Raigoin Temple is a Tendai Buddhist temple located in Ryugasaki City, Ibaraki Prefecture. Its mountain name is Hakonezan. Officially, it is called Hakonezan Hotoji Raigoin Temple. Tradition holds that its origins lie in a thatched hut built in 1517 (the 14th year of the Eishō era) in Namma Village, Kawachi County, Hitachi Province (present-day Ono, Inagi City), by Ōzen-ji Temple of the same county. In 1556 (the 2nd year of the Kōji era), Kakusen of Enryaku-ji Temple established a temple complex on this site, becoming its first abbot. The temple's subsequent history is unclear, but it received support from Kan'ei-ji Temple in Edo, suggesting a close relationship. In 1631 (the 8th year of the Kan'ei era), Genkō rebuilt the temple, and in 1791 (the 3rd year of the Kansei era), it received 200 ryō (an old Japanese currency unit) from Kan'ei-ji Temple for the reconstruction of the kuri (temple priest's residence) and the main hall.
Raigoin Temple's symbolic Tahoto pagoda is one of the few remaining medieval structures in the Kanto region and north, and its historical significance has earned it designation as a nationally Important Cultural Property. A standard three-bay pagoda, its roof is thatched. The interior features a rai-gō-chū (a pillar supporting the image of the Amida Buddha) towards the rear and a Shūmi-dan (altar), inheriting traditional architectural styles. Based on the detailed architectural style of the pagoda and comparisons with the Niomon gate of Sai-ren-ji Temple (built in 1543, the 12th year of the Tenbun era), the Raigoin Tahoto pagoda is also estimated to have been built in the mid-16th century.
The pagoda has undergone several repairs over the centuries, its history etched in its scars and repair marks. These repairs took place in 1860 (the 7th year of Ansei), 1894 (the 27th year of Meiji), 1919 (the 8th year of Taishō), 1961 (the 36th year of Showa), and 1998-2001 (Heisei 10-13).
Raigoin Temple is beloved by many as a place to experience history and culture. Find peace in its tranquility and feel the breath of history. The beautiful scenery throughout the four seasons—cherry blossoms in spring, autumn leaves in fall—makes it a worthwhile visit year-round.
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