20 Temples in Chiba worth your time

A historic Jodo sect temple in Matsudo featuring a massive 330-year-old weeping cherry tree and imperial history.

What it is

• A Jodo sect temple founded in 1481 by Kyogyo Gotei Unko
• One of the Kanto Juhachi Danrin training centers during the Edo period
• Designated as a Chokugansho by Emperor Meiji in the early Meiji era
• Relocated to its current site in the mid-sixteenth century

What to see

• A weeping cherry tree estimated to be 330 years old
• The remaining temple grounds and historic religious structures
• The neighboring site of Kogan Elementary School on former temple land

When to go

• The Gyoki Festival held annually during the month of April
• A local flea market hosted on the grounds every October

Getting there

• A five-minute walk from JR Kita-Kogane Station
• A two-minute walk from the Kogan Elementary School bus stop

Read more about Tōzen-ji Temple

A historic Tendai Buddhist temple in Kashiwa featuring a unique bell tower gate and a rare hidden Kannon statue.

What it is

• A Tendai Buddhist temple founded by the priest Sonkei between 781 and 806
• A branch temple of Senso-ji in Inzai City located in Kashiwa
• A site rebuilt four times following destructive fires since the Sengoku period
• The original grounds formerly included the neighboring Oi Katori Shrine

What to see

• A temple gate that is integrated with a bell tower
• The Kannon Hall which houses a statue attributed to Prince Shotoku
• Numerous stone monuments and traditional temple buildings scattered across the grounds
• A hidden Buddha statue that is only displayed to the public once per generation

Getting there

• The temple is a ten minute walk from the Oi bus stop

Read more about Fukuman-ji Temple

An independent temple in Kashiwa housing a Muromachi-period Kannon statue and a designated historic hall maintained by local shrine parishioners.

What it is

• An independent temple formerly associated with the Shingon Buzan sect.
• The primary deity is an Eleven-faced Kannon dating to the Muromachi period.
• One historical theory dates the foundation of the temple to 1681.
• It served as the former administrative temple for the nearby Takayanagi Katori Shrine.

What to see

• The Kannon Hall is a designated tangible cultural property of Kashiwa City.
• A historic statue of the Eleven-faced Kannon from the Muromachi era.

When to go

• Farmers traditionally brought horses here for blessings on January 2nd.

Getting there

• The temple is a seventeen minute walk from Takayanagi Station.

Read more about Fukuju-in Temple

Enpuku-ji Temple is a historic Shingon-shu temple, home to a five-story pagoda and cultural treasures.

What it is

• A Shingon-shu temple in Choshi City, Chiba Prefecture.
• Its mountain name is Iinumasan.
• The principal image is the Eleven-faced Kannon Bodhisattva.
• It is the 27th temple of the Bando 33 Kannon Pilgrimage.

What to see

• A five-story pagoda, 33.55m high, built in 2009.
• Choko Shrine is located next to the temple.
• A Nyo (Buddhist ritual implement) is an Important Cultural Property.
• The Iinuma Water Level Benchmark Stone is a Civil Engineering Heritage site.
• Treasure exhibitions are held twice a year.

When to go

• Treasure exhibitions are held twice a year since 2014.

Address

千葉県銚子市馬場町293 Map

Official site

iinumakannon.com

Read more about Enpuku-ji Temple

A historic Nichiren Buddhist temple in Kashiwa City known for its ancient stone monuments and ties to Kominato Tanjoji.

What it is

• A Nichiren Buddhist temple founded as a retirement site for priests from Kominato Tanjoji.
• The temple likely dates back to the early Muromachi period.
• Priest Nissen restored the temple in 1655 with support from benefactor Nakano Kichibei.
• Historically this site attracted many worshippers traveling from the city of Edo.

What to see

• A historic stone monument dating back to the Kakitsu era.
• Architecture and grounds belonging to the lineage of the Kominato Tanjoji temple.

Getting there

• The temple is a twenty-five minute walk from Sakasai Station.

Read more about Sōken-ji Temple

A historic Kenpon Hokke Buddhist temple founded in 1460 featuring ancient shell mounds and Tokugawa clan history.

What it is

• A Kenpon Hokke sect Buddhist temple founded by Priest Nichigyo in 1460
• The site was originally home to a Shingon sect institution
• Tokugawa Ieyasu donated land to the temple in 1591
• The grounds contain the graves of soldiers who fell during the Boshin War

What to see

• The Anegasaki Myokyoji Shell Mound located within the temple grounds
• Excavation sites where seventeenth century ceramics and urns were discovered
• A historic location where Tokugawa Mitsukuni stayed in 1674

Getting there

• The temple is a three minute walk from Anegasaki Station

Read more about Myōkyō-ji Temple

Hōden-ji Temple is a Jōdo-shū temple with unique art and statuary.

What it is

• A Jōdo-shū Buddhist temple.
• Founded in 1553 by Kanryū Shōnin.
• A branch temple of Zōjō-ji Temple.
• 22nd sacred site of the Gyōtoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage.

What to see

• Main hall and Kannon-dō, completed in 2002.
• Ceiling paintings by artist Kōshi Matsubara in the main hall.
• Stone statues of Enma Daio and Datsueba.
• Monument to Meitoku Jinjō Shōgakkō.

When to go

• Meitoku Festival is held annually in May.

Getting there

• 400 meters from Gyōtoku Station South Exit.
• 150 meters from the Oshikiri bus stop.

Address

千葉県市川市湊7-1 Map

Official site

houdenji.web.fc2.com

Read more about Hōden-ji Temple

Naritasan Shinshoji Temple is a popular eastern Japan temple known for its daily fire ritual.

