Shofukuji Temple is a temple of the Chizan School of Shingon Buddhism located in Sodegaura City, Chiba Prefecture. For generations, it has been revered by local residents as the “Kannon of Kubota” and is particularly well known by the name Kasagami Kannon.
Shofukuji has long been known for its traditional ritual to ward off kan no mushi, a term historically used in Japan to describe irritability or ailments believed to affect children. The ritual is held every year on April 29 and attracts many worshippers, making it an important local tradition.
The detailed origins of Shofukuji are unclear because historical records were lost in a fire during the Kansei era in the late 18th century.
However, in 1873, when the buildings of the former Kasagami Kannon temple were abolished, its principal image, a seated statue of Shokanzeon Bosatsu (Sacred Kannon), was transferred to Shofukuji. From that time onward, the temple became widely known as Kasagami Kannon.
An Edo-period-style ink painting of Kasagami Kannon was later featured in the publication Annual Events of Anegasaki Town and Its Hometown under the title “Spring Colors of Kasagami Kannon, Kubota Village, Mooda District.” The painting depicts the main hall and temple gate on the mountain and provides a glimpse of the lively atmosphere that once surrounded the temple.
The approach from the entrance of Shofukuji leads toward the main hall and continues through the temple grounds to the bell tower. The layout creates a quiet and respectful atmosphere for visitors.
Walking along the approach, visitors can enjoy the surrounding greenery and peaceful natural environment. The tranquil grounds provide a pleasant place to slow down and experience the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese Buddhist temple.
The temple’s principal image is a seated statue of Shokanzeon Bosatsu, traditionally said to have been carved by the Buddhist monk Gyoki during the Tenpyo era in the 8th century.
As a sacred image at a Shingon Buddhist temple, the statue is normally kept hidden from public view as a hibutsu, or secret Buddha. It is specially unveiled only once every 33 years, giving worshippers a rare opportunity to see the statue.
Votive Tablets (Ema): Traditional wooden votive tablets inherited from the former Kasagami Kannon temple.
Nio Guardian Statues: Powerful Buddhist guardian figures that preserve a connection with the temple’s long history.
Offering Box: A historical item associated with the former Kasagami Kannon and a reminder of its religious heritage.
One of Shofukuji’s best-known traditions is the kan no mushi ritual, held every year on April 29.
Many parents and children visit the temple to pray for children’s health, peaceful growth, and well-being. The event remains a cherished part of the local religious calendar and offers visitors an opportunity to experience a traditional form of Japanese folk belief.
Shofukuji Temple is approximately a 15-minute walk from Nagaura Station on the JR Uchibo Line.
Its convenient location makes the temple relatively easy to visit for both local worshippers and travelers exploring Sodegaura City.
Shofukuji is a place where history, Buddhist culture, and local faith come together. The temple’s connection with the former Kasagami Kannon, its valuable religious treasures, and the rarely unveiled statue of Shokanzeon Bosatsu make it an interesting destination for visitors interested in Japanese religious heritage.
The annual kan no mushi ritual also provides a glimpse into traditional beliefs surrounding children’s health and upbringing. Meanwhile, the peaceful temple grounds surrounded by nature offer a quiet break from the bustle of everyday life.
Located in Sodegaura City, Chiba Prefecture, Shofukuji Temple has long been an important center of local devotion as Kasagami Kannon. Its historic Buddhist image, cultural treasures, and traditional rituals preserve a fascinating part of the region’s religious heritage.
For travelers interested in Japanese Buddhism, traditional customs, history, and quiet temple surroundings, Shofukuji is a worthwhile place to visit while exploring Sodegaura and the surrounding Boso Peninsula.