Enzoji Temple

Located in the Aizu region of Fukushima Prefecture, Enzoji Temple is a place of prayer for the people who make the atmosphere of this town gentle.

The temple boasts a history of over 1,200 years and still attracts many visitors. The temple is one of Japan’s three kokuzo bodhisattvas, along with Omang kokuzo bodhisattva in Tokai-mura, Naka-gun, Ibaraki Prefecture, and Noman kokuzo bodhisattva in Tenjin, Kamogawa City, Chiba Prefecture.

According to legend, Kobo-Daishi received a sacred tree from a high priest in Tang China, and after returning to Japan, he divided the tree into three pieces and threw them into the sea, where they drifted to Ibaraki Prefecture, Chiba Prefecture, and Yanaizu. It is said that the wood was used to carve a statue of Ku Ku Ku Zo Bosatsu, and that the famous Aizu monk Tokuichi Daishi founded Enzo-ji Temple in response to this carving.

Enzo-ji Temple contains many legends, such as the story that the wooden layer on which the Fukuman Ku Ku-zou Bosatsu was carved turned into an Ugui, or the story of a red cow that assisted in the difficult construction of the temple. It is believed that the temple was founded in the Daido period.

Fukuman Ku Ku Kuzo Bosatsu Reigansan Enzoji Temple has long been deeply worshipped by the people of Aizu, and is affectionately known in Aizu as “Yanaizu no Ku Ku Ku Kuzo-sama” (“the Ku Ku Kuzo of Yanaizu”). The temple was founded in the Daido period by Tokuichi, a priest of the Hosso sect of Buddhism, and has withstood the trials of floods and fires, and continues to keep the Rinzai sect Buddhist lantern lit even today.

There is a statue of a pet cow in the precincts of the temple, which is the origin of “Akabeko,” a traditional handicraft of the Aizu region. It has long been said to “bring happiness” and is the recipient of people’s wishes.

Enzoji Temple, founded in 807 by Tokuichi Daishi, has as its principal deity the Fubon Kokuzo Bosatsu, and is said to have been created by Kobo Daishi. The temple is known as one of Japan’s three great kokuzo bodhisattvas and is the guardian deity of people in the year of the Ox and Tiger. In particular, the “Shichinichido Naked Pilgrimage” held on January 7 is one of the ten most famous festivals in the prefecture, and is known as a strange festival to pray for happiness and health in the new year.

From Zuikoji Park on the opposite bank of the river, visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Enzoji Temple and the rows of cherry blossom trees in the surrounding area. In autumn, the contrast between the colorful autumn leaves and the white walls of Enjo-ji Temple is a beautiful sight, making it one of the best places to visit in Yanaizu. Visitors can also enjoy a panoramic view of Enjo-ji Temple’s autumn foliage from Zuikoji Park.

The “Shichinichi-do Naked Pilgrimage,” a strange festival, is a temple event held on the seventh night of the New Year at Enjo-ji Temple of the Bodhisattva Fukuman Kokuzo. In this festival, bonfires glow in the streets, and to the sound of a large bell, brave men with a single under belt walk through the snow to the large crocodile entrance of the Kikkodo Temple. According to legend, this event originated when the people drove away the dragon god living in Tadami River by their power, and is a popular traditional event that attracts many tourists every year.

Men of any age are welcome to participate! Why not join the event to pray for happiness and health in the coming year? Women are allowed to observe, but the powerful traditional event is well worth seeing!