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Naritasan Shinshoji Temple is the main temple of the Shingon Sect of Chizan-ha Buddhism, which was established in 940.
The temple is dedicated to Fudo Myouou, the god of fire; the image of which was carved and consecrated by Saint Kobo Daishi.
Since its foundation, Shinshoji has attracted many followers, and is visited by about ten million people a year.
In commemoration of the 1070th year of the foundation, the special exposition of the secret buddha statues is held.

The official name is Meishozan Toshoji Temple.
This temple was built in the memory of those killed in battle, when Sakanoueno Tamuramaro suppressed a civil war in the Tohoku area during the era of Emperor Kammu (781-806).
In addition to the main hall, the tombs of Sogo and his son, a sacred treasure hall where personal effects of Sogo are displayed, and Sogo Ichidaiki-kan (Sogo biography hall) where the detailed scenes of Sogo making a direct appeal are reproduced by 66 dolls and 13 scenes are on the premises.
Ajisai (hydrangea) festival is held in June every year.

Shibayama Niouson Kannonkyo Temple, founded in 781 at the end of the Nara Period, is one of the greatest time-honored temples with a history of over 1200 years.
On the temple premises, there is the “Niousan”, as well as “Juichimen Kannonzou,” the principal image of the temple created in early Kamakura Period, which is famous as a talisman against evils; and the three-tiered pagoda, which is designated as a prefectural tangible cultural asset.

Kasamori-Kannon built in 784 was enshrined in the Kannon-do temple, which was constructed in a unique style in Japan, called “Shihokake-zukuri,” and opened with the Imperial prayer in 1028.

This temple constructed about 1000 years ago is also called “Kuchu-Jiin (temple in the air)” and designated by the government as one of the important cultural assets.

This unique structure with a tremendous impact was depicted in Hiroshige’s “Ukiyo-e” woodblock print and found in a haiku (Japanese poem in seventeen syllables) by Matsuo Basho. The precious forests in the surrounding mountains with plants peculiar to the northern and southern districts of Japan are designated as a national natural treasure.

Located at the southern end of Kujyu-kuru beach in eastern Japan (where the sun rises), the shrine has a history of more than 1,200 years.

A sea-goddess is enshrined here, and the shrine esteems and protects females, especially motherhood. From time immemorial, the shrine is considered to bring romance, bless couples with children, and ensure easy delivery and childrearing. It was reported that samurai warriors prayed here for their wives’ easy delivery in ancient times.

Kazusa Twelve Shrine Festival, a significant intangible folk cultural asset, is held in September every year. People celebrate the once-a-year reunion of the gods and goddesses, and more than ten portable shrines gather to celebrate this occasion. The scene of naked (loin-cloth clad) young men running at full speed on Kujyu-kuri beach against the backdrop of the ocean is gallant and overwhelming.

Hanko Danrin (school annexed to Hankoji Temple), which was opened in 1580 and prospered primarily in the Edo Period, is the oldest, largest, and best Nichiren-sect school for training monks - at its peak six to eight hundred monks are said to have studied at this school.

In the Meiji Period, the school was abolished due to the educational system reform, but the lecture hall, bell tower, drum tower, and front gate have been preserved; and are designated as national important cultural assets.

In commemoration of the birth of Nichiren (a Buddhist monk) in Kominato on February 16, 1222 and his efforts to nurse his sick mother for revival, this temple was constructed in October 1276 by Nikka, a disciple of Nichiren, at the site of Nichiren’s house.

After the two disasters caused by a big earthquake and a big tsunami, the temple was transferred to the present location, but it was burned down in a catastrophic fire in 1758.

The present Soshido (the great founder’s temple) was reconstructed in 1846.

The Niomon (Deva gate) is the oldest building (1706) in this temple. Documents of authorization were presented by the Satomis and the Tokugawas.

It became a place for court nobles to offer a prayer in the Meiji period.

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