Shounzan Mirokuin

Shounzan Mirokuin Review

A popular neighborhood chapel called "Shawase no Jizo" or "Happy Jizo" by locals, it houses a lovely image of Jizo in an orange-red robe holding a child on his left arm and a pilgrim's staff in his right hand. As the bodhisattva who descends into the darkest hells to save those in need, Jizo is also the protector of children and the guardian of travelers, and his image is frequently found along roads and paths where devotees clothe him in colored bibs and caps. While the chapel is open year-round, the main temple that enshrines Dainichi Nyorai, or the Cosmic Buddha, is open only from April to early May. This temple represents the ascetic mountain tradition - a fusion of Shinto, Tantric Buddhism, and mountain veneration - known as Shugendo. In August, Shugendo practitioners affiliated with the temple gather to conduct a saito goma, an outdoor fire ceremony for purification. It is a colorful and dynamic expression of their commitment and also open to the public.