filming location for "Charihen♪", which was previously introduced on Kurashiki Tocotoco.
If you wish to enter the main hall, please contact Kichijo-in in advance as guidance can be arranged.
Also, please consider participating in the annual events introduced in this article.
What is Kichijo-in?
Kichijo-in is located at the foot of the mountains in Kojima Shionasu, where you can see Takashima and the Mizushima Industrial Complex to the west.
The mountain name of Kichijo-in is "Io-zan," the temple name is "Jofuku-ji," and it belongs to the Shingon sect Omuro school.
On the way up the approach, there is a signpost; if you go up to the right, you will reach Kichijo-in, and if you go up to the left, you will reach Io Inari Shrine.
Highlights of Kichijo-in
After climbing the stone steps from the signpost, you will be greeted by six Jizo statues with smiles on the right side at the entrance of the mountain gate.
Entering the left side of the mountain gate, you will find the guest hall and bell tower on the left.
The guest hall is a single-story structure with a hipped roof covered with traditional tiles.
On the side of the main ridge of the guest hall, there are magnificent tiles depicting twin dragons.
In front of the guest hall, the bell tower offers a view of the townscape of Shionasu, with statues of the Seven Lucky Gods smiling on the pedestal.
At the back of the guest hall, there is a main hall built in the Hōgyoku style with three bays and four sides, covered with traditional tiles.
In the solemn inner sanctum, there is a shrine housing the Yakushi Nyorai, the secret Buddha and principal object of worship of Kichijo-in.
In the center, the principal object of worship is enshrined in a large shrine, surrounded by many statues of Fudo Myoo and Kobo Daishi.
The principal object of worship is opened to the public once every ten years, with the next opening scheduled for the year 2030.
As an open temple, Kichijo-in hosts various events.
I spoke with Chief Priest Motoyama Kaihan.
Data on Kichijo-in
| Name | Kichijo-in |
|---|---|
| Other Name | Io-zan Jofuku-ji Kichijo-in |
| Sect | Shingon sect Omuro school |
| Location | 2349 Kojima Shionasu, Kurashiki City |
| Contact | 086-475-0758 |
| Parking | Available In addition to the parking area below the mountain gate, there is a second parking lot available. The second parking lot can accommodate 9 vehicles (including light vehicles). |
| Principal Object of Worship | Yakushi Nyorai |
| Benefits | Peace for those entering the mountain gate, happiness for those leaving |
| Goshuin (Seal Fee) | 36th and 37th of Kojima 88 Temples; a unique goshuin for Kichijo-in is also available. Seal fee (200 yen). |
| Visiting Hours | Please feel free to visit at any time. |
| Closed Days | None |
| Admission Fee | No admission fee is required. |
| How to Pay Admission and Seal Fees | Please place the seal fee in the Jizo statue in front of the mountain gate. It makes a nice sound. |
| Restroom | Available |
