Guide
Tanjo-ji is a significant temple of the Jodo Shu sect located in Kume-Minami, Kume District, Okayama Prefecture. It is widely revered as the sacred birthplace of Honen Shonin, the founder of Jodo Shu Buddhism. The temple's mountain name is Tochikosan. The primary deity enshrined is Enko Daishi (the posthumous title granted to Honen by the Imperial Court). The grounds are home to numerous treasures, including the Mikado-do, a National Important Cultural Property, and several Okayama Prefecture-designated cultural assets and historical sites, making it a vital pilgrimage site for tracing the footsteps of Honen Shonin.
The origins of Tanjo-ji date back to 1193 (Kenkyu 4). Kumagai Naozane, a warrior from the Bando region, became a disciple of Honen and entered the priesthood under the name Rensei. Out of deep devotion to Honen, Rensei established this temple on the former residence of Honen's father, the local official Kume no Oshirui Shizukuni, which served as Honen's birthplace. Consequently, the temple was once known as