Osagami Fudoson Daisho-ji Temple [Saitama]

【Overview of Osagami Fudoson Daisho-ji】

Osagami Fudoson Daisho-ji Temple was founded in 750 (Tenpyo-Shoho 2). According to legend, High Priest Roben Shojo—who was deeply involved in the construction of the famous Todai-ji Temple in Nara—received a powerful divine revelation in a dream from Fudo Myoo (Acala). The deity commanded him: “Go to the eastern lands (Kanto) and save the people who have lost their way.” Following this divine decree, Roben Shojo traveled all the way down to the Kanto region. While journeying in search of a sacred space, he finally arrived at this location in modern-day Koshigaya (Osagami) and established the temple.

While neighboring temples and shrines like Tengaku-ji and Hisaizu Shrine left their marks in history as “resting stations” for the Shogun, Daisho-ji Temple holds an even deeper connection with the clan. This temple is a prestigious site where Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu actually stayed overnight as a formal “lodging station” numerous times during his falconry excursions.

The primary object of worship (Gohonzon) enshrined here is Fudo Myoo (The Wisdom King Acala), which is said to have been hand-carved by Roben Shojo himself.

According to tradition, Roben Shojo carved two separate statues of Fudo Myoo from a single, massive sacred tree. He enshrined one of the statues in Oyama, Kanagawa Prefecture (which is the present-day Oyama-dera Temple), and placed the other here in Koshigaya to found Daisho-ji Temple.

【The Statue of Kobo Daishi on His Ascetic Journey】

Near the entrance stands the Statue of Kobo Daishi on His Ascetic Journey, capturing the historical figure during his spiritual training. This is because Daisho-ji is a temple belonging to the Chisan Sect of Shingon Buddhism, founded by Kukai (Kobo Daishi). The statue possesses a charming, endearing, handcrafted aesthetic.

【The Niomon Gate】

This magnificent structure features a beautiful architectural style known as the Kamakura Style, flanked on the left and right by a pair of powerfully imposing Nio guardian statues. Built during the Edo period in 1715, this Niomon gate is an incredibly invaluable historical artifact, as it was the sole structure to miraculously survive a catastrophic fire that tore through the precincts in 1895 (Meiji 28). It is currently designated as a Tangible Cultural Property of Koshigaya City.

The wooden tablet hanging from the gate displaying the temple’s mountain name, “Shin-Dasan,” is said to have been brushed by Matsupaira Sadanobu, the famous Roju (Chief Shogunal Councilor) renowned for leading the Kansei Reforms.

A massive, vibrantly colored red paper lantern hangs down from the center of the gate, commanding the immediate attention of visitors with its immense presence.

【The Shrine Approach (Sando)】

Along the approach to the temple, rows of small stone monuments are neatly lined up side-by-side on both sides of the path. Originally, there were 50 monuments on each side, totaling 100, and 97 of these historical markers remain perfectly preserved today.

【The Hondo (Main Hall)】

Following the disastrous great fire of 1895 (Meiji 28) which reduced every single structure except for the main gate to ashes, the Main Hall was rebuilt. However, it tragically collapsed once more during the devastating Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 (Tabstract 12). The current Hondo standing today was meticulously raised again over the course of an entire year starting in 1925 (Tabstract 14) through the united efforts of approximately 40 master carpenters.

Looking upward toward the facade of the Main Hall, right above the Saisenbako (offertory box), a magnificent hand-carved wooden framed tablet depicting the Shichifukujin (Seven Lucky Gods) is prominently displayed. Deities such as Ebisu, Daikokuten, and Benzaiten stand side-by-side, smiling warmly as if watching over the worshippers below, beautifully accentuating the prestigious dignity of the Main Hall.

【The Pinkoro Jizo】

This is a highly beloved Jizo statue where visitors pray for health and longevity. The name Pinkoro reflects the wish to “live vibrantly and healthily into old age (pinpin), and then pass away peacefully without suffering when the time comes (korori).”

