昌常寺

Beneath the vibrant tapestry of Osaka’s sky rises Shōjō-ji Temple, a tranquil sanctuary steeped in history and legend. Shōjō-ji, nestled in the heart of Fukushima Prefecture, not Osaka, holds a tale unlike any other. Journey back to the year 807. Picture the learned monk Tokuitsu, his robes billowing in the wind as he establishes this sacred ground. Shōjō-ji Temple was originally part of the Hossō sect. Its initial name is lost to time, shrouded in the mists of centuries past. The name Shōjō-ji arose during the medieval period, echoing through time to the present day. In its infancy, Shōjō-ji was a grand complex, a Shichidō garan, a complete seven-structure Buddhist temple. It boasted numerous auxiliary buildings, twelve monks’ residences, and over one hundred sub-temples. Imagine the bustling activity, the chanting of monks, the scent of incense wafting through the air. Today, Shōjō-ji retains its original Yakushi Hall, a testament to its enduring spirit. The head priest’s residence, the kitchen, and the central gate, the chūmon, still stand. Over thirty Buddhist statues grace the temple grounds. Shōjō-ji also holds a whimsical legend. During the mid-to-late Edo period, a tale began to circulate. It spoke of mischievous tanuki, raccoon dogs, gathering at the temple during sacred ceremonies. These tanuki would celebrate in their own unique way, adding a touch of magic to the temple’s atmosphere. In 1925, composer Nakayama Shinpei immortalized this legend in the song “Shojoji Tanuki no Bayashi,” the Tanuki’s Grove at Shojoji Temple. Every October, Shōjō-ji hosts a festival commemorating this enchanting tale, keeping the spirit of the tanuki alive. Among Shōjō-ji’s thirty Buddhist statues, twelve are relics of the early Heian period, likely dating back to the temple’s founding. Such a collection is a rarity outside of the Kansai region. The Yakushi-do, though rebuilt in the early Muromachi period, proudly holds the designation of a National Important Cultural Property. The original thatched roof was replaced with copper sheathing in 1964. Interestingly, this building sits on the former site of the Lecture Hall, hinting at a fiery past. Burn marks on the foundation stones whisper of a devastating fire that preceded the current structure. The central figure at Shōjō-ji is Yakushi Nyorai, the Medicine Buddha, flanked by his attendants, Nikko Bosatsu and Gakko Bosatsu. While the Yakushi Nyorai statue, carved from zelkova wood and dating back to the early 9th century, remains in the Yakushi-do, its companions are now safely stored away. This magnificent statue earned the distinction of a National Treasure in 1996. Shōjō-ji embraces you with its history, legends, and sacred art. As you leave, carry with you the echoes of chanting monks, the rustling of tanuki in the trees, and the enduring spirit of Shōjō-ji.