Visiting the Birthplace of Saint Nichiren in Kamogawa City

A journey through Kominato, where the rugged Pacific meets sacred peaks. Here, the sea has long sustained the local life, and the winds once carried the prayers of the young Nichiren. Explore the spiritual cradle of Kamogawa, where history and nature breathe as one.

The Coastal Escape: From Tokyo to Kominato

A seamless 120km journey from the heart of the capital to the Pacific coast.

Departure: 9:50 AM — Bus Terminal Tokyo Yaesu (Express Bus Tokyo Katsuura Line)
Arrival: 12:14 PM — Awa-Kominato Station, Kamogawa
Duration: Approx. 144 minutes

Sit back and enjoy the scenic transition from urban Tokyo to the spiritual shores of Kominato.

Savor the Catch: Coastal Lunch by the Station

Kominato offers a true sea-to-table experience within walking distance of the station.

Nakamura
Indulge in a signature seafood bowl—a vibrant mosaic of the day’s freshest catch. Each bowl is a masterpiece of seasonal flavors, meticulously prepared to showcase the pure, delicate essence of the Pacific. It is more than a meal; it is a celebration of the ocean’s bounty on a single plate.

Asada Fisheries
Step into the world of Kamogawa’s maritime heritage at Asada Fisheries. As active local fishermen, they bring the raw energy of the Pacific straight to your table. Experience the ultimate "fisherman’s luxury"—savored in a rustic, open-air setting where the briny breeze meets the smoky aroma of seafood grilled over an open flame. It is unpretentious, authentic, and bursting with bold, sea-to-fire flavors.

Where to Eat: Lunch Guide

Inside Tanjo-ji Temple

A grand temple standing as a monument to the ocean's miracles and a legacy that has spanned eight centuries.

As the head temple of the Nichiren Shu sect, Tanjo-ji was established in 1276 to honor the birthplace of Saint Nichiren. Its history is a testament to resilience; having been reclaimed by the ocean during the Great Meio and Genroku earthquakes, the temple was relocated to its current sanctuary. To this day, the original site remains resting beneath the waves just offshore.

Upon arrival, you are greeted by the majestic Niomon Gate—one of Chiba’s largest structures and a designated Tangible Cultural Property. As you wander the grounds, notice the unique atmosphere where the sacred scent of incense blends with the salty mist of the Pacific. This evocative harmony has earned the temple a place among Japan's "Top 100 Scenic Spots of Fragrance."

A Monumental Presence: The World's Largest Onigawara

High atop the temple's grand roof, you will find the Onigawara—majestic ridge-end tiles designed to ward off evil. The ones here at Tanjo-ji are recognized as the largest of their kind in the world. These guardian tiles stand as a powerful symbol of protection, watching over the sacred grounds and the sea beyond with an awe-inspiring presence.

Just steps from the temple gates.

Embark on a Legend: Tai-no-ura Sightseeing Boat

The Legend of the Mysterious Sea Bream

Witness the captivating allure of the "Mysterious Sea Bream" within the breathtaking expanse of the National Natural Monument. Kominato is revered as the sacred birthplace of Saint Nichiren, and legend speaks of three profound miracles that unfolded at the moment of his birth:

A spring of pure water suddenly erupted in the garden, blue lotuses blossomed out of season, and—most mystically—a shimmering school of sea bream rose to the surface, dancing upon the waves in celebration.

To this day, these deep-sea fish continue to gather near the surface, defying their natural instincts to remain near the shore. Embark on a journey to see this living miracle for yourself.

A Sacred Covenant Since the 12th Century

This extraordinary phenomenon has endured for over 800 years, spanning back to the Kamakura period. Since that miraculous beginning, the people of Kominato have revered these sea bream not as mere fish, but as the living embodiment of Saint Nichiren’s spirit.

In a beautiful act of devotion that has lasted centuries, the community has strictly forbidden the catching of these fish, choosing instead to protect and coexist with them. Today, this profound bond between humans and the sea is honored as a Special National Natural Monument—a rare sanctuary where nature, faith, and academic wonder intertwine.

The Ocean’s Edge: Tai-no-ura Scenic Path

After your journey on the water, follow the path that hugs the rugged coastline. This scenic trail, nestled between the emerald hills and the rhythmic pulse of the Pacific, allows you to feel the sea spray and admire the natural rock formations up close. It is a peaceful yet invigorating walk where the mountains meet the sea.

A Path to the Sacred Islets: Oobenten and Kobenten

The promenade gently guides you toward a serene inlet where two iconic islets, Oobenten and Kobenten, rise from the turquoise waters. This hallowed site is revered as the precise birthplace of Saint Nichiren.

Both islands are dedicated to Benzaiten, the goddess of water, eloquence, and the arts. Standing at the water's edge and looking out toward these sacred shrines, one can feel the spiritual energy that has drawn pilgrims to this coastline for centuries.

Beyond the Tide: The Journey Back