Complete Guide to Konkoin Temple (Wakaba Ward, Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture) | Thorough Explanation of History, Access, and Cemetery Information
Konkoin Temple, located in Kanekomachi, Wakaba Ward, Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture, is a Shingon sect Buzan school temple that has existed since the late Kamakura period. With a history of over 700 years, and known as a place associated with Tokugawa Ieyasu, this guide provides a detailed explanation of the temple, from its historical background to current cemetery information and access methods.
Basic Information on Konkoin Temple
Konkoin Temple is a Shingon sect Buzan school temple located at 959 Kanekomachi, Wakaba Ward, Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture. It is approximately 2 kilometers from Chishirodai Station on the Chiba Urban Monorail Line 2, and its grounds are situated along the Onari Kaido road.
Location: 959 Kanekomachi, Wakaba-ku, Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture
Sect: Shingon-shu Buzan-ha
Phone Number: 043-236-3335
Nearest Station: Chishirodai Station (Chiba Urban Monorail Line 2)
Parking: Available
The temple grounds are vast, encompassing the main hall and other temple buildings, as well as a large cemetery. As a temple deeply rooted in the community, it has been cherished by many parishioners and visitors for many years.
History and Origins of Konkoin Temple
Founded in the Kamakura Period
Konkoin Temple is said to have been founded in February of Shoo 2 (1289) by Sadaaki. This founding year is corroborated by a date inscribed on a stone monument designated as a Chiba City cultural property, making it a valuable historical document as the oldest existing stone monument in Chiba City.
This stone monument is a typical Musashi-style monument made of chlorite schist and has been passed down through generations at Konko-in Temple. The inscription clearly bears the date of February, the second year of Shoo (1289 AD), making it important evidence of Konko-in Temple’s founding period.
The Edo Period and Tokugawa Ieyasu’s Visit
A noteworthy aspect of Konko-in Temple’s history is the anecdote of Tokugawa Ieyasu’s visit in the early Edo period. While on his way to a falconry expedition towards Togane, Ieyasu stopped at Konko-in Temple, located along the Onari Kaido road.
It is said that he was deeply impressed by the beauty of the cherry blossoms in front of the temple gate and praised them highly. This event demonstrates Konko-in Temple’s importance as a key point on the Onari Kaido road and indicates that it was known as a temple with beautiful scenery even at that time.
About the Principal Image, Yakushi Nyorai
The principal image of Konko-in Temple is Yakushi Nyorai (Medicine Buddha). This statue of Yakushi Nyorai (Medicine Buddha) is traditionally attributed to Kobo Daishi Kukai, the founder of the Shingon sect of Buddhism. Yakushi Nyorai has long been revered as the Buddha who presides over healing illnesses and promoting health and longevity.
As a temple of the Buzan branch of the Shingon sect, Konkoin Temple performs rituals and prayers based on the teachings of Esoteric Buddhism, serving as a center of faith for the local community.
How to Access Konkoin Temple
Access by Public Transportation
Using the Chiba Urban Monorail
The nearest station is Chishirodai Station on the Chiba Urban Monorail Line 2. From Chishirodai Station Exit 1, you can access Konkoin Temple using the following methods:
- Walking: Approximately 25-30 minutes (approximately 2-2.3 kilometers)
- Bus/Taxi: Approximately 5-7 minutes
Walking is a bit of a distance, but the route goes through a residential area towards Onari Kaido. Depending on the weather and your physical condition, we recommend considering using a taxi or bus.
Access by Car
From the Chiba Prefectural Government Area
The distance from the Chiba Prefectural Government to Konkoin Temple is approximately 8 kilometers. The following route is recommended:
- Proceed northeast along National Route 126
- Near Okusa-cho, turn onto the Chiba-Kawakami-Yachimata Line (Prefectural Road 114)
- Konkoin Temple is located behind the Chiba Shinkin Bank grounds.
