Hoohzan Manmanji Temple, also known as Manmanji Temple, is a historic Buddhist temple located in Mabashi, Matsudo City, Chiba Prefecture. The temple belongs to the Daitokuji branch of the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism, and its principal image is Amida Nyorai (Amitabha Buddha).
Manmanji is particularly famous for the tradition known as “Nio-sama no mata-kuguri,” in which visitors pass beneath the legs of the temple’s Nio guardian statues. The wooden Kongo Rikishi standing statues (Nio) are designated as National Important Cultural Properties and are among the temple’s most significant attractions.
The temple grounds also feature the historic Nio Gate, the main hall, and Buddhist ceremonies such as Goma fire rituals, creating a place where centuries of religious tradition and local culture continue to be preserved.
The history of Manmanji dates back to the Kamakura period. In 1256, Chiba Yoritane, the military governor of Shimousa Province, invited the eminent Buddhist monk Ninshō to establish Daishin-ji, a temple of the Shingon school of Buddhism.
The temple was originally located in what is now Todoroki-cho, Inage Ward, Chiba City. It was later converted to the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism.
During the Muromachi period, Chiba Mitsutane revived the temple. He received the character “Mitsu” from Ashikaga Mitsuuji, the Kamakura Kubo, and the temple was renamed Manmanji. With the strong support of the Chiba clan, the temple developed into an influential religious institution.
In 1537, Manmanji received a donation of temple lands from Takagi Taneyoshi, a retainer of the Chiba clan, further strengthening the temple’s position.
However, in 1908, much of the temple complex was destroyed by a major fire. The fire was reportedly caused by sparks from a steam train passing nearby.
After many years of reconstruction efforts, a new main hall was completed in 1987. The temple subsequently regained much of its present appearance and continues to preserve its long religious heritage.
The most famous cultural treasures at Manmanji are its wooden Kongo Rikishi standing statues, commonly known as Nio. These powerful guardian figures were created during the Kamakura period and are designated as National Important Cultural Properties.
According to temple tradition, the statues were made by the renowned sculptor Unkei. However, as with many Nio statues found throughout Japan, their actual creator has not been definitively established.
They are considered among the oldest surviving Nio statues in the Kanto region and are highly valued for their artistic and historical significance. In 1916, they were designated as former National Treasures under Japan’s then-existing Ancient Shrines and Temples Preservation Law.
The temple’s principal image, a wooden seated statue of Amida Nyorai (Amitabha Buddha), is designated as a Matsudo City Tangible Cultural Property.
Amida Nyorai has long been the central object of worship at Manmanji, and visitors have traditionally prayed before the statue for spiritual peace and salvation.
A wooden standing statue of Fudo Myoo (Acala) is also designated as a Matsudo City Tangible Cultural Property. The statue plays an important role in the temple’s Goma fire rituals and has been deeply revered by the local community.
The temple also possesses a cast standing statue of Gyolan Kannon, or Fish-Basket Kannon. This form of Kannon represents the Buddhist tradition of compassion and is another important cultural asset preserved at Manmanji.
One of Manmanji’s most distinctive traditions is “Nio-sama no mata-kuguri,” literally referring to passing under the legs of the Nio guardian statues.
The Nio statues stand at the temple gate as powerful protectors of the Buddhist teachings. According to local tradition, passing beneath their legs is associated with prayers for good health and household safety.
This unusual custom offers visitors an opportunity to experience a form of folk religious practice that is closely connected with the temple and the local community.
Manmanji holds several annual Buddhist observances, including Goma fire rituals and Segaki memorial services. These ceremonies are mainly attended by the temple’s parishioners and have been passed down as part of the local religious tradition.
The temple’s Goma ritual is held on Coming-of-Age Day in January. It was traditionally held on January 15, but the date was changed to Coming-of-Age Day during the tenure of the current head priest.
During the ceremony, participants are served a meal and Hannya-yu, a traditional term for sake served in a Buddhist ceremonial context. Local people gather at the temple and offer prayers in a solemn atmosphere.
A Segaki memorial service is held on August 16. This Buddhist ceremony is dedicated to deceased ancestors and spirits believed to have fallen into the realm of hungry ghosts, with prayers offered for their relief through Buddhist compassion.
Participants are served a meal, and a Buddhist sermon is also given. The ceremony therefore provides an opportunity not only for memorial prayers but also for learning about Buddhist teachings.
During the temple’s spring and autumn festivals, a traditional observance known as Tochawan Kuyo is held, during which vegetarian Buddhist cuisine is offered.
This ceremony remains part of the local religious customs associated with Manmanji and reflects the temple’s continuing connection with the surrounding community.
After passing through the temple grounds, visitors encounter the impressive Nio Gate. The gate houses the two wooden Kongo Rikishi guardian statues, which are designated as National Important Cultural Properties.
The Nio statues give the entrance a powerful and imposing appearance. They are also closely associated with the tradition of passing beneath the statues’ legs, making the gate one of the most memorable parts of a visit to Manmanji.
The present main hall was completed in 1987. It houses the temple’s principal image of Amida Nyorai and serves as an important place for Buddhist ceremonies, including the annual Goma ritual and Segaki memorial service.
The hall provides a quiet setting where visitors can pause, pay their respects, and experience the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese Buddhist temple.
Manmanji Temple is approximately a 5-minute walk from Mabashi Station, served by the JR Joban Line and Ryutetsu Nagareyama Line.
The temple’s proximity to the railway station makes it an easy destination for visitors exploring Matsudo. Interestingly, the same railway that makes the temple so accessible today was also connected with its history: in 1908, sparks from a passing steam train reportedly caused the fire that destroyed much of the temple complex.
From Tokiwadaira Station on the Shin-Keisei Line, visitors can take a Matsudo Shin-Keisei Bus service on the Mabashi Line between Tokiwadaira Station North Exit and Mabashi Station Entrance.
Get off at the final stop, Mabashi Station Entrance, from where Manmanji Temple is located immediately nearby.
Manmanji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple with roots reaching back to the Kamakura period. Its long history, important Buddhist sculptures, historic buildings, and distinctive local customs make it an interesting cultural destination in Matsudo.
The impressive Nio statues at the gate are particularly noteworthy. Their powerful expressions and imposing forms demonstrate the distinctive style of Buddhist sculpture from medieval Japan, while the tradition of passing beneath their legs offers a unique glimpse into local religious customs.
Visitors can also encounter the temple’s principal image of Amida Nyorai, its Fudo Myoo and Fish-Basket Kannon statues, and annual Buddhist ceremonies that continue to connect the temple with the local community.
For travelers interested in Japanese Buddhist history, medieval art, traditional religious customs, and historic temples, Manmanji offers an opportunity to experience a lesser-known but fascinating part of Chiba’s cultural heritage.