Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple is actually a very large complex containing sanctuaries, gates, museums, halls, and even a forested park on the top of a hill in Narita, only a short train ride from Narita Airport itself. It is an excellent place for visitors to enjoy historical architecture and culture on a short trip with limited free time, but it is also a treasure for those who have seen more common tourist locations.
Daito pagoda steps
Five of the buildings are designated Important Cultural Properties, the oldest being from 1701. However, the temple itself has roots over a thousand years old.
Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple
One of the primary objects of worship is a statue of Fudomyo carved by Kobo Daishi, the founder of Shingon Buddhism. During a bloody rebellion, a famous priest named Kancho carried the statue from Kyoto to the battlefield on the Boso Peninsula and prayed for peace. After he arrived, the prayers were answered and the rebellion ended. Legend says that Kancho then tried to return to Kyoto, but the statue refused to move and its mouth opened, ordering him to stay and help others in the area. In 940, Kancho founded Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple and enshrined the Fudomyo statue.
Somon Gate (Rear) Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple
In the Edo Period, the temple gained popularity among Kabuki actors and other related employees because one of the famous actors played Fudomyo on the stage and went there to pray. Even today, there are strong ties to the kabuki theater, and one of the halls at Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple contains votive tablets donated by famous celebrities.
Three Storied Pagoda @ Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple
Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple is only a 10-minute walk from Narita Station, which serves both the JR and Keisei line trains. Narita Station is only one stop from Narita International Airport, making it a convenient place to visit at one end of a trip.
For more information: http://naritasan.or.jp/english/index.html
Light / 火焔光宝珠(かえんこうほうじゅ)
photos by: Nelo Hotsuma & Hetarllen Mumuriken, Nelo Hotsuma, Nelo Hotsuma, TANAKA Juuyoh (田中十洋)
