Nakayama Hokekyoji, The Grand Head Temple Of Nichiren
The Grand Head Temple of Nichiren Sect, Hokekyo-ji was started in Kamakura period in the Middle Ages of 13th century, with many legends of the founder Nichren.
Nakayama was his peaceful place when Nichren involved in some troubles
with the Government at Kamakura, and also Nichren preached at. The Kishibojindo that dedicates the stutue of Kishibojin (the goddess of taking care of
children) carved by Nichiren himself is worshipped very popular and is
called as one of Edo Three Grand Kishibojin. Thousands of people visit
and bless of safe delivery of a baby, healthy child rearing, curing disease,
and rising prosperity of a company's fate.
Nakayama Hokekyo-ji Temple is the central training center of the incantations of Nichiren Sect. From November 1st to February 10th, it holds the 100 days severe practice
in cold weather every year. It is known one of the severest religious practice
in Japan.
Hokekyouji-Temple preserves the national treasures, they are very important
historical properties on the Buddhism in Japan. They are the two masterpieces,
'Rissho-ankoku-ron' and 'Kanjin-honzon-sho' written by the founder Nichiren himself. And the four architectures,
the Goju-no-to (the five-story pagoda)built in Edo period, the Hokke-do hall built in Kamakura period, the Soshi-do hall and the Yon-soku-mon gate built in Muromachi period are designated by the National Government as
the important cultural properties. There are many other cultural properties
like the framed-calligraphies by Koetsu Honami, the biggest Daibutsu in Chiba prefecture and so on.
There are some events held in Hokekyo-ji Temple. In Spring, the cherry blossomes blooming there look excitingly beautiful.
Hokekyouji-Temple has a great accessibility from both Narita and Haneda
International Airport.
From Narita International Airport, take Keisei-line and get off Keisei-Nakayama
Sta, take minimally 40 minutes from Narita Airport.. And also take JR Sobu-exoress
line, transfer the line at Funabashi to Sobu-Local line, get off Shimousa-Nakayama
Sta.
From Haneda International Airport, take Keikyu-line bound to Narita, and
get off Keisei-Nakayama Sta.
From Tokyo Sta, take Sobu-Express line bound to Chiba or Narita, transfer
the line to Sobu-Local line bound to Chiba, Tsudanuma, or Nishi-Funabashi
at Ichikawa Sta, get off Shimousa-Nakayama Sta.
From Akihabara Sta, take Sobu line bound to Chiba, get off Shimousa-Nakayama
Sta.
Take 1 minute walk from Keisei-Nakayama Sta, and take 5 minutes walk from
Shimousa-Nakayama Sta.
Takikyakuden is the main hall of Hokekyoji and it has the business office and Kishibojindo Hall dedicated to the goddess of children on the end of the long corrido of the main hall.
In spring, there is millions of cherry blossoms in Hokekyoji and in summer, lotus blooms on ryuo-ike pond. In fall, there are beautiful colored leaves. Every season, visitors could enjoy seeing the sights.
It dedicates Hokushin Myouken Star that the Chiba Family deeply believed in, Hokekyoji traditionally succeeds. In November, Tori-no-ich is held in the site to dedicate the star.
The founder Nichiren preached first time at the Toki's castle called Wkakamiya Yakata. And Toki built a temple 'Hokkeji', it is the origin of Oku no In.