Complete Guide to Chokoji Temples | History, Highlights, and Access Information for Chokoji Temples Across Japan
There are several temples named “Chokoji” throughout Japan. Each has a different history and characteristics, and has played an important role as a center of local culture and faith. This article provides a comprehensive introduction to the major Chokoji temples, including their historical background, highlights, and access methods.
What is Chokoji Temple?
The name Chokoji is an auspicious name in Buddhism meaning “long-lasting prosperity.” Temples with the same name exist throughout Japan, each deeply connected to the history of its region. There are Chokoji temples belonging to different sects, such as the Rinzai and Soto Zen schools, and each temple possesses its own unique history and cultural assets.
Chokoji Temple in Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture
History and Overview
Chokoji Temple in Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture, is an important historical site that tells the story of the turbulent period from the end of the Edo period to the Meiji era. It is known as a temple founded by the family of Inagaki Heisuke, who served as a chief retainer of the Nagaoka Domain during the Boshin War. The most distinctive feature of this temple is the large number of burial sites for samurai of the Nagaoka Domain. Many samurai, including Yamamoto Tatewaki, who distinguished himself as a battalion commander for the Nagaoka Domain during the Boshin War, are buried here.
Relationship with Admiral Yamamoto Isoroku
The most famous burial site at Chokoji Temple is that of Admiral Yamamoto Isoroku, who served as Commander-in-Chief of the Combined Fleet during the Pacific War. A native of Nagaoka, Yamamoto commanded the attack on Pearl Harbor and died in battle over Bougainville Island in 1943. His burial site remains a popular destination for many visitors.
Yamamoto Isoroku was born into a family of Nagaoka samurai and had strong ties to the local community, which is why he was buried at Chokoji Temple. As a valuable site that conveys the history of that time, it attracts attention from history enthusiasts and military history researchers.
Basic Information and Access
Location: Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture
Access: Approximately 15 minutes by car from JR Nagaoka Station. Located in a convenient location easily accessible from the center of Nagaoka city.
Visiting: While visiting the cemetery is usually possible, it is recommended to check in advance.
Chokoji Temple (Kaijozan Chokoji) in Numazu City, Shizuoka Prefecture
An Ancient Temple of the Rinzai Myoshinji School
Kaijozan Chokoji Temple, located in Hara, Numazu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, is a prestigious temple belonging to the Rinzai Myoshinji School. This temple holds various events and experiential programs throughout the year and is known as a temple open to both local residents and tourists.
Kinpira Festival Dedication Crying Sumo Tournament
The biggest event at Kaijozan Chokoji Temple is the “Kinpira Festival Dedication Crying Sumo Tournament,” held every early summer. This traditional event is a festival to pray for the healthy growth of babies. Babies held by sumo wrestlers cry loudly, praying for good health and protection from illness throughout the year.
This tournament has become a local tradition and attracts many families every year. While crying sumo is a traditional event found throughout Japan, the tournament at Chokoji Temple is particularly noteworthy for its scale and history.
Connection to Chiune Sugihara and his wife
Chokoji Temple on Kaijozan Mountain is also dedicated to honoring Chiune Sugihara and his wife, the diplomat known as “Japan’s Schindler.” During World War II, Chiune Sugihara issued life-saving visas to many Jewish refugees at the Japanese consulate in Kaunas, Lithuania, saving approximately 6,000 lives.
Chokoji Temple continuously works to pass on Chiune Sugihara’s humanitarian spirit to future generations, serving as a place to advocate for the importance of peace and human rights.
Zen Meditation Sessions
Chokoji Temple on Kaijozan Mountain holds Zen meditation sessions every Saturday and Sunday. Beginners are welcome, offering a valuable opportunity to experience Rinzai Zen meditation. It provides a time to calm the mind through meditation and release daily stress.
Some Zen meditation sessions require advance reservations, so those wishing to participate are advised to contact the temple directly.
Relationship with Zen Master Hakuin
The Numazu region is known as the hometown of Zen Master Hakuin Ekaku, considered the restorer of the Rinzai sect in the mid-Edo period. Zen Master Hakuin was born at Shoinji Temple in Hara (present-day Hara, Numazu City) and later became one of the most important figures in the history of Japanese Zen Buddhism.
