Kōzō-ji (Kisarazu, Chiba)

Kōzō-ji
高蔵寺
Kōzō-ji; 高蔵寺
	Kōzō-ji, Kisarazu, Chiba Prefecture
Basic information
Location	1245 Yana, Kisarazu, Chiba Prefecture 〒292-0812
Affiliation	ShingonBuzan-ha Sect
Deity	Bodhisattva Kannon
Country	Japan
Architectural description
Founder	Tokugi
Completed	585-587 (traditionally)

Sanmon gate

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. Kiyomizu-dera 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]

History

According to legend, Kōzō-ji was founded in the Heian period by the priest Tokugi in the brief period of the Emperor Yōmei, father of Prince Shōtoku, and a vocal supporter of Buddhism early in the Asuka period. Later, Tokugi 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 birthplace of Fujiwara no Kamatari (614 – 669), a statesman, courtier and politician of the Asuka period.^[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 Bosaztsu (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 important cultural treasures by the City of Kisarazu.

They include the:

Sanmon—Temple gate
Hon-dō—Main hall
Shōrō—Bell tower

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^[4]

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

↑ 高蔵寺（木更津市） Archived 2012-04-26 at the Wayback Machine.(in Japanese)
↑ 高蔵寺（木更津市） Archived 2012-04-26 at the Wayback Machine.(in Japanese)
↑ 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
↑ 第30番　平野山高蔵寺（高倉観音）(in Japanese)

Coordinates: 35°20′19.7″N 139°59′40″E / 35.338806°N 139.99444°E / 35.338806; 139.99444

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[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）(in Japanese)