Kashozan Mirokuji Temple

Kashozan Mirokuji Temple is located to the north of Numata City, to the east of the Tanigawa mountain range. The temple grounds are surrounded by pure, clean air, giving it a comfortably refreshing atmosphere.

The temple was first founded in 848. Known to many as the “Tengu Mountain,” worshippers came to visit from across the country. The temple’s tengu is Chuho Zenji, the prodigy of the monk Tenson Zenji who converted the temple to the Soto school of Buddhism. It is said that at his death, Chuho Zenji vowed to become a Buddha of all living things, before his spirit ascended at the mountain’s peak. A tengu mask was left after his ascension, and so he came to be regarded as an incarnation of the tengu, and so the tengu mask came to be enshrined as a symbol of the revered Chuho.

The must-see parts of the temple include Japan’s largest tengu mask, which is one of Japan’s three great tengu masks, as well as the “Daitengu,” which was created to help eliminate traffic accidents. The mask is 6.5 meters long, with a 2.8-meter-long nose – something stunning that you can only see here at Kashozan Mirokuji Temple.
There are also various other masks of different sizes enshrined in Chuhodo Hall, where the tengu mask is located, making it a place filled with tengus. Being surrounded by all of the tengu masks is a unique experience sure to make a great story to tell!

There are plenty of other historical sights to see on top of just Chuhodo Hall, including the main temple building, Shorodo Hall, and main shrine. Kashodo Hall and Kaisando Hall are also open, so be sure to stop and worship there as well!