Kaishōzan Chōkōji Temple is one of the temples that carries on the teachings of Zen Master Hakuin, preserving his spirit to the present day.
Basic Information and Access
Location: Hara, Numazu City, Shizuoka Prefecture
Sect: Rinzai sect, Myōshinji school
Access: Within walking distance from JR Hara Station. Approximately 20 minutes by car from Numazu IC on the Tomei Expressway.
Phone Number: Available on the official website
Events: Kinpira Festival Dedication Crying Sumo Tournament (early summer), Zen Meditation Sessions (every Saturday and Sunday)
Chokoji Temple, Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture
A Special Temple of the Tofukuji Branch of the Rinzai School
Chokoji Temple, located in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, is a prestigious special temple belonging to the Tofukuji branch of the Rinzai school. Its mountain name is Shuunzan, and its principal image is the Eleven-Faced Kannon Bodhisattva. The founding abbot is said to be Zen Master Taiyo Gichu.
Historical Background
The founding of Chokoji Temple dates back to the second year of Kenmu (1335) during the Nanboku-cho period. Nakajo Bizen-no-kami Hidenaga, the jito (land steward) of Takahashi Manor and lord of Koromo Castle, founded the temple and invited Zen Master Taiyo Gichu, a Dharma descendant of the Tofukuji Temple founder, Shoichi Kokushi, to be its founding abbot.
This period was a turbulent time of conflict between the Southern and Northern Courts, and temples flourished under the faith and protection of the samurai class. As a valuable historical site where medieval samurai culture and Zen Buddhist culture merged, it conveys the history of the region to the present day.
Cultural Properties and Highlights
Chōkōji Temple preserves valuable cultural properties from the medieval to early modern periods. In particular, the principal image, the Eleven-Faced Kannon Bodhisattva statue, is an important Buddhist statue that attracts the faith of the local community.
The temple grounds are dotted with historical buildings and stone structures, preserving the atmosphere of the time.
Basic Information and Access
Location: 1-29 Chōkōji, Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture
Sect: Rinzai Zen, Tōfukuji School
Mountain Name: Shūunzan
Principal Image: Eleven-Faced Kannon Bodhisattva
Access: Approximately 15 minutes by car from Sarutou Station on the Meitetsu Mikawa Line. Approximately 25 minutes by car from the Toyota Interchange on the Tomei Expressway.
Chokoji Temple, Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture
A Temple that Tells the History of Hon-Seba
Chokoji Temple, located in Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture, is a large temple situated close to the Hon-Seba Historical Village Museum. It has played an important role for many years as a center of local history and culture.
Evidence of Ancient History
The ancient history of Chokoji Temple is evidenced by the Koshin Tower located behind the temple gate. The inscription on this Koshin Tower indicates that it was erected in 1674 (Enpo 2), indicating that the temple existed at least from the early Edo period.
Koshin belief is a folk belief originating from Chinese Taoism, where people pray for longevity by staying awake all night on the Koshin day. The existence of the Koshin Tower is a valuable historical document that conveys the religious life of the people at that time.
Basic Information and Access
Location: Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture
Mountain Name: Seishozan
Access: Approximately 15 minutes by car from JR Shiojiri Station. Approximately 10 minutes by car from Shiojiri IC on the Chuo Expressway.
Nearby Attractions: Visiting this temple in conjunction with the Honseba Historical Village Museum will allow you to gain a deeper understanding of the region’s history.
Other Chokoji Temples
Chokoji Temple in Kunohe Village, Iwate Prefecture
Chokoji Temple in Kunohe Village, Iwate Prefecture, was founded in 1504 at the invitation of the Kunohe clan and is the family temple of successive generations of the Kunohe family. The founding priest is said to be Daiin Keizen Daiosho, the fourth abbot of Sotoku-ji Temple, a branch temple of Sotoku-ji Temple in Kaga Province.
