Naritasan Shinshoji Temple: A Detailed Guide to Its History and Overview

 

Table of Contents

1. Overview of Naritasan Shinshoji Temple
2. History of Naritasan Shinshoji Temple
3. Highlights of Naritasan Shinshoji Temple
   

Introduction

Naritasan Shinshoji Temple is a head temple of the Shingon Buddhist Chizan sect, holding a significant position in the Japanese Buddhist world. Its founding dates back to the year 940 (Tengyo 3) during the Heian period, and it has since attracted numerous worshippers and devotees from across the country. Located in Narita City, Chiba Prefecture, this temple is known as “Narita no Ofudosama” (Narita’s Fudo Myoo) and boasts historical structures, a nature-rich temple grounds, and many cultural properties.

In this article, we provide a detailed introduction to the history, culture, and must-see highlights of Naritasan Shinshoji Temple.

Overview of Naritasan Shinshoji Temple

Naritasan Shinshoji Temple is one of Japan’s most prominent temples, located in Narita City, Chiba Prefecture, and serves as the head temple of the Shingon Buddhist Chizan sect. Founded in the year 940 (Tengyo 3) during the Heian period, this temple enshrines Fudo Myoo (the Immovable Wisdom King) as its principal deity and has been widely revered nationwide as “Narita no Ofudosama.” Its history began when High Priest Kancho enshrined Fudo Myoo and performed goma (sacred fire) rituals to quell the Rebellion of Taira no Masakado.

The temple’s founding dates back to the year 940 (Tengyo 3) of the Heian period, when it was established by High Priest Kancho. The principal deity of Shinshoji Temple is Fudo Myoo, and it has long been revered as “Narita no Ofudosama.” Even today, Shinshoji is famous for its goma prayer rituals, attracting many visitors who pray for protection against misfortune, traffic safety, family safety, and business prosperity.

The temple grounds span an expansive area of approximately 100,000 tsubo (about 330,000 square meters), dotted with numerous historical structures and cultural properties. Particularly noteworthy is the Great Main Hall, built in 1980, which serves as the venue for daily goma prayer rituals and attracts many worshippers. Other highlights include the Three-Story Pagoda built in 1712, the Komyodo Hall completed in 1701, and the Shakado Hall built in 1858, all showcasing architectural beauty from their respective eras.

Throughout the year, Shinshoji hosts a variety of events and festivals. The Naritasan Setsubun-e ceremony held every February 3rd is especially famous, with celebrities and sumo wrestlers participating in bean-throwing rituals, attracting large crowds of worshippers. During the New Year’s holiday season, more than approximately 3 million people visit from across the country, making it one of Japan’s most popular hatsumode (first shrine visit of the year) destinations.

The temple grounds are rich in nature, offering beautiful scenery that changes with the four seasons. Naritasan Park, in particular, is an expansive site of approximately 165,000 square meters featuring ponds, waterfalls, and tea houses, and is also popular as a famous spot for autumn foliage.

History of Naritasan Shinshoji Temple

Naritasan Shinshoji Temple is the head temple of the Shingon Buddhist Chizan sect, located in Narita City, Chiba Prefecture, with a history spanning over approximately 1,100 years. Below, we detail the major historical events of Naritasan Shinshoji Temple in chronological order.

1. 940 CE – Founding 

Naritasan Shinshoji Temple was founded in the year 940 (Tengyo 3) of the Heian period by High Priest Kancho. It is said to have been established for the purpose of enshrining Fudo Myoo to quell the Rebellion of Taira no Masakado.

It was believed that High Priest Kancho would quell the rebellion and bring peace to the nation through the divine protection of Fudo Myoo. With this founding, Naritasan Shinshoji Temple came to be revered as “Narita no Ofudosama.”

2. 1591 – Reconstruction in the Azuchi-Momoyama Period 

During the turmoil of the Sengoku (Warring States) period, Naritasan Shinshoji Temple also fell into disrepair due to repeated warfare and fires. However, in 1591 (Tensho 19), the temple was revived through the reconstruction of the main hall under the patronage of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. This reconstruction saw the erection of a building equivalent to the current main hall, incorporating the lavish architectural style characteristic of the Momoyama period. The rebuilt main hall became a symbol of the temple, welcoming many worshippers.

3. 1603 – Protection and Development in the Edo Period 

With the start of the Edo period, Naritasan Shinshoji Temple came under the protection of the Edo shogunate. To ensure the temple’s stability, the shogunate provided economic support and land donations, strengthening the temple’s financial foundation.

During this period, Naritasan Shinshoji Temple also served as a center of regional culture and education, and commercial and accommodation facilities developed around the temple. Throughout the Edo period, many cultural properties and artworks were donated to the temple, enhancing its cultural value.

4. 1868 – The Meiji Restoration and Separation of Shinto and Buddhism 

After the Meiji Restoration, Naritasan Shinshoji Temple was significantly affected by the haibutsu kishaku (anti-Buddhist) movement. The policy of separating Shinto and Buddhism forced the separation of temples and shrines, leading to the dismantling of many Buddhist facilities or their forced conversion to Shinto.

However, Naritasan Shinshoji Temple survived with the support of local residents and devotees, and reconstruction and restoration efforts were carried out. During this period, the temple continued to preserve its traditions while exploring new forms of religious practice.

5. Post-World War II – Revival and Modernization 

During World War II, Naritasan Shinshoji Temple also suffered damage, but after the war, it swiftly proceeded with restoration. From the 1950s onward, the temple’s facilities and grounds were improved, and its appeal as a tourist destination also increased.

In particular, with the opening of Narita Airport, tourists from both domestic and international locations increased, and Naritasan Shinshoji Temple established its position as an international tourist attraction. Even today, the temple continues to welcome many worshippers through traditional events and seasonal festivals.

