A renowned temple famous for its prayers for warding off evil, counted among the Kanto's Three Great Temples. Features include a striking bell tower with a golden bell and a Toshogu Shrine associated with Tokugawa Ieyasu.
Train: Approximately 10-minute walk from Sano City Station on the Tobu Sano Line, or a 15-minute walk from Sano Station on the JR Ryomo Line and Tobu Sano Line.
Car: Approximately 15 minutes from Sano-Fujioka IC on the Tohoku Expressway, or approximately 15 minutes from Sano-Tanuma IC on the Kita-Kanto Expressway. Show route
Op.Hours
8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Cld.Days
Open every day
Fee
Admission fee: 300 yen for adults, 150 yen for children
INFO
There are many free parking lots available, including one on the temple grounds.
Souzoushi Temple, known as Sano Yakuyoke Daishi, is a Tendai Buddhist temple located in Sano City, Tochigi Prefecture. Its full name is "Kasugaokayama Tenpo-rinin Souzoushi Kanji Temple." It's famous for its prayers to ward off evil, dedicated to Ji-ei Daishi, a priest from the Heian period. Its widespread popularity stems from its television commercials aired throughout the Kanto region.
The temple boasts a rich history, traditionally founded in 944 AD (Tenkei 7) by Fujiwara no Hidesato. It was later relocated to its current location in 1602 (Keicho 7) by Sano Nobushige. The temple has deep ties to the Tokugawa Shogunate, having served as lodging for Tokugawa Ieyasu's remains during their transfer to Nikko.
The temple grounds are filled with captivating sights, including a bell tower distinguished by its golden bell, a Toshogu Shrine linked to Tokugawa Ieyasu, and the mausoleum of Tanaka Shozo. It also houses numerous valuable cultural assets, such as a Tenmei-chugyo bronze bell and Buddhist statues designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan.
Sano Yakuyoke Daishi is believed to grant various wishes, including warding off evil, ensuring family safety, ensuring traffic safety, business prosperity, and academic success. It draws a large number of worshippers throughout the year, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Make sure to visit during your sightseeing trip in Sano City.
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