Daisoji Temple (Wakaba Ward, Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture) Complete Guide | History, Cultural Properties, and Visiting Information
Located in Wakaba Ward, Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture, Daisoji Temple is a historic temple belonging to the Buzan branch of the Shingon sect. It has deep ties to the retainers of the Chiba clan and is known as an important cultural heritage site in the region, housing several prefecturally designated cultural properties. This article comprehensively introduces all the information you need to know before visiting Daisoji Temple, including its detailed history, cultural properties, visiting information, and access methods.
Basic Information about Daisoji Temple
Temple Overview
Official Name: Wakamiyasan Daisoji Temple
Sect: Shingon-shu Buzan-ha
Principal Image: Kannon Bodhisattva (Kannon)
Address: 320 Daisoji-cho, Wakaba-ku, Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture
Postal Code: 264-0011
Telephone Number: 043-236-3335
Corporate Number: 8040005000513
Daisoji Temple belongs to the Shingon-shu Buzan-ha sect and formerly functioned as a branch temple of Konkoin Temple. Even today, it remains a center of local faith, cherished by many parishioners and visitors.
About the Sect
The Shingon-shu Buzan-ha sect is a branch of Shingon Buddhism, with Hase-dera Temple in Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture, as its head temple. The Shingon-shu Buzan sect traces its origins to Kobo Daishi Kukai and transmits the teachings of Esoteric Buddhism. Many temples of the Shingon-shu Buzan sect exist within Chiba Prefecture, and Okusoji Temple is one of them, supporting the local Buddhist culture.
History of Okusoji Temple
Founding History
The history of Okusoji Temple dates back to the late Heian period. According to tradition, it began in Daiji 5 (1130) when Sakao Goroji, a retainer of the Chiba clan, built a Myoken-do hall. The following year, Daiji 6 (1131), it was officially founded as a temple.
During this period, the Chiba clan was a powerful samurai group expanding its influence from its base in Shimosa Province (present-day northern Chiba Prefecture), and the predecessor of Okusoji Temple was built by Sakao Goroji, a retainer of the Chiba clan, as a place of worship. Initially, it was deeply connected to the Myoken faith and functioned as a Myoken-do hall, enshrining Myoken Bodhisattva, the deification of the North Star and the Big Dipper.
Changes in the Edo Period
With the arrival of the Edo period, changes occurred in the structure and name of the temple. It is believed that the temple’s name was changed to its current name, “Okusa-ji,” during this period. Throughout the Edo period, Okusa-ji developed as a center of local faith, accumulating many cultural assets and treasures.
Notably, it was designated as the 79th temple of the Chiba-dera Jūzen-kō Eighty-Eight Temples, established at the end of the Edo period. This was a pilgrimage route established around Chiba, modeled after the Shikoku Eighty-Eight Temples, and Okusa-ji welcomed many worshippers as an important pilgrimage site.
Okusa-ji in Modern Times
Despite being affected by the anti-Buddhist movement of the Meiji era, Okusa-ji continued to protect local faith. From the Showa and Heisei eras to the present day, it has functioned as an important cultural heritage site and a center of the local community in Wakaba Ward, Chiba City.
Cultural Properties of Okusoji Temple
Prefectural Designated Cultural Property: “Hanging Lantern”
One of the most important cultural properties owned by Okusoji Temple is the hanging lantern, a Chiba Prefecture designated cultural property. This hanging lantern was produced from the medieval to early modern period and is recognized for its historical value as a lighting fixture in temple architecture.
Hanging lanterns are a type of lantern suspended from the ceiling of the main hall or Buddha hall, illuminating the area in front of the Buddha and creating a solemn atmosphere. The hanging lantern at Okusoji Temple is in excellent condition and is a valuable historical document that conveys the craftsmanship of that time.
“Chiba Myoken Daiengi Emaki”
Another important cultural property of Okusoji Temple is the “Chiba Myoken Daiengi Emaki”. This scroll is designated as a Chiba Prefecture designated cultural property, but unfortunately, it is currently not open to the public. The Chiba Myoken Daigenki Emaki (Great Legend Scroll of Chiba Myoken) is a historical picture scroll depicting the relationship between the Chiba clan and Myoken worship. It is a valuable document that expresses the origins of the Chiba clan and miraculous tales of Myoken Bodhisattva through illustrations and text. It is considered an extremely important cultural asset from an academic perspective, providing insight into the Chiba clan’s religious practices in the medieval period and the spread of Myoken worship in the region.
Other Temple Treasures
In addition to the cultural assets on public display, it is believed that Okusoji Temple houses numerous temple treasures accumulated over its long history. Buddhist statues, scriptures, ancient documents, and other treasures passed down as a Shingon Buddhist temple tell the story of the temple’s history.
Access to Okusoji Temple
Access by Train
Nearest Station: Chiba Urban Monorail Line 2, “Chishirodai Station”
Okusoji Temple is approximately an 18-minute walk (about 1.4 km) from Chishirodai Station. The route involves heading northeast from the station and passing through a residential area. The route is relatively flat, and on a sunny day, you can enjoy a pleasant stroll along the way.