【The Bonsho (Buddhist Temple Bell)】

During the Genroku era of the Edo period, Daisho-ji was struck by a massive fire (known historically as the Great Fire of Osagami Village Daisho-ji), which destroyed the Main Hall along with many other structures and priceless ancient records. In the wake of this crisis, Makino Narisada—who was the lord of the Shimousa-Sekiyado Domain (and later lord of the Mikawa-Yoshida Domain) and wielded immense political power as the Sobayonin (Grand Chamberlain) to the Tokugawa Shogunate—generously donated and erected a brand-new Bonsho (temple bell) and a Shoro (bell tower) to spearhead the temple’s grand restoration.

【The Benten-ike Pond】

Located near the bell tower is a beautiful body of water known as the Benten-ike Pond. On a small, picturesque island sitting right in the center of the pond, Benzaiten (the goddess of water, music, and wealth) is gracefully enshrined.

【Niji-Dango Main Shop】

As you walk down the straight, majestic approach stretching past the Niomon gate toward the Main Hall, the famous Niji-Dango Main Shop will come into view on your right-hand side.

Crafted completely without the use of any artificial additives to preserve the natural, rustic sweetness of pure rice, these skewered rice dumplings (dango) have been officially certified as an “Officially Beloved Gourmet Culinary Gem of Koshigaya.” It is a legendary, long-established sweet shop representing Koshigaya City, drawing an endless stream of local regulars, national media crews, and travelers visiting from distant regions. The shop operates strictly on a “closes once sold out” policy for the dumplings made fresh that morning. Because they often sell out completely shortly after noon on weekends and during festival days, visiting in the morning is highly recommended to secure a taste.

【Osagami Fudoson Daisho-ji Temple Goshuin】

In addition to the standard, traditional Goshuin representing the primary Fudo deity, the temple offers a rich variety of colorful, seasonally changing illustrated stamps. The temple staff can also stamp and ink these directly into your personal Goshuincho booklet (Chokugaki).

【Nearby Tourist Spots (Within a 30-Minute Walk)】

Hisaizu Shrine, Tengaku-ji Temple, Koshigaya Katori Shrine

Hisaizu Shrine [Saitama]

Shitozan Tengaku-ji Temple [Saitama]

Koshigaya Katori Shrine [Saitama]

【Osagami Fudoson Daisho-ji Temple Access】

Admin’s Impressions

I had the absolute pleasure of visiting the historic ancient temple of Koshigaya, Osagami Fudoson Daisho-ji. It is an incredibly rewarding site packed to the brim with historical romance. As a land deeply intertwined with the legacy of Lord Tokugawa Ieyasu, the grand atmosphere of a once-massive temple complex—which even housed its own Toshogu Shrine in the past—still lingers vividly throughout the present-day precincts.

From the Kobo Daishi statue greeting you at the entrance and the brilliantly colored Niomon gate, to the Shitendo hall and the serene Benten-ike pond tucked away in the back, you can feel the profound weight of religious history no matter where you step. Standing right in front of the primary gate that successfully endured the catastrophic fire of the Meiji period, the true gravity of time beautifully washes over you.

Scale

 (3.5)

Accessibility

 (2)

History / Origins

 (4)

Nature / Scenery

 (3)

Quietness

 (4.5)

Goshuin Variety

 (3.5)

Address of Osagami Fudoson Daisho-ji Temple

6-442 Sagamicho, Koshigaya City, Saitama Prefecture 343-0823

*Free parking available on-site.

Approx. a 20-minute walk from Koshigaya Laketown Station on the JR Musashino Line.

Approx. a 30-minute walk from Koshigaya Station on the Tobu Skytree Line.

Osagami Fudoson Daisho-ji Temple Description Page

参考

大相模不動尊大聖寺　越谷市公式ホームページ

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Shitozan Tengaku-ji Temple [Saitama] Narita-san Kawagoe Betsuin [Saitama] Kita-in Temple [Saitama] Hisaizu Shrine [Saitama]