金毘羅大権現常夜燈

Gazing across the waters, could you envision a time when flickering flames guided ships through the dark? Right here stands the Konpira Daigongen Joyakuto, a constant beacon, built in 1838. This stone structure, the Konpira Daigongen Joyakuto, has witnessed centuries of change along the Fujisato Riverbank. Originally a navigational aid, it served a dual purpose. It honored the god of safe passage, Konpira Daigongen, and marked a critical point on the waterway. Rebuilt in 1868 and again in 1888, the Konpira Daigongen Joyakuto originally stood closer to the river’s center. Towering at 3.3 meters, with “Mount Zozusan” inscribed on its face, it houses the enshrined image of Konpira Daigongen. This location holds a deeper meaning. Local lore suggests the Konpira Daigongen Joyakuto served as a point of departure for boats carrying the sick during smallpox outbreaks. The boats sailed down the Tone River, offering sustenance to those afflicted. During the Edo period, the Fujisato Riverbank bustled with activity. The river served as a vital artery, transporting goods to Edo. Countless Takasebune boats, sometimes up to 30 or 40 a day, navigated these waters, creating a vibrant scene. This area, Fujisato, boasts three riverbanks: upper, middle, and lower. Even in the early Genroku era, the middle riverbank housed established shipping agents. The Konpira Daigongen Joyakuto has stood as a silent witness, a stone sentinel watching over the ebb and flow of life along the Fujisato River.