The temple is open to the public once every seven years [Yonago Fudoson, Suzaka

  • Nagano
  • Sightseeing

A different Gokaicho from Zenkoji Temple!

It has been five months since the once-every-seven-years Zenkoji Gokaicho ended on June 29, 2022.
The next Zenkoji Gokaicho will not be held until seven years from now, but we have received information that another Gokaicho, this time in Suzaka City, Nagano Prefecture, began on October 13, 2022, at Yonago Fudoson!

What is Yonago Fudoson in the first place?

The official name of the temple is "Yonago Fudoson Honbo Yonago Takiyama Fudoji Temple and Okunoin Temple," and it is a temple belonging to the Toyozan school of the Shingon sect, with Haseji Temple in Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture as its head temple.
Over the years, the temple has come to be familiarly known as "Yonago Fudo.
It has also been called "Yonago no O-fudo-san" since long ago. It is a Shingon esoteric Buddhism temple that prays and prays for worldly benefits such as safety in the home, good health, a good harvest, and protection from bad luck.
The main deity, Fudo Myoo, is said to be the work of Itto Sangrei, who was commissioned by Emperor Saga to be carved by Kobo Daishi (Kukai) for the protection of the nation.
It is said that three Fudo Myoo were created from a single sacred tree, a zelkova tree, which the emperor of the time had in his possession, and that they were called the "Nihon Santai Fudo" (Three Fudo Myoo in Japan).
The main image of Yonago Fudoson is one of the three most venerable Fudoson in Japan, along with Fudoson in Narita, Chiba and Sugaya Fudoson in Niigata.
Image courtesy of Yonago Fudoson

It can be seen only once every seven years! Secret Buddha Uesugi Kenshin's Pillow-Honzon Bishamonten-o

On October 13, 2022, Yonago Fudoson held the Gokaicho of the Bishamonten-o, the main image of the hidden Buddha Uesugi Kenshin's pillow.
The Bishamonten-Oh, which is about 15 centimeters in height, is a pillowed Buddha, so those who see it for the first time may think it is smaller than expected, but it is a Bishamonten-Oh with a great spiritual power.
It is called "Uesugi Kenshin's Pillow Venerable Bishamonten-o," because Kenshin Uesugi used to keep it by his side when he slept.
When the author visited Bishamonten-Oh, the solemn atmosphere of the temple made me feel subconsciously tightened up.

Get a special red seal at Traveling Kita-Shinano!

From October 13, 2022, a new service called "Tabisuru Kita-Shinano" (Traveling Kita-Shinano) has started, allowing visitors to enjoy convenient and economical travel in the Nagano and Kita-Shinano areas with a single smartphone.
To commemorate the opening of the temple, Yonago Fudoson also offers an electronic sightseeing ticket that includes a red seal and a visit fee.
The regular admission fee is 600 yen + 600 yen for the red seal = 1,200 yen, but if you pay with this Traveling Kita-Shinano sightseeing electronic ticket, the total of the admission fee and red seal fee will be 1,000 yen, a savings of 200 yen!
In addition, a special hanaoshi seal will be stamped on the red seal for those who pay with the Traveling Kita-Shinano sightseeing electronic ticket.
The Yonago Fudo Temple's Gokaicho will be open until November 21, 2022! The next one will be in seven years by my count.
Why not take this opportunity to visit Yonago Fudoson?

*The visit to the hidden Buddha, Bishamonten-o, will be closed on the 1st and 15th during the period.
*The temple may be closed on an emergency basis.
*Please call to confirm when you visit.
*Please check the website for more information on traveling Kitashinano.
Yonago Fudoson Honbo Yonago Takiyama Fudoji Temple and Okuno-in Temple】Website
【Traveling Kita-Shinano】Official website
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