About the Chiba Urban Monorail
The Chiba Urban Monorail is a suspended monorail running through Chiba City, connecting Chiba Station to Chishirodai Station in approximately 25 minutes. From Tokyo, the most common route is to take the JR Sobu Line to Chiba Station and then transfer to the Chiba Urban Monorail.
Access by Bus
Nearest Bus Stop: “Okusa” bus stop (approximately 5-minute walk, approx. 333m)
You can also take a bus from Chishirodai Station or Chiba Station. If you get off at the Okusa bus stop, you can reach Okusa-ji Temple in about 5 minutes on foot. Bus frequency and timetables vary depending on the season and day of the week, so it is recommended to check in advance.
Access by Car
Access from Major Roads
- Approximately 15 minutes from the Chiba-Kita Interchange on the Higashi-Kanto Expressway
- Approximately 20 minutes from the Anagawa Interchange on the Keiyo Expressway
Wakaba Ward in Chiba City is located in the northeastern part of Chiba City, and is about an hour’s drive from central Tokyo. Entering the address (320 Okusa-cho, Wakaba Ward, Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture) into your car navigation system will allow you to arrive smoothly.
Parking Information
It is recommended to call ahead to confirm the availability and number of parking spaces at the temple. Especially during memorial services and events, congestion is expected, so consider using public transportation.
Nearby Temples and Tourist Spots
Nearby Temples
There are several other historical temples scattered around Okusa-ji Temple.
Senzoji Temple
A temple within walking distance of Okusa-ji Temple, and also one of the temples supporting the Buddhist culture of Wakaba Ward.
Saifuku-ji Temple
A temple that attracts local devotion, and some pilgrims visit it along with Okusa-ji Temple.
Shinjo-ji Temple
As a temple within Wakaba Ward, it contributes to the local Buddhist culture.
Visiting these temples on a “temple pilgrimage” is a great opportunity to learn more about the history and culture of Wakaba Ward, Chiba City.
Highlights of Wakaba Ward, Chiba City
Kasori Shell Mound
A nationally designated historical site known as one of the largest shell mounds in Japan. It is an important archaeological site that allows us to learn about life in the Jomon period.
Izumi Nature Park
A vast park where you can enjoy nature in all four seasons. It attracts many tourists, especially during the autumn foliage season.
Chiba City Zoological Park
A zoo famous for its standing red panda, “Futa.” A popular spot for families.
Manners and Etiquette for Visiting a Temple
How to Visit a Shingon Buddhist Temple
Okusoji Temple belongs to the Buzan branch of the Shingon sect, so it is essential to follow Shingon Buddhist etiquette when visiting.
Basic Procedure for Visiting a Temple
- Bow at the Temple Gate: Bow at the temple gate (sanmon), the entrance to the temple, before entering the grounds.
- Purify at the Water Basin: If there is a water basin, purify your hands and mouth.
- Worship at the Main Hall: Join your hands in prayer in front of the main hall, bow, and ring the bell (if present).
- Offering: Gently place your offering in the offering box.
- Praying with Hands Joined: Join your hands together and pray sincerely.
- Bow: Finally, bow deeply and leave.
Shingon Buddhism’s Nembutsu
In Shingon Buddhism, it is common to chant “Namu Daishi Henjo Kongo,” but at Okusoji Temple, where Kannon is the principal deity, you can also chant “Namu Kanzeon Bosatsu.”
Precautions for Visiting the Temple
- Please be quiet within the temple grounds and avoid disturbing other visitors.
- Please only take photographs in designated areas.
- Please refrain from directly touching cultural artifacts or Buddhist statues.
- Please take all your trash with you.
Buddhist Services and Events Held at Okusoji Temple
Annual Events
Okusoji Temple, a Shingon Buddhist temple, holds various Buddhist events throughout the year.
Main Annual Events (Examples from a typical Shingon Buddhist temple)
- Shōshō-e (January): A Buddhist service praying for peace in the new year
- Spring Equinox Service (March): A memorial service for ancestors
- Hanamatsuri (April 8th): A celebration of the birth of Buddha
- Urabon-e (August): A memorial service for the Obon festival
- Autumn Equinox Service (September): A memorial service for ancestors
- Kaisan-ki (Varies by temple): A memorial service for the founding master
For specific event dates and details, please contact the temple directly.
Request for Buddhist Services
Ōkusoji Temple accepts requests for various Buddhist services.
Main types of memorial services that can be requested:
- Funeral/memorial service
- Memorial services such as the 7th day and 49th day after death
- Annual memorial services (1st anniversary, 3rd anniversary, 7th anniversary, etc.)
- Ancestor memorial service
- Memorial service for stillborn babies
- Pet memorial service (services vary by temple)
For information on appropriate donations and details of memorial services, it is recommended to consult with the temple in advance. Some sources state that donations for memorial services start from 3,000 yen, but this varies depending on the content and scale of the service, so prior confirmation is essential.
