Complete Guide to Senzoin Temples | A Thorough Explanation of the History, Access, and Cultural Assets of Senzoin Temples Across Japan
The name “Senzoin” refers to several temples located throughout Japan, each deeply rooted in its local community as an ancient temple with its own unique history and cultural assets. This article provides a comprehensive explanation of Senzoin temples scattered throughout Japan, including those in Miyoshi Town (Saitama Prefecture), Kodaira City (Tokyo), Soka City (Saitama Prefecture), Shirataka Town (Yamagata Prefecture), and Minamichita Town (Aichi Prefecture), covering their historical background, enshrined Buddhist statues, cultural assets, and access information.
What is Senzoin? | The Origin of the Nationwide Temple Name
The name Senzoin is found in temples throughout Japan, regardless of sect, such as Shingon or Tendai Buddhism. “Sen” means a pure water source, and “Zo” means a place for accumulating Buddhist teachings and merit, expressing the Buddhist ideals of purity and salvation. While each Senzoin temple has a different founder and history, they have all played a long and important role as centers of local faith.
This article provides a detailed introduction to several major Senzoin temples, particularly those of high historical and cultural value.
Senzoin Temple in Miyoshi Town, Saitama Prefecture | Seiryuzan Jufukuji Senzoin
Basic Information and Official Name
Senzoin Temple, located in Miyoshi Town, Saitama Prefecture, is a Shingon sect Chizan-ha temple officially called “Seiryuzan Jufukuji Senzoin.” It houses a standing statue of Fudo Myoo (Acala) as its principal image and is a center of local devotion.
History and Founding
This temple is believed to have been founded in 1654 (Shoo 3) as a branch temple of Fukomyo-ji Temple in Owada, Niiza City. However, the presence of medieval-style stone stupas and ancient-style Hokyoin-to (a type of stupa) within the temple grounds suggests that its actual founding may date back to the medieval period.
Numerous stone stupas have been unearthed from the site of Okurayama (near the west side of Honmura Kannon-do), where this temple is said to have once been built, indicating that this area has been a place of worship since ancient times. The temple was relocated to its current location in the early Edo period and has developed into a central temple in the region.
Cultural Properties and Highlights
Of particular note at Izumizoin Temple in Miyoshi Town is the seated statue of Seishi Bodhisattva enshrined in the Seishi-do Hall. This statue retains the style of the early Edo period and is considered to be the oldest wooden Buddha statue in the town. Seishi Bodhisattva is revered as a bodhisattva who illuminates all things with the light of wisdom and saves people from delusion.
Furthermore, the stone stupas and Hōkyōintō (a type of Buddhist stupa) remaining on the temple grounds are valuable historical artifacts as stone cultural properties from the medieval to early modern periods. These stone structures provide important clues to understanding the forms of worship and stonemasonry techniques of the time.
Access Information
Location: Miyoshi-machi, Iruma-gun, Saitama Prefecture
If using public transportation, it is accessible by bus from the nearest station on the Tobu Tojo Line. If traveling by private car, access from the Kan-Etsu Expressway is convenient. For detailed access information, it is recommended to inquire with the Miyoshi Town Tourism Association or the temple in advance.
Senzoin Temple in Kodaira City, Tokyo | Taima-san Senzoin
An Ancient Temple of the Tendai Sect
Senzoin Temple, located in Onuma-cho, Kodaira City, Tokyo, is a temple belonging to the Tendai sect, and its official name is “Taima-san Senzoin.” It is an ancient temple deeply rooted in the community, with a history intertwined with land reclamation during the Edo period.
History of Land Reclamation and Temple Construction
Onuma-cho, Kodaira City, is an area developed through land reclamation carried out during the Edo period under Tokugawa Yoshimune. During the first land survey conducted in 1736 (Genbun 1), the local community petitioned the local magistrate for permission to build a temple, a long-held desire since the settlement began. The planned temple grounds were recognized as tax-exempt.
Tōma Yazaemon and Tōma Denbei, influential local figures, also donated their land to the temple grounds and proceeded with preparations for its construction. However, at that time, obtaining permission from the shogunate for the construction of a new temple was not easy.
Therefore, in February 1744 (Enkyō 1), the community and Hōonji jointly petitioned the temple magistrate for permission to relocate Izumizōin, a sub-temple of Hōonji in Imadera Village, Tama District (present-day Imadera, Ōme City). Permission was granted in July of the same year, and Izumizōin was built at its current location.
