Tanjoji Temple

Birthplace of Holy Priest Nichiren

Tanjoji Temple stands on the very site where Nichiren Shonin was born. Located in Kominato in southern Chiba and overlooking the Pacific Ocean, it is regarded as one of the most sacred places associated with Nichiren Buddhism.

Nichiren Shonin was born in 1222. According to legend, at the moment of his birth, lotus flowers bloomed along the seashore, countless red snappers gathered offshore, and a pure spring welled up in the family’s yard. These places connected to the birth legend are preserved today as Renge-ga-fuchi, Tae-no-ura, and Tanjo-ido.

After Nichiren Shonin proclaimed his new Buddhist teaching, he continued his missionary activities in Kamakura. In January 1264, however, he learned that his mother had fallen ill and returned to his hometown. There, he inscribed a mandala and prayed for her recovery. Thanks to his devoted prayers, she is said to have lived for another four years.

In October 1276, Nichike—one of Nichiren Shonin’s second senior disciples—established a temple on the site of Nichiren Shonin’s parents’ former residence. The temple’s patron was Sakuma Hyogo-no-kami Shigetada.

The original temple once stood in the area now known as Tae-no-ura, but it was destroyed by a tsunami in August 1498. Although it was later rebuilt, the second temple was also lost to another tsunami in November 1703. During the Hoei Period (1704–1710), Nichiko rebuilt the temple at its present location, with land donated by a local lord.

The temple grounds also feature one of the largest Deva Gates in the prefecture, as well as Soshido Hall, adorned with massive onigawara (ogre tiles) whose combined size is equivalent to 21 tatami mats. The fragrance of Tanjoji Temple’s incense, together with the sea breeze that sweeps through the area, has been selected by the Ministry of the Environment as one of the “100 Best Fragrant Landscapes of Japan.”

Location

183 Kominato, Kamogawa-city, Chiba

1.7km from JR AwaKominato Station

Contact

04-7095-2621

Visit Website　 http://kominato.tanjoh-ji.jp/

MAP

Route