Overview
Chofukuji has a long history dating back almost seven centuries. Its well-maintained grounds feature impressive buildings, including the Main Hall, Founder’s Hall, and Shichimen Hall.
Behind the temple are forested mountains, while the approach to the temple includes the 320-step Jinriki-zaka, a long stone staircase whose name can be translated as “Hill of Divine Strength.” Walking up the steps provides a peaceful experience surrounded by nature and offers visitors an opportunity for quiet reflection.
History of the Temple’s Foundation
Chofukuji is traditionally said to have been founded on April 28, 1337, during the Nanboku-cho period of Japanese history.
The temple was founded by Nikkei, a disciple of Daikyo Ajari Nichirin, the third chief priest of Ikegami Honmonji. Nikkei is said to have originally practiced as a Shugenja, an ascetic associated with Japan’s mountain religious traditions. After embracing Nichiren Buddhism, he established Chofukuji as a temple of the Nichiren school.
Shichimen Daimyojin and Shichimen Hall
One of Chofukuji’s most distinctive features is the Shichimen Hall, which houses an image of Shichimen Daimyojin, a protective deity associated with Nichiren Buddhism and Mount Shichimen.
The statue is traditionally attributed to Nichiro, one of Nichiren’s leading disciples. It is also said to have been carved from the same piece of wood as the Shichimen Daimyojin statue enshrined at Mount Minobu in Yamanashi Prefecture. These two statues are therefore known as an example of “one tree, two statues”, or ichiboku-nitai.
This tradition gives the statue a special religious connection with Mount Minobu, one of the most important sacred mountains in the Nichiren Buddhist tradition.
Temple Buildings and Grounds
The grounds of Chofukuji contain several historic buildings, including the Main Hall, Founder’s Hall, Shichimen Hall, Bell Tower, and Priests’ Quarters. Many of these structures have been rebuilt or renovated over the centuries while retaining their traditional roles.
Main Hall
Records indicate that the Main Hall was rebuilt in 1720 and again in 1846. The present building, however, was reconstructed in 1967.
The temple’s principal Buddhist image is enshrined in the traditional “one stupa, two honored ones, and four attendants” arrangement, an important iconographic form in Nichiren Buddhism.
Founder’s Hall
The Founder’s Hall has also undergone several reconstructions, including rebuilding in 1720 and 1868. The hall enshrines Nichiren, the founder of Nichiren Buddhism, along with successive patriarchs and religious figures associated with the temple.
Shichimen Hall
The Shichimen Hall is dedicated to Shichimen Daimyojin and is one of the temple’s most important buildings.
Every year on April 19, the temple holds the Shichimenzan Grand Festival. The event includes Buddhist prayer services and traditional entertainment and attracts many worshippers.
Bell Tower
The original bell tower was built in 1706 and reconstructed in 1953.
On New Year’s Eve, the temple participates in the traditional Japanese custom of Joya no Kane. The temple bell is struck 108 times to symbolically leave behind the worldly desires and attachments of the old year before welcoming the new year.
Priests’ Quarters
The Priests’ Quarters, or kuri, were built in 1846 and renovated in 1970. The building serves as part of the everyday living and working space for the head priest and other clergy.
Annual Events
Chofukuji holds a variety of Buddhist ceremonies and traditional events throughout the year. Many are closely connected with the religious life of the local community and help preserve customs that have been passed down through generations.
Main Annual Events
- New Year’s First Visit: January 1
- Setsubun Festival: February 3 – bean throwing and Buddhist prayers
- Spring Equinox Memorial Service: Around the spring equinox
- Shichimenzan Grand Festival: April 19 – prayer ceremonies and entertainment
- Segaki Memorial Service: August 16
- Autumn Equinox Memorial Service: Around the autumn equinox
- Nichiren Founder’s Memorial Ceremony: November 16
- Joya no Kane: December 31 – the traditional 108 strikes of the temple bell
Monthly Ceremony
On the 19th of every month, Chofukuji holds the Shichimenzan Monthly Festival. Local residents and worshippers gather for prayers and religious observances dedicated to Shichimen Daimyojin.
Access
- Address: 841 Sugito, Katsuura City, Chiba Prefecture
- By car: Approximately 10 kilometers from JR East Katsuura Station, about 10 minutes by car
A Historic Temple Surrounded by Nature
Chofukuji Temple is one of Katsuura’s historic Buddhist temples, combining centuries of religious tradition with a peaceful natural setting.
The temple’s historic buildings, the long 320-step Jinriki-zaka, and the Shichimen Daimyojin tradition all give the temple a distinctive character. The annual ceremonies, particularly the Shichimenzan Grand Festival, also provide an opportunity to experience the living religious culture of the local community.
For visitors interested in Japanese Buddhist history, traditional temples, and quiet places of spiritual reflection, Chofukuji offers a chance to discover a lesser-known side of Katsuura beyond its beaches and coastal scenery.