History of Mano-ji Temple
Foundation and Principal Image
Mano-ji Temple is said to have been founded in 725. Its principal object of worship is a rare form of Thousand-Armed Kannon known as the “Masked Thousand-Armed Kannon.”
According to tradition, the statue was created by the renowned Buddhist monk Gyoki. However, based on its artistic characteristics, it is believed to have actually been sculpted during the late Heian period, around the 12th century.
Asahi Kaisen Daikokuten
The statue of Daikokuten at Mano-ji is traditionally said to have been carved by Ennin (Jikaku Daishi) in 860.
Known as the “Asahi Kaisen Daikokuten,” the statue is regarded as one of the largest surviving ancient Daikokuten statues in the Kanto region and is an important cultural property.
The temple also houses a group of Twenty-Eight Guardian Deities, said to have been created in 1335 by the Buddhist sculptor Kazusa Hokkyo.
Cultural Properties of Mano-ji Temple
Major Cultural Properties
- Wooden Statue of Thousand-Armed Kannon: Commonly known as the Masked Thousand-Armed Kannon, this wooden statue is a Chiba Prefecture Designated Tangible Cultural Property. It stands approximately 172.5 cm tall and is carved from zelkova wood.
- Wooden Statue of Daikokuten: Known as the Asahi Kaisen Daikokuten, this Chiba Prefecture Designated Tangible Cultural Property stands approximately 144.2 cm tall and is carved from camphor wood.
- Wooden Statues of the Twenty-Eight Guardian Deities: A valuable group of Buddhist sculptures dating from the Kamakura period.
- Fujin and Raijin Statues: Statues of the wind god and thunder god, both designated as Chiba Prefecture Tangible Cultural Properties.
Other Buddhist Statues and Carvings
Numerous other Buddhist statues and carvings can be found throughout the temple grounds and buildings.
- Wooden Standing Statue of Jizo Bodhisattva
- Wooden Standing Statue of Fudo Myoo, currently undergoing restoration
- Seated Statue of Nyoirin Kannon
- Sanbo Kojin, a Buddhist deity associated with the protection of the household and fire
- Statues representing the Seven Lucky Gods
- Hakujyu Enmei Jizo Bodhisattva, associated with longevity
- Jizo Bodhisattva for the memorial service of unborn or deceased children
- Wood carvings by Iha Hachiro, known as “Nami no Iha” (“Iha of the Waves”), on the transom of the Main Hall
Events at Mano-ji Temple
Annual Events
- January 1–3: New Year’s prayers
- January 6: Hatsu-Daikoku, the first Daikokuten festival of the year
- February 5: Yoidaikoku, the eve of the Daikokuten festival
- February 6: Grand Daikokuten Festival, the temple’s largest annual religious event
- June 6: Saito Goma fire ritual
- June 6–July 6: Hydrangea Festival
- July 6–mid-August: Furin Suzusai, a summer wind-chime event
- November 23: Special public unveiling of the temple’s principal image, the Masked Thousand-Armed Kannon
Monthly Events
- 6th of every month: Daikokuten Festival, except January and February
- 6th of every month: Kaiun Marche, or good-fortune market, except February
Special Lantern Events
Mano-ji holds a special Mando Festival in January, February, and November.
During these events, lanterns are lit along the steps leading to the Main Hall and on the Otoko-zaka, or “Men’s Slope.” The glowing lanterns create a beautiful and atmospheric setting around the historic temple.
Religious Charms and Amulets
Visitors can receive a variety of traditional Buddhist talismans and devotional items at Mano-ji, including:
- Treasure Hammer
- Goma Prayer Sticks and Talismans
- Yanagi-mamori
- Hoshasu-dama
- Various Ofuda and Omamori amulets
Access
- By car: Approximately 20 minutes from the Tomiura Interchange on the Futtsu-Tateyama Road.
- By public transportation: Approximately a 50-minute walk from Kunugiyama Station on the JR Uchibo Line.
Summary
Mano-ji Temple is one of the historic temples representing Minamiboso City. Its highlights include the unusual Masked Thousand-Armed Kannon, the fortune-bringing Asahi Kaisen Daikokuten, valuable Buddhist sculptures, and a wide variety of traditional religious events.
Visitors can experience the area’s long history and Buddhist traditions while enjoying the peaceful natural surroundings. Seasonal events such as the hydrangea festival, summer wind-chime displays, and lantern ceremonies offer additional opportunities to experience the distinctive atmosphere of this historic temple.