Kaigensan Honshoji Temple is an old temple standing in pear gardens with
much green in Ono. And this temple dedicates Daikokuten belonging to the Shichifukujin in Ichikawa. It was built by the venerable Nippo in Kamakura period, the disciple of the founder Nichiren and a son of Norinobu Soya, one of his faithful supporters of Nichiren.
Visitors could see the remains of Onojo Castle covered with green woods
on the hill on the way from the temple to Ichikawa Ono Station. Why don't
you visit Kaigensan Honshoji Temple?
Kaigensan Honshoji Temple was opened by the venerable Nippo in 1292. Nippo
was a disciple of the Founder Nichiren and he was a member of Soya Family,
his name was Naohide Shirouemon Soya. Nippo was dramatically impressed
at Nichiren's preaching at Nakayama Hokekyoji Temple and he became a believer
of Nichiren. After the death of Nichiren, Nippo opened his house to spread
the belief of Nichiren Sect, it was the beginning of Honshoji Temple.
According to some legends, there was a fort built by Masakado Taira in Ono, so Ono is connected land to him. Some said the name of Honshoji
Temple could come from him.
Though many important goods in Honshoji Temple had lost by fire, some halls
rebuilt during Shotoku Era (1711-16). In 1987, it was moved here to the
intensifying propagation and opened the new graveyard. The dedicating form
of the main hall is called 'itto ryoson shishi and shibosatsu (Buddha and
Taho Nyorai standing on both sides of a pagoda and the four bosatsus; Jogyo,
Muhengyo, Jogyo and Anryugyo standing on a step under them)' and the statue
of Nichiren. And Kishimojin, Jurasatsume, Daikokuten and Sanjubanshin stand on the both sides of the principle image of Honshoji
Temple.
The statue of Daikokuten is popular as a god belonging to Shichifukujin in Ichikawa.
Daikokuten is originally the gods in India who has been worshipped as
the god of wealth that he keeps teachings of Buddhism and makes plenty
of food. According to Buddhism, Daikokuten is an incarnation of Fukutoku
Enman Jizai Bosatsu (Bosatsu has perfect happiness and prosperity in his
own.) He smiles and puts a hood on his head, has a sack in his left hand
and a small malet in his right hand, and stands on straw rice bags. The
small mallet, the sack and the rice bags means the treasure of Fukurokuju.
The Founder Nichiren recommended the venerable Nichijo dedicating the Daikokuten. He told 'Actually you spend peaceful time in your everyday life, if you pray for Daikokuten, your wish could fulfill perfectly and your everyday life could be in peace and your future life could be good.' Then, Daikokuten is dedicated as the guardian god of Nichiren Shu. The statue of Daikokuten dedicated in Kaigensan Honshoji Temple was carved by the venerable Nissei, the 41st priest of this temple, at Nichirenshu Aragyodo.
By Kaigensan Honshoji Temple
皆原山本將寺大黒天像脇案内板より
Shichifukujin (the Seven Gods of Good Fortune) In Ichikawa City
Kaigensan Honshoji Temple has great accessibilities from both Narita and
Haneda International Airport.
From Narita International Airport, take JR Sobu-express line, transfer the line at Nishi-funabashi to Musashino Line bound to Fuchuhoncho or Higashi Tokorozawa, get off Ichikawa Ono Sta. And also take Hokuso Line, transfer the line at Higashimatsudo to Musashino Lline, get off Ichikawa Ono Sta. It takes minimally 50 minutes from Narita Airport.
From Haneda International Airport, take Keikyu-line bound to Narita, transfer the line at Takasago Sta to Hokuso Line, and transfer the line at Higashi Matsudo Sta to Musashino Line, get off Ichikawa Ono Sta. It takes almost 1 hour from Haneda Airport.
From Tokyo Sta, take Musashino Line bound to Fuchuhoncho or Higashi Tokorozawa, get off Ichikawa Ono Sta. It takes about 28 minutes from Tokyo Sta.
From Akihabara Sta, take Sobu line bound to Chiba, Tsudanuma or Nishi Funabashi, Ttransfer the line at Nishi Funabashi to Musashino Line bound to Fuchu Honcho or Higashi Tokorozawa, get off Ichikawa Ono Sta.