History of Senchakuji Temple
Origins of the Temple’s Name
Senchakuji was founded in 1454 by the revered Buddhist priest Kanyo Yuso. Its formal name is Keitozan Saikyoin Senchakuji.
According to tradition, the priest once stopped to rest at this location, and the small hermitage where he stayed became known as Saikyoin, meaning a place of rest.
The name Keitozan is also connected with a distinctive local scene. A rooster perched on the branch of a pine tree reminded the priest of Keito Ma-dera, a Buddhist training center in China. This association is said to have inspired the temple’s mountain name.
The Life of Priest Kanyo Yuso
Kanyo Yuso later became the ninth chief priest in the lineage of Komyoji Temple, a major Jodo sect temple in Kamakura.
His reputation as a Buddhist teacher extended beyond the temple. He was invited by Emperor Go-Tsuchimikado to teach the teachings of Pure Land Buddhism at the imperial court, demonstrating the high regard in which his learning and religious teachings were held.
The Meaning of “Senchaku”
The word “Senchaku” expresses the idea of “choosing” or “selecting.” It is associated with the teachings of Honen, the founder of the Jodo sect, and emphasizes the importance of choosing the Pure Land teachings as the path of religious practice.
The name can also be understood more broadly as a reminder of the importance of making meaningful choices in life.
Jodo Buddhism and Its Teachings
Senchakuji belongs to the Jodo sect of Buddhism, which was established by the Buddhist priest Honen in 1175, during the Kamakura period.
Jodo Buddhism teaches that people can seek rebirth in the Pure Land by placing their faith in Amida Buddha and reciting the nenbutsu, “Namu Amida Butsu”. The practice offers a path of spiritual comfort and hope for people facing the difficulties of life.
Cultural Heritage
The Main Hall
The present main hall was built in 1930. Although constructed using reinforced concrete, its design carefully reproduces the form and appearance of a traditional Japanese wooden Buddhist hall.
Its distinctive architectural style was recognized for its cultural value, and the building was designated a Nationally Registered Tangible Cultural Property in 2000.
The principal image of worship is a standing statue of Amida Nyorai, traditionally attributed to Jikaku Daishi Ennin and believed to date from the late Heian period.
The statue is normally kept from public view and can be seen by visitors once a year during the Ojuya Buddhist memorial service.
The Grave of Ko-mo-yasu
The temple grounds are also home to the grave of Yamaguchi Takizo, who is said to have been the model for “Bat An”, the companion of the famous kabuki character Kirare Yosaburo.
Kirare Yosaburo appears in the classic kabuki play “Yowa Nasake Ukina no Yokogushi.” The grave has attracted visitors interested in the history and legends surrounding the play and its connection with Kisarazu.
Annual Events
O-Enma-sama Festival
Every year on August 16, Senchakuji holds the O-Enma-sama Festival, a traditional event that has continued since the Edo period.
The event is associated with Enma, the Buddhist judge of the dead. According to traditional belief, this day is a special holiday in the realm of the dead, when departed souls are granted a period of rest.
During the festival, food stalls and other temporary vendors line the temple grounds, creating a lively summer atmosphere that has become a familiar part of Kisarazu’s seasonal traditions.
Visitors can also pray for freedom from misfortune and household safety, with prayer applications accepted at the temple.
Senchakuji and Kabuki
“Yowa Nasake Ukina no Yokogushi” and Kisarazu
Kisarazu serves as one of the settings associated with the famous kabuki play “Yowa Nasake Ukina no Yokogushi.” The story incorporates legends connected with the local area, and Senchakuji is one of the historic sites associated with its characters.
Visiting the grave of the man said to have inspired the character Bat An offers an opportunity to explore the connection between Kisarazu’s local history and the world of traditional Japanese theater.
Access
Address: 1-5-6 Chuo, Kisarazu City, Chiba Prefecture, Japan
By Train
Senchakuji is within walking distance of JR Kisarazu Station, making it an easy stop when exploring the historic center of the city.
A Historic Temple in Central Kisarazu
Senchakuji Temple offers a fascinating combination of Buddhist history, traditional architecture, local legends, and Japanese performing arts.
From its origins in the Muromachi period and its connection with the teachings of Honen to its registered main hall and association with kabuki, the temple reflects many layers of Kisarazu’s cultural heritage.
For visitors interested in Japanese Buddhism, traditional architecture, local folklore, or kabuki theater, Senchakuji provides a chance to discover a quieter and historically rich side of Kisarazu.