Mamasan Guhoji Temple: Goshuin and Visitor Guide

Previous visit records and photos (posted in 2014)

The following account preserves the original visit experience and historical introduction. The photographs and encounters at the counter date from that publication; they do not describe a new visit. Old access instructions have been replaced by the checked information above. Historical accounts and spiritual benefits are presented as traditions and beliefs.

Guhoji Temple where you will be greeted by magnificent weeping cherry blossoms as you climb the stairs in front of Mt.
The main hall enshrines rare statues of Shakyamuni Buddha, the Four Bodhisattvas, and the Four Heavenly Kings, which are said to be the oldest in the Nichiren sect.
The monk I asked for goshuin was very kind, and while showing me around the main hall and Soshi-do hall, he taught me about auspicious origins and the principal image. I had a wonderful time there. This is one of the recommended temples.

Nichiren sect head temple Mamasan Guhoji Temple

Kaiki

Six Elderly Monks Iyo Ajari Nichicho Saint

Auspicious origin

According to the temple's tradition, Gyoki built a temple in the Nara period to commemorate the tragic local woman Tegona.
Kobo Daishi Kukai is said to have rebuilt its temple complex during the Heian period and renamed it Guhoji.
In the Kamakura period, a religious debate between the abbot and Nichijo led to its development as a centre of Lotus Sutra practice, continuing to the present.

①Tegona Reijindo→

At the foot of the hill of Mama stands the hall dedicated to Tegona.
She is associated with finding a good partner, conceiving a child, safe childbirth and raising a healthy child.

②Niomon

A mountain gate that stands at the top of about 60 steps in front of Mt.
Inside was a magnificent Nio statue guarding it.

To the left of the 27th step from the bottom of the stairs is a mysterious stone called the [Tear Stone] that is always wet.

During the Edo period, Nagayori Suzuki, who was transporting stones for the construction of Nikko Toshogu Shrine, felt that Guhoji Temple had something to do with Buddha after his boat stopped moving at Ichikawa, so he decided to use it for the stone steps of the temple on his own. Nagayori was later held responsible by the shogunate, and committed seppuku on the stone steps. It is said that the reason why the stone is always wet is because of Nagayori's blood and tears.
...When I came up the stairs without knowing anything, I thought that I had probably stepped hard enough, so I clasped my hands together and apologized as I was leaving. .

③Main shrine (Sakyamuni Buddha)

The hall enshrines a wooden Shakyamuni Buddha making the teaching mudra, traditionally consecrated by Nichijo and described as one of the oldest such images in the Nichiren school.
It is flanked by the Four Bodhisattvas—Jogyo, Muhengyo, Jyogyo and Anryugyo—and the Four Heavenly Kings, Jikokuten, Komokuten, Zochoten and Tamonten. These valuable figures are said to date from the Kamakura period.
Thanks to the monk's kindness, we were able to view them close to the altar, a deeply moving experience.

④Tachi Daikokutendo

It enshrines a small statue of Daikokuten, which is said to have been carved by Nichiren Daishonin himself and carried in his pocket at all times when he was training on Mt. Hiei.
It is said that the figure holding a long sword is said to have a miraculous effect on praying for [warding off evil spirits], but unfortunately, the door to the temple was closed on the day I visited, so I was not able to see it.
According to the monks, they visit the shrine one day every month to pray on Koshi Day, and you can visit it during memorial festivals.

⑤Jakkodo Kannon Temple

It was built as a mausoleum for eternal memorial service to Heisei 7 (1995).
I didn't notice that it was located at the back of the main hall, so I couldn't visit it.

⑥Zoshido

Nichiren Daishonin is enshrined at the centre, together with Nichijo and Nichinichi.
The hall seemed to have been built only a few years before my visit and smelled of cypress. Its front and rear have different architectural forms, associated with an auspicious meaning.

⑦Bell Tower

It is located on a slightly raised area just after entering the Sanmon gate.
It is said that you can see a panoramic view of Ichikawa city from Tsukimi no Hiroba.

Notes from the visit

Visiting hours

Approximately 2 hours (including Tegona Reijindo)