A Sacred Place Associated with Nichiren’s Birth
The Birthplace of Nichiren
Nichiren was born in 1222 in the Kominato area of present-day Chiba Prefecture. He later established the Buddhist tradition now known as Nichiren Buddhism, which emphasizes devotion to the Lotus Sutra.
Tanjoji was established at the site traditionally regarded as his birthplace. For followers of Nichiren Buddhism, this gives the temple an especially important religious significance.
Today, visitors can explore the temple grounds and learn about the life and teachings of Nichiren while experiencing the atmosphere of a historic Buddhist temple overlooking the coastal landscape of southern Chiba.
History of Tanjoji Temple
Foundation in 1276
Tanjoji was founded in 1276, during the Kamakura period, by Nikka, a disciple of Nichiren.
It was originally known as Kokosan Nichiren Tanjoji and was built at the site associated with Nichiren’s birthplace. The temple became an important center of pilgrimage for Nichiren’s followers.
Destruction by Earthquakes and Tsunamis
The original birthplace site did not remain unchanged. The area was severely affected by major earthquakes and tsunamis.
In 1498, the Meio Earthquake caused extensive coastal damage. More than two centuries later, the Genroku Earthquake of 1703 generated a devastating tsunami.
As a result of these disasters, the traditional site of Nichiren’s birthplace was eventually submerged by the sea. Tanjoji was subsequently relocated to its present location.
This history is an important reminder of the powerful natural forces that have shaped the coastline of the Boso Peninsula over the centuries.
Reconstruction during the Edo Period
During the Edo period, the temple was revitalized under its 26th head priest, Nikkō, with support from Tokugawa Mitsukuni, the famous lord of the Mito Domain.
The temple complex was rebuilt on a large scale, and its name was changed to Kominatosan Tanjoji.
However, much of the newly rebuilt complex was destroyed by a major fire in 1758. The Nio Gate was one of the few structures to survive.
Later, in 1842, the temple’s 49th head priest, Nissen, rebuilt the existing Founder’s Hall.
Modern Restoration
In the modern era, Tanjoji continued to receive support and underwent extensive reconstruction.
The temple was used as a place where prayers were offered for the recovery of Emperor Taisho from illness. From the Showa through Heisei periods, the temple also launched a fundraising campaign known as the “500,000 People Association”, which helped restore and reconstruct several buildings.
A major completion ceremony was held in 1992, marking an important stage in the modern restoration of the temple complex.
In 2001, the temple’s incense and the coastal atmosphere known as the “sea breeze of Tanjoji” were selected as part of Japan’s 100 Fragrant Landscapes, recognizing the distinctive sensory character of the site.
The Temple Buildings
Nio Gate
The Nio Gate was built in 1706 and repaired in 1991. It is a large two-story gate with an irimoya-zukuri roof, a traditional Japanese architectural style characterized by a combination of gabled and hipped roofing.
The gate is approximately eight bays wide, giving it an imposing appearance.
It is the oldest surviving building at Tanjoji and remarkably survived the great fire of 1758.
Nio Guardian Statues
On either side of the gate stand statues of the Kongo Rikishi, commonly known as Nio. These muscular guardian figures traditionally protect Buddhist temples and their sacred grounds.
The statues are attributed to Matsuzaki Hokyo. On the upper floor of the gate is a Hannya mask traditionally attributed to the famous sculptor Hidari Jingoro.
The Nio Gate is designated as a Tangible Cultural Property of Chiba Prefecture.
Main Hall
The present Main Hall was completed in 1991.
It is a single-story building with an irimoya-zukuri roof covered with traditional Japanese roof tiles. The building is approximately 7.8 bays wide and 8.8 bays deep.
Inside is a wooden image known as the Ten Realms Mandala Principal Image, donated by Tokugawa Mitsukuni and attributed to the Buddhist sculptor Sakyo Yasuhiro.
Ceiling Paintings
The ceiling is decorated with 82 paintings of Buddhist plants by artist Hibiki Ishikawa.
The botanical imagery adds a delicate artistic dimension to the interior and provides visitors with an opportunity to appreciate traditional Buddhist decorative art alongside the temple’s religious significance.
Founder’s Hall
The Founder’s Hall was rebuilt in 1842. It is an impressive irimoya-zukuri structure made almost entirely from zelkova wood.
A statue of Nichiren is enshrined inside. The ornate shrine structure surrounding the statue was donated by ladies-in-waiting of the Imperial Household during the Meiji era.
Painting of Heavenly Maidens
On the right side of the ceiling is a delicate painting of heavenly maidens created by Soma Daisaku, a samurai of the Nanbu Domain.
The detailed artwork reflects the artistic culture of the late Edo period and provides another reason to take time to look carefully inside the building.
Donated Buddhist Objects
Various Buddhist ritual objects inside the hall were donated by Nakayama Yoshiko, the birth mother of Emperor Meiji, and Yanagihara Naruko, the birth mother of Emperor Taisho.
These objects are valuable not only from a religious perspective but also for understanding the historical connections between Tanjoji and the Imperial Household.
Honshi-den Pagoda
Completed in 1988, the Honshiden Pagoda rises approximately 26 meters high.
Indian sandstone was used for the exterior of the tower. Inside the inner sanctuary is an image of Shakyamuni Buddha created by sculptor Fusazo Nishimura.
The walls contain approximately 500,000 sacred flower offerings called sange. The pagoda also houses approximately 133,000 handwritten copies of the Jigage, a section of the Lotus Sutra.
These vast collections symbolize the devotion of numerous worshippers and the importance of scripture in Nichiren Buddhist practice.
Treasure Hall
The Treasure Hall opened in 1989 and houses a collection of important historical and religious materials.
