Entaku-ji, temple in Kōfu, Yamanashi
Entaku-ji is a Buddhist temple in Kofu with traditional wooden buildings, simple tile roofs, and quiet gardens surrounded by trees. The main hall houses a stone statue of Jizo Bosatsuzazo, recognized as a national cultural property, which serves as the center of devotion at the site.
The temple was founded in 808 by Kobo Daishi and has been revived over centuries by various monks and local figures. Its stone Jizo statue became a healing shrine, especially for people seeking protection from bad fortune and misfortune.
The temple centers on devotion to Jizo, a protective deity that locals believe listens to prayers and wishes. During the annual February festival, you see people offering coins and praying together, showing how this place remains woven into the daily spiritual life of the community.
The temple is easily reached by bus from Kofu Station, with the journey taking about 12 minutes. The annual February festival is the most lively time to visit, when stalls selling local food and crafts line the grounds, though visitors also come year-round to the quieter site.
A standout feature is the old Japanese black pine tree Maizuru-no-Matsu near the temple gate, whose broad branches spread far and wide, adding a sense of deep history to the place. Behind the Jizo hall sits the unusual Kubiuki-Jizo statue with a separated neck and body, with a legend saying the neck will float gently when wishes come true.
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