Parking Information
Konkoin Temple has a parking lot for visitors. Access by private car is convenient for grave visits and memorial services. However, congestion is expected during peak seasons such as Obon and Higan, so we recommend visiting with plenty of time to spare.
Landmarks in the vicinity
- Located along Onari Kaido Road
- Behind Chiba Shinkin Bank Grounds
- Adjacent to Konkoin Yatsuda
Using these landmarks as a guide, even first-time visitors should be able to arrive relatively smoothly.
Konkoin Cemetery Information
General Cemetery
Konkoin has a large cemetery attached, with many plots available for general burial. As a temple cemetery of the Shingon-shu Buzan sect, it may accept people of all denominations, but please contact the temple directly for details.
Cemetery Features
- A temple cemetery with a vast site
- Convenient parking available for visiting graves
- Permanent management by a historical temple
- A quiet environment for remembering loved ones
About Perpetual Memorial Services and Tree Burials
In recent years, there has been a growing demand for new forms of memorial services such as perpetual memorial services and tree burials. Konkoin may also offer these services, but it is recommended to contact the temple directly for specific details and costs.
Benefits of Perpetual Memorial Services
- Peace of mind even without a successor
- Reduced maintenance effort
- Perpetual memorial services by the temple
- Choices such as individual graves and communal graves
About Cemetery Visits and Consultations
If you are considering purchasing a cemetery plot or perpetual memorial services, we recommend making a reservation for a visit in advance. Visiting the site allows you to check the atmosphere of the cemetery, the surrounding environment, and the convenience of access.
Points to Check During a Visit
- Plot size and size
- Sunlight and drainage
- Management status
- Costs (perpetual usage fee, management fee, etc.)
- Conditions regarding religious sect and temple membership
- Availability of memorial service facilities
Konkoin Yatsuda and Surrounding Environment
About Konkoin Yatsuda
Adjacent to Konkoin Temple lies a place called “Konkoin Yatsuda,” a pristine rural landscape. Spanning approximately 110,000 square meters, it is known as a historically rich area with abundant spring water. Previously, this area was fallow rice paddy overgrown with reeds, but in recent years, thanks to the efforts of volunteers, it has been restored to a vibrant and naturally rich environment. It is a valuable natural asset for the region, offering a place to experience the changing seasons.
Historical Background of the Onari Kaido Road
The Onari Kaido Road, which Konkoin Temple faces, is a historic road used by the Tokugawa shogunate when traveling to the Togane area for falconry. Along this road, temples and shrines associated with the shogunate, such as Konkoin Temple, are scattered, preserving the history of the Edo period.
Walking along the Onari Kaido Road allows you to trace the path once traveled by Tokugawa Ieyasu, making it an interesting area for historical walks.
About Buddhist Services and Memorials at Konkoin Temple
Buddhist Services of the Shingon-shu Buzan School
Konkoin Temple, as a temple of the Shingon-shu Buzan school, performs various Buddhist services based on the traditions of Esoteric Buddhism.
Main Memorial Services
- Funeral/Memorial Service
- Annual Memorial Services (First Anniversary, Third Anniversary, Seventh Anniversary, etc.)
- Memorial Services during Obon and Higan
- Eye-Opening Ceremony (when a new grave is built)
- Interment Ceremony
- Ancestor Memorial Service
About the Danka System
When using the temple cemetery, you may be required to become a danka (temple parishioner). By becoming a danka, you can cooperate in the maintenance and operation of the temple and receive continuous memorial services.
For detailed conditions and fees regarding danka, please contact Konkoin Temple directly. In recent years, more temples are becoming flexible regarding the danka system, so we recommend consulting with them according to your own situation.
Cultural Properties of Konkoin Temple
Stone Monument Designated as a Chiba City Cultural Property
As mentioned above, Konkoin Temple possesses a stone monument designated as a Chiba City cultural property. This stone monument, bearing the inscription dated February of the second year of Shoō (1289 AD), is believed to be the oldest existing stone monument in Chiba City and is a valuable cultural asset that conveys the stone art of the Kamakura period.
