Seiryuzan Yakuoji Temple is a historic Jodo-sect Buddhist temple located in Kiyoto, Shiroi City, Chiba Prefecture. The temple’s mountain name is Seiryuzan, and its principal object of worship is Amida Nyorai (Amitabha Buddha).
With a history believed to date back to the early Heian period (794–1185), Yakuoji has long served as an important place of worship for the local community. The temple also preserves valuable cultural materials connected with the history and religious traditions of the surrounding area.
There are no surviving detailed records documenting the exact foundation of Yakuoji. According to local tradition, however, the temple was established during the Daido era (806–810), in the early Heian period.
If this tradition is correct, the history of Yakuoji stretches back more than 1,200 years. A shrine dedicated to Benzaiten is also located nearby and has a long history of worship closely connected with the temple and the sacred spring of Kiyoto.
The main hall is traditionally believed to have originated during the Daido era. The present building was reconstructed in 2001, combining modern construction techniques with elements of traditional temple architecture.
The hall continues to serve as an important place for Buddhist worship and is one of the central buildings within the temple grounds.
Yakushido is another important building at Yakuoji. It enshrines Yakushi Nyorai (the Medicine Buddha), who is traditionally associated with healing and good health.
Local worshippers have visited the hall for generations to pray for recovery from illness, good health, and well-being. The hall remains an important part of the temple’s religious traditions.
Yakuoji preserves several valuable cultural properties designated by Chiba Prefecture. Among them is the historic woodblock known as “Kiyoto-no-Izumi Tsuketari Hangi.”
This historic woodblock contains the origin story and traditions associated with the Benzaiten Shrine at Kiyoto-no-Izumi. The woodblock dates from 1828, during the Edo period, and has been carefully preserved by Yakuoji.
It is an important historical source for understanding the religious beliefs, legends, and cultural traditions that developed around Kiyoto-no-Izumi. The material also demonstrates the close historical relationship between Yakuoji and the Benzaiten shrine.
Address: 6 Kiyoto, Shiroi City, Chiba Prefecture, Japan
Benzaiten Shrine stands on an island in Kiyoto-no-Izumi in Kiyoto, Shiroi City. According to the origin story preserved at Yakuoji, Benzaiten was enshrined here together with a dragon deity during the Daido era (806–810).
Benzaiten is a Buddhist and Japanese religious deity traditionally associated with music, the arts, wisdom, and good fortune. She has long been worshipped by people seeking success, prosperity, artistic ability, and wisdom.
The distinctive feature of the Benzaiten tradition at Kiyoto-no-Izumi is its association with the worship of a dragon deity. According to local tradition, worship began during the Daido era and became closely connected with the sacred spring.
The combination of the spring, dragon legend, and Benzaiten worship has made this a special spiritual site for the local community. Visitors can experience the peaceful atmosphere while learning about the legends and religious traditions that have been passed down through generations.
Kiyoto-no-Izumi, the spring where Benzaiten is enshrined, is a historic site designated by Chiba Prefecture. It is located within the grounds of Funabashi Country Club.
The spring has long been associated with a local legend concerning a dragon deity and has been regarded as a sacred place by residents. The clear water and surrounding natural environment create a quiet atmosphere where visitors can take a break and experience a more peaceful side of Chiba.
Address: 602 Kiyoto, Shiroi City, Chiba Prefecture, Japan, within Funabashi Country Club
Yakuoji and Benzaiten are closely connected through the religious traditions and legends of Kiyoto-no-Izumi. Yakuoji is traditionally said to have been founded during the Daido era, the same period associated with the beginning of worship at the Benzaiten shrine and the dragon deity.
The historic woodblock preserved at Yakuoji, Kiyoto-no-Izumi Tsuketari Hangi, records traditions concerning Benzaiten and provides an important link between the temple, the shrine, and the sacred spring.
Together, these sites illustrate how Buddhist temple traditions, shrine worship, sacred springs, and local legends have been interconnected in Japan’s religious history.
Seiryuzan Yakuoji Temple, Benzaiten Shrine, and Kiyoto-no-Izumi form an important group of historic and religious sites in Shiroi City. Their traditions are believed to extend back to the early Heian period, while the temple and shrine continue to be valued by the local community today.
Visitors interested in Japanese history and culture can discover traditional Buddhist architecture, religious artifacts, local legends, and the peaceful natural environment surrounding the sacred spring.
When exploring Shiroi City, a visit to Yakuoji Temple and Benzaiten Shrine at Kiyoto-no-Izumi offers an opportunity to experience a quieter side of Japan and learn about the long history of local faith and tradition.