The Kunohe clan was a branch of the Nanbu clan and produced powerful warlords known for the Kunohe Masazane Rebellion at the end of the Sengoku period. Chokoji Temple is an important historical site that conveys the history of the Kunohe clan to the present day. ### Chokoji Temple, Kasumigaura City, Ibaraki Prefecture
Chokoji Temple, located in Kasumigaura City, Ibaraki Prefecture, belongs to the Soto Zen sect and is known as Horinzan Zuiunin. It is said that in 1602, when the Hondo clan was transferred to another province, Zuiunin Temple from Dewa Province (present-day Shinjo City, Yamagata Prefecture) was moved, and the temple was founded by Abbot Joan.
The temple gate and main hall are designated as cultural properties of the city and are valuable structures that preserve the architectural style of the early Edo period.
Chokoji Temple, Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture
Mannenzan Chokoji Temple, located in Moriyama, Tamura-cho, Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture, is a Soto Zen temple. It is easily accessible along National Route 49, and in spring, when the weeping cherry blossoms are in full bloom, many worshippers and tourists visit.
Points to Note When Visiting Chokoji Temple
Etiquette for Visiting Temples
When visiting a temple, please observe the following basic etiquette:
- Dress Code: Avoid revealing clothing and wear modest attire.
- Photography: Photography inside the main hall and of Buddha statues often requires permission; please check in advance.
- Quietness: Behave quietly on the temple grounds and be considerate of other visitors.
- Offerings: Offer a donation within your means, expressing your gratitude.
Things to Check Before Visiting
We recommend checking the following points before your visit:
- Opening Hours: Visiting hours vary depending on the temple.
- Event Schedule: General visits may be restricted during religious services or events.
- Parking: Expect congestion, especially during long holidays and festivals.
- Telephone Number: Check the latest contact information on each temple’s official website.
Experiential Programs
Some Chokoji temples offer experiential programs such as Zen meditation sessions and sutra copying sessions. In particular, Chokoji Temple in Kaijozan, Numazu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, holds Zen meditation sessions every Saturday and Sunday, and is open to beginners.
Through these experiences, you can gain a deeper understanding of Zen teachings and Buddhist culture.
Tourist Spots Around Chokoji Temple
Around Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture
Nagaoka City has many historical sites besides Chokoji Temple. Visiting places like the Kawai Tsuginosuke Memorial Museum and the Nagaoka War Damage Museum will give you a deeper understanding of Nagaoka’s history from the end of the Edo period to the Meiji era.
Around Numazu City, Shizuoka Prefecture
Numazu City is a port town facing Suruga Bay, where you can enjoy fresh seafood. It also has a variety of tourist spots, such as Shoinji Temple, associated with Zen Master Hakuin, and the Numazu Port Deep Sea Aquarium.
Around Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture
Toyota City is known as the center of the automobile industry, but it also has many historical temples and shrines. The autumn foliage at Korankei Gorge and historical sites associated with the Matsudaira clan are also highlights.
Around Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture
Shiojiri City has a history of flourishing as a post town on the Nakasendo road, and you can learn about the local history at the Honseba Historical Village Museum. It is also famous as a wine-producing region, and you can enjoy winery tours.
Summary
The Chokoji temples scattered throughout Japan are valuable cultural heritage sites, each with its own unique history and characteristics. The Chokoji Temple in Nagaoka, Niigata, tells the history of Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto and the Boshin War, while the Kaijozan Chokoji Temple in Numazu, Shizuoka, functions as a temple open to the community through experiential programs such as crying sumo competitions and Zen meditation sessions.
The Chokoji Temple in Toyota, Aichi, is a historical site that shows the fusion of medieval samurai culture and Zen Buddhism, and the Chokoji Temple in Shiojiri, Nagano, is a center of local faith that has continued since the Edo period. Other Chokoji temples in other regions are also deeply connected to the history of their respective areas.
These temples are worth visiting for a variety of reasons, whether you’re interested in Japanese history and culture, want to experience Zen and Buddhist teachings, or want to experience local traditional events. When visiting each location, be sure to check basic information, access methods, and event information beforehand to enjoy a fulfilling pilgrimage and sightseeing experience.
While sharing the common name of Chokoji, these temples, each weaving its own distinct story, can be said to symbolize the richness of Japan’s diverse history and culture.