This cultural asset, a typical Musashi-style stone monument made of chlorite schist, is important evidence that tells the story of Konkō-in Temple’s long history. We recommend checking with the temple in advance regarding viewing the cultural asset.
For those considering graves and perpetual memorial services
Regarding costs
The cost of graves and perpetual memorial services varies greatly depending on the size and location of the plot and the type of memorial service. The general cost items are as follows:
For General Cemeteries
- Perpetual Use Fee: Fee to acquire the right to use a plot
- Gravestone Fee: Fee for the gravestone itself and construction
- Annual Management Fee: Fee for the maintenance and management of the cemetery
For Perpetual Memorial Services
- Perpetual Memorial Service Fee: Fee for memorial services paid in a lump sum
- Interment Fee: Fee for interring the remains
- Annual Management Fee: May not be required depending on the facility
For specific amounts, we recommend contacting Konkoin Temple directly or requesting information.
Flow of Visits and Consultations
- Reservation by Phone or Web: Advance reservations ensure a smoother experience
- On-site Visit: Actually check the cemetery environment and facilities
- Detailed Explanation: Explanation of fees, contract conditions, and memorial service details
- Consideration and Comparison: Compare and consider multiple options
- Contract and Procedures: Proceed with the contract after you are satisfied
About Grave Closure
Some people may be considering “grave closure,” which involves moving an existing grave to another location. Konkoin Temple may accept reburials; please contact them directly for details.
Closing a grave involves several steps, including procedures with the current cemetery administrator, removal of remains, and securing a new burial site.
Attractions around Konkoin Temple
Natural Environment of Wakaba Ward
Wakaba Ward in Chiba City is an area with abundant nature. Around Konkoin Temple, a rural landscape including Konkoin Yatsuda spreads out, allowing you to experience rich nature despite being close to the city.
Historical Walking Route
Along the Onari Kaido Road, there are many historical temples, shrines, and sites besides Konkoin Temple. Exploring the area at length as part of a historical walking route visiting places associated with Tokugawa Ieyasu is highly recommended.
Manners for Visiting Graves
Attire
For regular grave visits, casual attire is acceptable, but formal or semi-formal attire is appropriate when attending a memorial service.
Proper Way to Visit a Temple
In Shingon Buddhism, the following is the proper way to visit a temple:
- Bow at the temple gate
- Cleanse your hands and mouth at the water basin
- Visit the main hall
- Clean the graves
- Offer incense and flowers
- Bow and clasp your hands together
Items to Bring
- Incense
- Flowers
- Prayer beads
- Matches or lighter
- Cleaning supplies (broom, rag, etc.)
- Offerings (the deceased’s favorite foods, etc.)
Summary
Konkoin Temple is a Shingon sect temple of the Buzan branch with a history of over 700 years since its founding in 1289. It is located at 959 Kanekomachi, Wakaba-ku, Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture, and is also known as a place associated with Tokugawa Ieyasu.
It is easily accessible, located approximately 2 kilometers from Chishirodai Station and approximately 8 kilometers from the Chiba Prefectural Government Office by car, and has ample parking. This temple boasts a vast cemetery and may offer not only traditional burial plots but also perpetual memorial services.
Its charm lies in its harmonious blend of history and nature, including a stone monument designated as a Chiba City cultural property and the rich natural environment of the adjacent Konkoin Yatsuda area. For cemetery tours and consultations regarding perpetual memorial services, it is recommended to make a reservation by phone (043-236-3335) in advance.
When making important decisions regarding graves and memorial services, it is crucial to actually visit the site and confirm the atmosphere and environment of the temple. Konkoin, with its long history and tradition, can be considered a place where you can respectfully honor your loved ones.