6. Modern Era – Development as Cultural Heritage

Today, Naritasan Shinshoji Temple has developed significantly as a tourist destination while maintaining its historical and cultural value. The temple grounds contain numerous structures and artworks designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan, and a variety of events and festivals are held throughout the year. In particular, hatsumode (New Year’s visit), Setsubun-e, and the Plum Blossom Festival are popular events that attract many worshippers and tourists from across the country.

Additionally, through infrastructure improvements and the introduction of digital technology, a comfortable visiting environment is provided for visitors from both Japan and abroad.

Highlights of Naritasan Shinshoji Temple

Naritasan Shinshoji Temple is a representative ancient temple of Japan, located in Narita City, Chiba Prefecture, with a history of over 1,000 years as a Shingon Buddhist Chizan sect temple.Below are the key spots you should visit when visiting Naritasan Shinshoji Temple.

The Great Main Hall 

The Great Main Hall of Naritasan Shinshoji Temple was rebuilt in 1968 and functions as the center for goma prayer rituals. The principal deity, Fudo Myoo, is enshrined flanked by Kongara Doji on the right and Seitaka Doji on the left.

Inside the hall, the “Four Great Wisdom Kings” and the “Heisei Great Mandala” are also enshrined. During the Fudo Myoo goma prayer ritual, worshippers offer goma-gi (prayer sticks) imbued with their wishes to the flames, believed to burn away worldly desires and grant wishes.

The Great Pagoda of Peace 

The Great Pagoda of Peace, built in 984, is an iconic symbol of Naritasan Shinshoji Temple. This vermillion-lacquered tower stands 58 meters tall and symbolizes the teachings of Shingon esoteric Buddhism, with Fudo Myoo and the Four Great Wisdom Kings enshrined inside. The pagoda also displays the “Showa Great Mandala” and a Tibetan “Sand Mandala,” allowing visitors to experience Buddhist art and teachings.

From the top floor Kongo-den, where the Five Dhyani Buddhas are enshrined, visitors can enjoy beautiful natural scenery of Naritasan. Sutra copying and esoteric Buddhist meditation experiences are also available, and the pagoda is utilized as a place for spiritual practice.

Komyodo Hall 

Komyodo Hall, built in 1701, is the oldest building at Naritasan Shinshoji Temple and is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. This hall preserves the architectural style of the mid-Edo period and features exquisite wood carvings and sculptures. The principal deity, Yakushi Nyorai (the Medicine Buddha), is worshipped as a guardian of medicine and health, attracting many visitors. Aizen Myoo is also enshrined here, making it known as a power spot for those wishing for success in romantic relationships.

Naritasan Park 

Naritasan Park is an expansive garden created in 1928 on the hillside behind the Great Main Hall, boasting an area of approximately 165,000 square meters. Within the park, there are three ponds (Ryuchi Pond, Ryuju Pond, and Monju Pond), reflecting the Buddhist philosophy of respecting life through hojo (releasing captured animals).

Waterfalls and wisteria trellises are also highlights, with the Yuhi Waterfall standing at an impressive height of approximately 20 meters. The park offers beautiful scenery that changes with the four seasons, with the “Plum Blossom Festival” held in spring and the “Autumn Foliage Festival” in autumn, sometimes featuring performances of koto and erhu.

Three-Story Pagoda 

The Three-Story Pagoda, built in 1712, is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. The Five Dhyani Buddhas are enshrined inside the pagoda, and sculptures of the “Sixteen Arhats” adorn the surroundings. This pagoda was built with the high craftsmanship of Edo-period palace carpenters, with carvings of sacred beasts such as dragons and kirin on each level, and Buddhist relics housed in the sorin (finial spire).

The pagoda itself is considered a masterpiece of Buddhist art, and its vivid decorations continue to captivate visitors to this day.

Shakado Hall 

Shakado Hall was built in 1858 (Ansei 5) and formerly served as the main hall of Naritasan Shinshoji Temple. The building itself is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan, with Shaka Nyorai (Shakyamuni Buddha) enshrined as the principal deity. This hall retains the strong architectural character of the Edo period, featuring a sturdy construction that extensively uses zelkova wood and ornate carvings.

Today, it serves as a prayer hall for protection against misfortune and purification rituals, attracting many worshippers. Inside Shakado Hall, sculptures of the Five Hundred Arhats and the Twenty-Four Paragons of Filial Piety are featured, showcasing the remarkable craftsmanship of artisans of that era.

Monzen-machi (Temple Town) 

Along the approach to Naritasan Shinshoji Temple lies the “Monzen-machi” (temple town), preserving its historic streetscape dating back to the Edo period while lined with numerous restaurants and souvenir shops. The famous “unagi (eel) cuisine” is particularly iconic of Narita’s temple town. This dish, said to have been served to worshippers since the Edo period, is known for its savory flavor from being slowly grilled over charcoal.

Visitors can also enjoy various styles such as “unaju” (eel over rice in a lacquer box) and “hitsumabushi” (chopped grilled eel over rice). Walking through the streets lined with historic buildings while searching for local specialties and handmade crafts is one of the pleasures after visiting the temple.

Summary

Naritasan Shinshoji Temple is a representative Japanese temple with over a thousand years of history and culture, continuing to be revered by many people to this day. With Fudo Myoo as its principal deity, the daily goma prayer rituals and the beautiful temple grounds provide peace of mind to all who visit.

With abundant highlights including historical structures and the expansive Naritasan Park, diverse events are held throughout the year. Visiting Shinshoji Temple allows you to experience Japanese traditions and faith, creating memorable experiences.