Chojuji Temple

One of the Three Temples of Konan, Said to Be Founded by Roben

The Chojuji Temple (長寿寺, Chojuji) in Higashidera, Konan City, Shiga Prefecture, has an early Kamakura main hall designated a National Treasure in 1953 and a late Muromachi Benten hall that is an Important Cultural Property.

The Agency for Cultural Affairs notes that it is said to have been founded by Roben (689 to 773).

The temple explains that its principal image is Koyasu Jizo, the Jizo of safe childbirth, reflecting a founding legend of prayers for an heir for Emperor Shomu, and that prayers for children and safe birth have long been offered here.

The Main Hall and the Benten Hall

According to the Agency, the main hall is a five-bay-square building in pure Japanese style, divided into inner and outer sanctuaries with a hip-and-gable ceiling over the inner and a hipped ceiling over the outer, all under a great roof. It is an outstanding example of early Kamakura Japanese style, preserving old features down to its roof framing and the curve of its roof. A one-bay kasuga-style shrine inside, inscribed 1480, is designated with it.

The Agency records the Benten hall as a small one-bay hip-and-gable building with a cusped gable over the front eaves, roofed in cypress bark.

The Precinct

The Konan tourism association notes that maples line the approach, turning brilliant in autumn, and that a treasure house behind the main hall holds a seated Amida about 3 metres high.

Chojuji is counted with Zensuiji and Jorakuji as the Three Temples of Konan.

Visiting Chojuji

The temple is open 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with reservations required for groups. The tourism association gives admission as 600 yen for adults and 300 yen for secondary students, free for primary pupils with a guardian.

It is about 15 minutes by bus from JR Ishibe Station on the Kusatsu Line to the Chojuji stop, with parking for 20 cars and 5 coaches. Enquiries: Chojuji, 0748-77-3813.