Principal Image and Faith
The principal image of Senzoin Temple in Kodaira City is a statue of Nyoirin Kannon Bodhisattva, one of the Six Kannon, and is revered by many. Nyoirin Kannon is believed to grant the wishes of all sentient beings and crush worldly desires, attracting many worshippers.
Modern Senzoin Temple
In 2006, the main hall was newly constructed, transforming the temple into one with modern facilities. The hall can be used for a wide range of purposes, including concerts and lessons. It is a beloved, open temple where local people can easily visit.
Cemetery Information
Senzoin Cemetery is known as an easily accessible cemetery in Kodaira City. It is within walking distance of bus stops such as “Showa Hospital North Entrance,” “Konishi,” and “Kinjo High School” on the Seibu Bus Route 21, making it a convenient location for visiting graves.
The budget for purchasing a general grave starts at approximately 4.96 million yen, and various memorial service options, including perpetual memorial graves, are available. For inquiries regarding cemetery visits or requests for information, please contact the temple directly.
Access Information
Location: Onuma-cho, Kodaira City, Tokyo
Phone: Please contact the temple directly
Transportation Access:
- Approximately 5-minute walk from “Showa Hospital North Entrance” bus stop (Seibu Bus Route 21)
- Approximately 7-minute walk from “Konishi” bus stop (Seibu Bus Route 21)
- Approximately 10-minute walk from “Kinjo High School” bus stop (Seibu Bus Route 21)
Izumizoin Temple, Soka City, Saitama Prefecture | An Ancient Temple from the Kamakura Period
Historical Background
Izumizoin Temple, located in Niisato-cho, Soka City, Saitama Prefecture, is an ancient Shingon Buddhist temple founded in the Kamakura period and restored in the Edo period. As a temple with a long history, it is designated as a cultural property protected by Soka City.
Formal Name and Sect
Senzoin Temple in Soka City, like Senzoin Temple in Miyoshi Town, has the formal name “Seiryuzan Jufukuji Senzoin” and belongs to the Chizan branch of the Shingon sect. It enshrines a standing statue of Fudo Myoo (Acala) as its principal image.
Soka City Designated Cultural Property | Six Jizo Statues
Senzoin Temple in Soka City is particularly famous for its Six Jizo statues, designated as a cultural property of Soka City. The sight of the six Jizo statues lined up in a row is magnificent, attracting many worshippers.
The Six Jizo are believed to save sentient beings in each of the six realms: hell, hungry ghosts, animals, asuras, humans, and heaven, and have been widely revered in Japanese folk belief. The Six Jizo statues at Senzoin Temple in Soka City are highly valued as a cultural property due to their beautiful form and excellent state of preservation.
Cemetery Information
Izumizoin Cemetery also functions as a temple cemetery, a large-scale cemetery with approximately 500 plots. While its religious affiliation is Shingon Buddhism, the temple can be consulted regarding acceptance of people of other denominations.
Management/Operating Body: Religious Corporation Izumizoin
Type: Temple Cemetery
Total Number of Plots: 500 plots
Religious Affiliation: Shingon Buddhism
Access Information
Location: 313 Niisato-cho, Soka City, Saitama Prefecture
Telephone: Please contact the temple directly
It is easily accessible from within Soka City, and can be reached by bus or taxi from Soka Station on the Tobu Skytree Line (Tobu Isesaki Line). Parking is also available, making it convenient for visitors by private car.
Izumizoin Temple, Shirataka Town, Yamagata Prefecture | 16th Temple of the Okitama Thirty-Three Kannon Pilgrimage
Tendai Sect Kannon Pilgrimage Site
Izumizoin Temple, located in Ayugai, Shirataka Town, Nishiokitama District, Yamagata Prefecture, belongs to the Tendai sect and is known as “Ayugai Kannon,” the 16th temple of the Okitama Thirty-Three Kannon Pilgrimage. It serves as a center of local faith, welcoming pilgrims and worshippers.
History and Relocation
It is said that the temple was relocated to its current location in 1696 (Genroku 9) by a man named Kan Shirobei. While much of its history prior to that is unknown, it has been cherished as an ancient place of worship in the region.
Principal Image | Legend of the Holy Kannon Bodhisattva Statue
The principal image is a statue of the Holy Kannon Bodhisattva, which has been strictly protected as a hidden Buddha since ancient times. According to legend, this Kannon statue is a golden statue discovered in a rice paddy south of Ayugai Station.
