The Fukuichiman Kokuzobosatsudo is said to be one of the greatest temples dedicated to the Bodhisatva Akasagarbha in Japan. It is commonly called Kokuzo-san by the locals, and according to legend, it was erected as a prayer hall by the 2nd lord of the Hachinohe Domain, Naomasa Nanbu.
During the Meiji Restoration, the Japanese government enacted a policy called the Shibutsu Bunri Policy. According to this policy, Shinto and Buddhism had to be separated, and so the original prayer hall separated into the Ryukosan Shrine and the current Fukuichiman Kokuzobatsudo.
The Bodhisatva enshrined in the hall is the patron of people born in the year of the Ox and Tiger. Fittingly, there are two large stone statues of an Ox and Tiger at its entrance. If you touch these two statues they are said to bring you good luck.
Information
- Address:
- Furubo-61 Nangō Ōaza Shimamori, Hachinohe, Aomori
- Access:
- By Car: 5 minutes from Nango IC
35 minutes from JR Hachinohe Station
30 minutes from downtown Hachinohe - Parking:
- None
