Naritasan Shinsho-ji (Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple)

Overview

It is said that in 940 CE (Ten<audio|> 3), by imperial decree of Emperor Suzaku, Kancho Daiso-sho established this temple and relocated the Fudo Myoo statue—which was personally carved and consecrated by Kukai (Kobo Daishi)—to this site to pacify the rebellion of Taira no Masakado. It is the head temple of the Chizan branch of the Shingon sect. Known as 'Narita no Ofudo-sama,' it attracts over 10 million worshipers annually, ranking second in Japan for the number of first-visit worshipers (Hatsumode) after Meiji Jingu. The temple complex from the Edo period remains, including the Main Hall (Daihondo), the Three-Story Pagoda, Shaka-do, and Gakudo; Shaka-do and Komyo-do are designated as Important Cultural Properties.

Highlights

• ・The Main Hall (Daihondo) and daily Goma (fire ritual) prayers
• ・Important Cultural Properties: Shaka-do and Komyo-do
• ・Naritasan Park
• ・Setsubun-e (annual bean-throwing ceremony featuring celebrities)