Kashozan Mirokuji Temple

Kashozan Mirokuji Temple stands north of Numata, east of the Tanigawa mountain range. The temple grounds are filled with fresh, pure air, creating a pleasantly refreshing atmosphere.
Founded in 848, the temple is widely known as the “Mountain of Tengu” and attracts many worshipers from throughout Japan. The tengu of Mt. Kasho is said to be Chuho, a divine youth who accompanied Zen Master Tenson, who established the temple as a Soto Zen temple. After the master’s death, Chuho vowed to relieve people of suffering and bring them joy before ascending to heaven from Mt. Anzan. A tengu mask was found where he had stood, and he came to be revered as a Buddha incarnated as a tengu. This gave rise to the custom of families enshrining tengu masks as manifestations of the Venerable Chuho.

Highlights include Japan’s largest tengu mask, considered one of Japan’s three great tengu, and the Great Tengu, created in the hope of eliminating traffic accidents. Each has a face measuring 6.5 meters long and a nose standing 2.8 meters high. Kashozan Mirokuji Temple is the only place where visitors can see masks of such impressive proportions.
Chuhodo Hall, where these tengu masks are enshrined, also contains many other masks of various sizes, filling the hall with tengu imagery. This unusual experience of being surrounded by tengu will make a memorable story to share after your trip.

In addition to Chuhodo Hall, Kashozan Mirokuji Temple has many historic places of interest, including the main hall, bell tower, and inner sanctuary. Be sure to visit and pay your respects at Kashodo Hall and Kaisando Hall as well.