Jigenji Temple (Nada Kannon)
Jigenji Temple is located in Hamatsuga, Kashima City. It belongs to the Chizan sect of Shingon Buddhism, and its sango (mountain name) is Godosan. It is situated on National Route 51, at the northern end of the city. If you're coming from the Kashima Stadium area, you'll see the pedestrian bridge in the photo, so turn right there.
First, let's explore the temple grounds. Jigenji's bell is located high up with a great view, so the sound of the bell seems to resonate far and wide.
Even better is the view from the "Boyodai" (ocean-viewing platform). Jigenji Temple is one of the 88 Kannon pilgrimage sites in the Kanto region, and it's the only one where you can see the Pacific Ocean. I'd love to visit again on a clear day!
Q. What is this?
A. It's a handwashing station. Water was collected in the holes, and people would use a dipper to wash their hands after using the facilities.
Jigenji Temple is said to have been founded during the Tenpyo-Shoho era (749-757). Until the separation of Shinto and Buddhism, it was said, "After visiting Kashima-sama (Kashima Jingu Shrine), pray to Kannon-sama," and many pilgrims visited it as an "ura-mairi" (back-door pilgrimage). This is because Jigenji Temple was built on this site as a guardian temple for the northern demon's gate. It is also said to have once been located in Tsuga, Kashima City, but this has not been confirmed.
If you visit, also take a look at the emblem on the upper part of the main hall. Of the three, the left and right are exactly the same mitsudomoe (three-comma pattern) crest as Kashima Jingu Shrine! The center is a chrysanthemum crest. Tekoshi Gozen Shrine also has the mitsudomoe crest!
Kamisu City Goshuin Pilgrimage Part 1 - To the southernmost tip of Ibaraki! Tekoshi Gozen Shrine
In summer, Bon Odori (Bon dance) is held in the open space in front of the main hall. Unfortunately, it couldn't be held this year, but it's a local annual event that attracts about 1,000 people every year!
*Photo from 2019, provided by Jigenji Temple.
The sign for the Kanto 88 Kannon Pilgrimage is quietly located near the Agyo statue. As someone who has recently been working on their abs, I wonder, "Are his abs 12-pack...?!" He's beyond human. Of course he is.
Nokyo (temple seal) is provided as a pre-written sheet. Please pay the offering fee yourself and receive it. The right is for the Kanto 88 Kannon Pilgrimage, sized for a nokyocho (pilgrimage book), and the left is for the Higashi Koku Hana no Tera (Eastern Land Flower Temples) 100 Temples, sized for a goshuincho (seal book).
The upper left of the left goshuin has a stamp commemorating the 20th anniversary of Higashi Koku Hana no Tera. This is limited to this year!
At temples, goshuin are often called "nokyo." They are given as proof that a copy of a sutra has been offered, and they don't have a date. This is because pilgrimages are meant to be done multiple times, and from the second time onwards, only an overlapping seal is received. "A nokyocho filled with overlapping red seals becomes quite heavy," explained副住職 (sub-head priest) Nakanishi. Thank you for your cooperation.
Also, be sure to get the "Everything Will Go Well - Henokappa Amulet!"
Text and Photos: Sakurai (Community Collaboration Team)
【Jigenji Temple Basic Information】
378 Hamatsuga, Kashima City, Ibaraki Prefecture (15 minutes by car from Kashima Stadium)
TEL: 0299-69-2096
Nokyo: 8:00 - 17:00