Nankoji Temple is a temple of the Koyasan Shingon school of Buddhism located in Azami, Kasakake Town, Midori City, Gunma Prefecture. Widely known as Kasakake Fudo, its formal name is Nichirinzan Kannon-in Nankoji.
The temple is an important pilgrimage site, serving as the 7th temple of the Kanto 88 Sacred Sites and the 8th temple of the 36 Fudo Myoo Sacred Sites of Northern Kanto. It has attracted pilgrims and worshippers for generations.
Although the temple is surrounded by a residential neighborhood, its grounds form a peaceful green sanctuary. Weeping cherry trees and a large ginkgo tree grow throughout the grounds, while birdsong can often be heard among the trees. The temple continues to be cherished by local residents as a place of prayer and quiet reflection.
The origins of Nankoji are traditionally traced back to the Kamakura period. According to temple tradition, the temple was founded when the Buddhist monk Kukai (Kobo Daishi) traveled through the area. The principal image is a Byakue Kannon, or White-Robed Kannon, traditionally attributed to the renowned monk Gyoki.
On July 22, 1335, Prince Moriyoshi, also known as Oto-no-Miya Moriyoshi Shinno and a son of Emperor Go-Daigo, met a tragic death. According to the temple’s tradition, a woman known as Minami-no-Kata, who had served the prince, later came to this area and entered the Buddhist priesthood under the name Nanko Bikuni.
She is said to have devoted the rest of her life to praying for the repose of the prince’s soul. She continued her religious practice until her death in 1382, and her story remains an important part of the temple’s history.
Nankoji was restored and revitalized by the monk Eishin during the Keicho era, from 1596 to 1615.
In 1649, during the time of the temple’s fourth abbot, Ryoei, the temple received a land grant equivalent to 21 koku and 4 to from Tokugawa Iemitsu, the third shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate.
This grant helped establish Nankoji as a temple with an important institutional status connected to Ryukoin Temple on Mount Koya, and a substantial temple complex was developed at its present location.
The temple has carefully preserved numerous historic treasures, including nine official documents bearing the seals of successive Tokugawa shoguns, as well as a collection of Buddhist statues and stone figures.
The principal image of Nankoji is Dainichi Nyorai (Mahavairocana Buddha) of the Womb Realm. Its associated mantra is traditionally recited as “Nomaku Samanda Bodanan Abiraunken.”
The temple’s Buddhist hymn also expresses the compassion of the Buddha, likening its radiance to the sun shining within a mandala.
The main hall houses a number of important Buddhist figures, including:
The temple also enshrines the Kasakake Ibotori Jizo, a Jizo statue donated by local villagers during the Genroku era as a prayer for protection from misfortune and epidemics. Six Jizo statues dating from the Ansei era are also preserved, reflecting the deep-rooted faith of the local community.
Among the important treasures associated with Nankoji are:
These objects provide valuable insight into the long history of Nankoji and the religious traditions that have been preserved here over the centuries.
Nankoji holds a wide range of Buddhist ceremonies throughout the year. These include New Year’s Goma fire rituals and prayers for protection from misfortune, as well as regular observances held on the 21st of each month in honor of Kobo Daishi and on the 28th in honor of Fudo Myoo.
Other annual observances include equinox memorial services, Hanamatsuri (the Buddha’s Birthday), Aoba Matsuri, Obon memorial services, Bodhi Day ceremonies, and the ringing of the temple bell on New Year’s Eve.
Goma fire rituals are particularly significant at Nankoji, carrying on the religious traditions associated with Kasakake Fudo to the present day.
The temple grounds are surrounded by abundant greenery and offer a peaceful atmosphere throughout the year.
In spring, the weeping cherry trees come into bloom, while in autumn the large ginkgo tree turns brilliant golden yellow. The sound of birds among the trees adds to the tranquil atmosphere, making the temple a pleasant place to slow down and enjoy a moment of quiet contemplation.
Nankoji Temple is approximately a 5-minute walk from Azami Station on the Tobu Kiryu Line.
Nankoji Temple preserves a long history said to stretch back to the Kamakura period, together with the moving story of Nanko Bikuni and centuries of Buddhist devotion.
As an important pilgrimage destination, the temple offers more than a place of worship. Its historic Buddhist statues, temple treasures, traditional ceremonies, and peaceful natural surroundings provide an opportunity to experience the religious and cultural heritage of Midori City.
When visiting Midori City, consider stopping at Kasakake Fudo, Nankoji Temple to explore its historic grounds and experience the quiet atmosphere of a place where centuries of prayer continue to live on.