This legend of a “Buddhist statue discovered in a rice paddy” is one of the origin stories of faith found throughout Japan, illustrating a form of folk belief that combines agriculture and Buddhist faith.
Okitama Thirty-Three Kannon Pilgrimage
The Okitama Thirty-Three Kannon pilgrimage is a sacred site of Kannon temples spread throughout the Okitama region of Yamagata Prefecture, with a pilgrimage tradition that has continued since the Edo period. Izumizoin Temple, as the 16th temple on this pilgrimage, has welcomed many pilgrims. It plays an important role in conveying the spiritual culture of the region through Kannon worship.
Access Information
Location: Ayugai, Shirataka-cho, Nishiokitama-gun, Yamagata Prefecture
Within walking distance of Ayugai Station on the Yamagata Railway Flower Nagai Line, it is also accessible by public transportation. It is one of the sacred sites you should definitely visit when doing the Okitama Thirty-Three Kannon pilgrimage.
Izumizoin Temple in Minamichita Town, Aichi Prefecture | A Shingon-shu Buzan-ha Temple
Ancient Temples of the Chita Peninsula
Izumizoin Temple also exists in Minamichita Town, Chita District, Aichi Prefecture. This temple belongs to the Shingon-shu Buzan-ha sect and has supported the religious culture of the Chita Peninsula. The Chita Peninsula is a region where Buddhist culture has flourished since ancient times, and many ancient temples are scattered throughout.
Ties to the Community
Izumizoin Temple in Minamichita Town has strong ties to its local parishioners and followers, and various memorial services and events are held throughout the year. Due to its location near the sea, it has also attracted the faith of those involved in the fishing industry.
Common Characteristics of Izumizoin Temples Across Japan
Shingon and Tendai Sects
Looking at Izumizoin temples throughout Japan, it is clear that many belong to esoteric Buddhist sects such as the Shingon-shu Chizan-ha, Shingon-shu Buzan-ha, and Tendai-shu. This suggests that the temple name “Senzo” has a deep connection to the doctrines and practices of Esoteric Buddhism.
Diversity of Principal Deities
The principal deities of Senzoin temples throughout Japan are diverse, including Fudo Myoo, Nyoirin Kannon, and Sho Kannon. This reflects how each temple has developed uniquely in accordance with local beliefs and historical backgrounds.
Preservation of Cultural Properties
Many Senzoin temples preserve cultural properties such as Buddhist statues, stone sculptures, and buildings. These are valuable resources for understanding local history, and their proper preservation and public access are essential.
Annual Events and Ceremonies of Senzoin Temples
Main Annual Events
Senzoin temples throughout Japan hold various ceremonies and events throughout the year. The main events include the following:
- Hatsumode (First Shrine Visit of the Year) and Shusho-e (New Year’s Ceremony) (January): Prayers for a safe and peaceful New Year and for the safety of the family
- Setsubun-e (Bean-Throwing Festival) (February): A ceremony to ward off evil and invite good fortune
- Spring Equinox Ceremony (March): Ancestor memorial service
- Hanamatsuri (Flower Festival) (April): Celebrating the birth of Buddha
- Obon Festival (August): Welcoming the spirits of ancestors
- Autumn Equinox Ceremony (September): Ancestor memorial service
- New Year’s Eve Bell Ringing (December): Dispelling the year’s worldly desires
Grand Prayer Ceremonies
Many Senzoin temples hold grand prayer ceremonies several times a year. Prayers are offered for various wishes, such as family safety, good health, traffic safety, success in examinations, and business prosperity. Especially grand prayer ceremonies are held at the beginning of the year and during temple completion ceremonies.
Funerals and Memorial Services at Izumizoin Temple
Funeral Conduct
Izumizoin Temple conducts funerals for its parishioners and followers. In recent years, it has offered a variety of funeral services, including family funerals, one-day funerals, and cremation services.
Taking Izumizoin Temple in Kodaira City as an example, funeral costs are as follows:
- Family funeral: from 240,000 yen
- One-day funeral: from 190,000 yen
- Cremation service: from 90,000 yen
For specific costs and plans, please contact each temple directly.
Memorial Services
Memorial services such as the seventh day, forty-ninth day, first anniversary, and third anniversary can also be held at Izumizoin Temple. Some temples can arrange meals after the service using the main hall or guest hall.