Exhibits include original handwritten works by Nichiren, calligraphy by successive head priests, and writings associated with historical figures and families such as the Satomi family, Kato Kiyomasa, and Tokugawa Mitsukuni.
The collection also contains precious objects received from the Imperial Household during the Meiji era, as well as 18 paintings depicting episodes from the life of Nichiren.
For visitors interested in Japanese history, the Treasure Hall provides useful context for understanding both Nichiren and the long development of the temple.
Guest Hall
The Guest Hall was constructed in 1933 as a reception facility for members of the Imperial family. The building is constructed almost entirely from Japanese cypress.
Its interior contains several refined rooms, including the Upper Room, Peony Room, and Cherry Blossom Room.
Upper Room
The Upper Room features a prestigious tokobashira pillar and decorative shelves made from exceptionally valuable mulberry wood said to be approximately 1,000 years old.
Peony and Cherry Blossom Rooms
The sliding-door paintings in the Peony Room and Cherry Blossom Room feature their respective flowers.
These designs bring the changing seasons indoors and reflect the Japanese appreciation of flowers as symbols of seasonal beauty.
Ryuo Hall
Ryuo Hall was built in 1890 as a memorial hall for ancestral tablets associated with successive generations of the Arisugawa Imperial family.
The garden behind the hall contains memorial monuments where prayers and memorial services have been conducted, including commemorations associated with ladies-in-waiting.
Rengega-fuchi and the Traditional Birthplace Site
The Legend of Rengega-fuchi
Rengega-fuchi is traditionally regarded as the site of Nichiren’s birthplace.
The original site was lost beneath the sea following the major earthquakes and tsunamis that struck the region in the late medieval and early modern periods.
The Legend of the Blue Lotus
The name Rengega-fuchi means roughly “Lotus Pool.”
According to local tradition, when Nichiren was born, an unusual blue lotus suddenly blossomed out of season. This miraculous event gave the place its name and became part of the sacred traditions surrounding Nichiren’s birth.
Walking to Benten Island
Today, a walking path has been developed along the area. At low tide, visitors can walk across to Benten Island.
The changing coastline offers a chance to appreciate the connection between Tanjoji’s religious traditions and the sea that has played such an important role in the area’s history.
Cultural Properties and Historical Treasures
Important Materials and Works of Art
In addition to its historic buildings, Tanjoji preserves a variety of cultural properties and religious materials.
- Stone Three-Story Pagoda — designated as a Tangible Cultural Property by Kamogawa City
- Large Wall Painting “Sange Reishuzan” — a major work by Hibiki Ishikawa
- Tomiki-dono Nyobo Gosho — an original handwritten work by Nichiren
- Portrait of Yakuomaru — an important historical image
- Old Map of Tanjoji — a valuable document showing the temple’s historical development
The Discovery Inside Nichiren’s Statue
In 1991, when the statue of Nichiren in the Founder’s Hall was being repaired, an old document written by Nichijo during the Muromachi period was discovered inside the statue.
The document refers to the concept of the “living founder” and contains records connected with Nichiren’s birth. Such materials are particularly significant because Buddhist statues were sometimes used as containers for sacred texts, documents, and other devotional objects.
The Lucky Tai of Tanjoji
The “Ganman no Tai” Tradition
One of Tanjoji’s distinctive symbols is the tai, or sea bream.
The fish is regarded as a messenger of the “Ganman no Soshi”, a devotional image of Nichiren associated with the fulfillment of wishes. Because the Japanese word tai appears in the auspicious expression medetai, meaning “auspicious” or “celebratory,” the fish also carries positive associations in Japanese culture.
Tanjoji offers a traditional good-luck item known as “Ganman no Tai.” There is also a local custom of avoiding eating sea bream because of its sacred association with the temple.
Access to Tanjoji Temple
From Awa-Kominato Station
Tanjoji is approximately a 5-minute drive from Awa-Kominato Station on the JR East Sotobo Line.
The temple can be combined with visits to other important religious sites in the surrounding area, including Seichoji Temple on Mount Seicho and Myorenji Temple on Mount Myonichi, both of which have strong connections with Nichiren Buddhism.
Visiting Tanjoji at New Year
Tanjoji attracts many visitors who come to see the first sunrise of the year.
However, visitors should be aware that the terrain around the temple can obstruct the sunrise itself. To see the sun rise clearly, it may be necessary to walk toward the tip of the nearby cape.
The coastline can be very dark before dawn, so visitors should take care when walking in the area, particularly around uneven or unfamiliar sections of the shore.
A Historic Temple of Nichiren Buddhism
Kominatosan Tanjoji is one of the most significant places associated with the life and birth of Nichiren. Its history combines religious tradition, dramatic natural disasters, traditional architecture, art, and the cultural history of the Imperial Household.
The temple’s buildings tell stories spanning several centuries. The Nio Gate survived the great fire of 1758, while the Founder’s Hall dates from 1842. Other structures were rebuilt during the modern era, creating a temple complex in which different periods of Japanese history can be seen side by side.
A Place Where History Meets the Sea
The connection between Tanjoji and the sea is particularly striking. The original birthplace site was lost to the ocean after powerful earthquakes and tsunamis, while the nearby Rengega-fuchi preserves traditions associated with Nichiren’s birth.
Visitors can explore the temple grounds, admire historic architecture and Buddhist art, and walk along the coastal paths around the former birthplace site. At low tide, the walk to Benten Island adds another scenic element to the visit.
For international travelers interested in Japanese Buddhism, religious history, traditional architecture, and coastal scenery, Tanjoji offers a fascinating glimpse into the enduring legacy of Nichiren and the cultural history of the Boso Peninsula.