History of Wakaba Ward, Chiba City and Okusa-ji Temple
Origin of Wakaba Ward
Wakaba Ward in Chiba City is one of the administrative districts established in 1992 (Heisei 4) when Chiba City became a designated city. Located in the northeastern part of Chiba City, it has the largest area of the city’s six wards, at 84.21 square kilometers.
The area contains numerous traces of human habitation from ancient times, including the Kasori Shell Mound from the Jomon period. During the medieval period, it was within the sphere of influence of the Chiba clan, and Okusa-ji Temple is an important cultural heritage site that conveys the history of this era.
The Chiba Clan and Okusa-cho
The name Okusa-cho is thought to originate from the fact that this area was once a grassland or wilderness. During the time of the Chiba clan, their retainers were stationed in this area, and Myoken-do, the predecessor of Okusa-ji Temple, was built as a place of worship.
The Chiba clan revered Myoken worship as their tutelary deity, and this influence extended to their samurai groups. It is believed that Sakao Goroji’s construction of Myoken-do was also part of the Chiba clan’s religious culture.
About the Shingon-shu Buzan-ha
Characteristics of the Sect
The Shingon-shu Buzan-ha is known as a sect within Shingon Buddhism that particularly emphasizes scholarship and ascetic practice. Hase-dera Temple, the head temple of the Shingon sect, has long attracted many worshippers as a sacred site of Kannon worship.
Teachings of the Buzan School of Shingon Buddhism
- Instantaneous Buddhahood: The teaching that one can become a Buddha in this very body.
- Three Mysteries Empowerment: The practice of becoming one with the Buddha through the three actions of body, speech, and mind.
- Altruistic Practice: Emphasis on serving the happiness of others.
Buzan School of Shingon Buddhism in the Kanto Region
Numerous temples of the Buzan School of Shingon Buddhism exist in the Kanto region, particularly concentrated in Chiba, Saitama, Tokyo, and Kanagawa prefectures. These temples have served as centers of regional Buddhist culture, supporting people’s religious lives through the danka (parishioner) system.
Okusoji Temple is also one of the Buzan School of Shingon Buddhism temples in the Kanto region, continuing to protect the local faith and culture.
About Goshuin (Temple Seals) at Okusa-ji Temple
Issuance of Goshuin
In recent years, the number of people collecting goshuin as part of temple and shrine visits has increased. However, some sources state that goshuin are not available at Okusa-ji Temple.
Goshuin are originally given as proof of worship, and not all temples offer them. If you wish to receive a goshuin when visiting Okusa-ji Temple, it is recommended to check by phone in advance.
About Goshuincho (Goshuin Books)
If you are able to receive a goshuin, bring your goshuincho. Goshuincho can be purchased at temple and shrine specialty stores, stationery stores, and online shops. For those collecting goshuin for the first time, it is common to use separate books for shrines and temples.
Living Environment Around Okusa-ji Temple
Characteristics of Okusa-cho
Okusa-cho is a residential area located in the northern part of Wakaba Ward, Chiba City. The area around Chishirodai Station has seen significant residential development, and supermarkets and commercial facilities are abundant. On the other hand, the area around Okusoji Temple is a relatively quiet residential area, allowing visitors to worship in a peaceful atmosphere.
Local Community and the Temple
Okusoji Temple is not merely a tourist spot; it functions as a place of worship and a community center for local residents. Through the danka system (parishioner system), it maintains deep ties with local families and contributes to the preservation of local culture through weddings, funerals, and annual events.
Summary
Okusoji Temple, located in Wakaba Ward, Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture, is an ancient temple of the Shingon-shu Buzan sect with a history of approximately 900 years since its founding at the end of the Heian period. It began with the construction of the Myoken-do Hall by Sakao Goroji, a retainer of the Chiba clan, and adopted its current temple name during the Edo period.
It is a temple of high cultural value, possessing a hanging lantern (a prefectural designated cultural property) and the Chiba Myoken Daigenki Emaki (a picture scroll not open to the public), and also having a history as the 79th temple of the Chiba-dera Jūzen-kō Eighty-Eight Temples pilgrimage.
Located approximately 18 minutes on foot from Chishirodai Station or 5 minutes on foot from the Okusa bus stop, Okusa-ji Temple offers easy access and a peaceful environment for worship. Nearby temples such as Senzo-ji, Saifuku-ji, and Shinjo-ji are also nearby, making it ideal for temple hopping.
The temple continues to play an important role as a center of local faith, holding religious services and annual events based on the teachings of the Buzan branch of Shingon Buddhism. When visiting Wakaba Ward in Chiba City, we highly recommend visiting Okusa-ji Temple to experience its history and culture.
When visiting, we recommend calling ahead to confirm and observing proper etiquette. Please appreciate the charm of this historic temple while respecting the preservation of cultural properties and local faith.