Cemetery and Perpetual Memorial Services at Izumizoin Temple
Characteristics of the Temple Cemetery
Izumizoin Temple’s cemetery is a temple cemetery managed and operated by the temple. The advantages of temple cemeteries include:
- Peace of mind due to perpetual management by the temple
- Ability to perform memorial services and rites in the same location
- Abbots and temple staff are always present, making consultations easy
- Ability to perform memorial services in a religious atmosphere
Perpetual Memorial Graves
In recent years, the number of temples like Izumizoin offering perpetual memorial graves has increased for those without successors or those who do not wish to burden their descendants. In perpetual memorial graves, the temple takes responsibility for continuing memorial services indefinitely.
Cemetery Visits and Brochure Requests
If you are considering purchasing a burial plot, we recommend visiting first. It is important to actually visit the site and check the environment, atmosphere, and accessibility. Brochure requests and visit reservations can be made by phone or online.
Access to Senzoin Temple and Visiting Etiquette
Basic Visiting Etiquette
The basic etiquette for visiting a temple is as follows:
- Bow at the Temple Gate: Bow before entering the temple grounds.
- Purify at the Water Basin: Purify your hands and mouth.
- Walk Quietly: Walk quietly within the temple grounds.
- Worship at the Main Hall: Join your hands in prayer, bow, offer a donation, and bow again.
- Photography: Refrain from taking photographs outside of permitted areas.
- Bow Upon Exit: Turn around and bow when leaving the temple gate.
Attire
For regular visits, no special attire is required, but clean and subdued clothing is preferred. For memorial services or funerals, formal attire is required.
Visiting Hours and Contact Information
Many Senzoin temples are open for free visits during the daytime. However, if you wish to view the main hall or speak with the head priest, it is recommended to contact them by phone in advance. The location and contact information for each temple can be found online or in local tourist guides.
Tourist Attractions Around Senzoin Temple
Around Miyoshi Town, Saitama Prefecture
When visiting Senzoin Temple in Miyoshi Town, you can also visit nearby tourist attractions:
- Miyoshi Town Historical and Folk Museum: A facility where you can learn about the local history
- Takemazawa Kobushi no Sato: A park rich in nature
- Tafukuji Temple: Another ancient temple in the town
Around Kodaira City, Tokyo
The area around Senzoin Temple in Kodaira City has the following attractions:
- Kodaira Furusato Village: An open-air museum with buildings relocated from the Edo period
- Tamagawa Aqueduct Greenway: A walking path perfect for strolling
- Kodaira City Hirakushi Tanaka Sculpture Museum: Exhibits works by a sculptor
Around Shirataka Town, Yamagata Prefecture
When visiting Senzoin Temple (Ayugai Kannon) in Shirataka Town, we also recommend other temples on the Okitama Thirty-Three Kannon Pilgrimage and the following tourist attractions:
- Shirataka Town Cultural Exchange Center AYu:M: A hub for disseminating local culture
- Mogami River Boat Cruise: Enjoy the nature of the Okitama region
- Shirataka Yana Park Ayu Chaya Roadside Station: Purchase local specialties
Summary | Diversity and Commonalities of Senzoin Temples
Senzoin temples, scattered throughout Japan, each possess their own unique history and culture, yet have played an important role as centers of local faith. Many belong to esoteric Buddhist sects such as Shingon and Tendai, and enshrine principal deities such as Fudo Myoo and Kannon Bodhisattva.
Senzoin in Miyoshi Town, Saitama Prefecture, is an ancient temple potentially dating back to the Middle Ages, preserving valuable cultural assets such as a seated statue of Seishi Bodhisattva from the early Edo period. Senzoin in Kodaira City, Tokyo, is a Tendai sect temple built alongside land reclamation during the Edo period, and is popular as an open temple equipped with modern facilities. Izumizoin Temple in Soka City, Saitama Prefecture, is an ancient temple dating back to the Kamakura period and is famous for its Six Jizo statues, a designated cultural property of Soka City. Izumizoin Temple in Shirataka Town, Yamagata Prefecture, welcomes pilgrims as the 16th temple on the Okitama Thirty-Three Kannon Pilgrimage.
Visiting these Izumizoin temples allows you to experience the diversity of Japanese Buddhist culture and the unique characteristics of each region. Beyond appreciating historical buildings and cultural assets, it will be a valuable opportunity to find peace in the tranquil temple grounds and connect with traditional Japanese faith.
If you are considering visiting an Izumizoin temple or touring its cemetery, we recommend contacting each temple directly before your visit. Experience the unique charm and history of each Izumizoin temple firsthand.