What it is

• Naritasan Shinshoji Temple, founded in 940.
• One of the most popular temples in eastern Japan.
• Center of Narita city.
• Leading temple of the Chisan sect of Reformed Shingon Buddhism.

What to see

• Komyodo and Shakado, former main halls.
• Sanju no to (three-storied pagoda).
• Niomon Gate.
• Gakudo.
• Five buildings designated Important Cultural Properties.
• Structures dating back over 300 years.

When to go

• Hatsumode (New Year's visit) for 3 million people.
• Goma fire ritual performed daily.
• Fire ritual held twice each day.

Address

千葉県成田市成田1番地の1 Map

Official site

www.naritasan.or.jp

Read more about Narita-san

Shōfuku-ji Temple is a Shingon Buddhist temple with a hidden Buddha, worth visiting for its history.

What it is

• A Shingon-shu Chizan-ha temple.
• Known as Kasagami Kannon.
• Records were lost in a fire during the Kansei era.

What to see

• A seated statue of Shō Kannon Bosatsu.
• Main image carved by Gyōki in the Tenpyō era.
• Main image is usually a hidden Buddha.
• Main image displayed once every 33 years.
• Ema, Nio statues, and offering boxes.

When to go

• April 29th for a ritual for children's ailments.

Getting there

• 15-minute walk from Nagaura Station.
• Nagaura Station is on the JR Uchibō Line.

Address

千葉県袖ケ浦市久保田2329 Map

Read more about Shōfuku-ji Temple

A historic Jodo sect Buddhist temple in Nagareyama City featuring structures rebuilt in 1864 after a major fire.

What it is

• A Jodo sect Buddhist temple located in Nagareyama City, Chiba Prefecture.
• Founded in 1606 by the priest Ryorensha Kakuyo.
• Originally established as a hermitage under a pine tree called Kannonmatsu.
• The current temple structures were rebuilt in 1864 following a fire.

What to see

• Traditional temple buildings dating back to the mid-nineteenth century reconstruction.
• The site where the original Kannonmatsu pine tree once stood.

Getting there

• The temple is a five minute walk from Heiwadai Station.

Read more about Chōryū-ji Temple

A historic Kamakura-period temple in Sakura City offering scenic views of Lake Inbanuma and ancient memorial towers of the Usui clan.

What it is

• A Ji-shu Buddhist temple located in Sakura City.
• Founded during the Kamakura period as a Shingon sect temple.
• Converted to the Ji-shu sect under the leadership of Shinkyo Shonin.
• Recognized as one of the scenic Eight Views of Usui.

What to see

• Memorial towers dedicated to the Usui clan located on the grounds.
• A panoramic view of Lake Inbanuma from the temple site.
• The famous evening bell which is a local cultural landmark.

Getting there

• A thirteen minute walk from Keisei Usui Station.

Read more about Kōshō-ji Temple

A historic Nichiren Buddhist temple in Matsudo featuring a rare 16th-century hall that survived a major samurai battle fire.

What it is

• A Nichiren Buddhist temple founded by Kukai in the year 807.
• Originally a Shingon sect temple known as Tsugen-ji before converting in 1277.
• Served as a military base for Satomi Yoshitaka during the year 1538.
• Rebuilt at the current location after being burned by the Hojo army.

What to see

• The Shaka Nyorai Hall which survived the fire of 1538.
• The temple grounds situated in Matsudo City within Chiba Prefecture.

Getting there

• Located a twenty-two minute walk from Akiyama Station.

Read more about Hompō-ji Temple

Kōsai-ji Temple is an ancient Shingon Buddhist temple known for its unique Oni Kōrai ritual.

What it is

• Ancient Shingon Buddhist temple, founded in 1196.
• Founded by the monk Ishiya Oshō.
• Belongs to the Shingon-shu Chizan-ha sect.
• Its mountain name is Jishisan.

What to see

• Thirteen Oni Kōrai masks, designated in 2002.
• Masks are a Prefectural Tangible Folk Cultural Property.

When to go

• Oni Kōrai ritual is performed annually on July 16th (old calendar).
• Oni Kōrai is an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property.

Getting there

• 45-minute walk from Yokoshiba Station.

Address

千葉県山武郡横芝光町虫生483 Map

Read more about Kōsai-ji Temple

A historic Nichiren Buddhist temple founded in 1575, recognized as a city cultural property for its long religious heritage.

What it is

• A Nichiren Buddhist temple founded by Nikko in 1575
• A branch temple of the larger Hokekyo-ji located in Ichikawa City
• The grounds are officially designated as a Kamagaya City cultural property
• The site contains the historical Manpuku-ji Temple Precincts Ruins

What to see

• The temple precincts which are preserved as a local cultural property
• The site where the Shorimbo sub-temple stood until the eighteenth century

Getting there

• A twenty-six minute walk from Kamagaya Station

Read more about Manpuku-ji Temple

A historic Nichiren Buddhist temple founded in 1288 featuring ancient cedar trees and a modern main hall.

What it is

• A Nichiren Buddhist temple founded in 1288 by the priest Nichiren.
• Originally established as a Shingon sect hall known as Oi no Mido.
• Became a branch of Hokekyo-ji temple during the 1590s.
• Belongs to the Shinshi-hoen lineage and carries the mountain name Chokokuzan.

What to see

• The current main hall which was constructed in 1970.
• Ancient cedar trees on the grounds designated as natural monuments.

Getting there

• The temple site is a five-minute walk from the Nakai bus stop.

Official site

www.myosyoji.com

Read more about Myōshō-ji Temple

Ancient temple with rare statues, a significant stop on the Kanto pilgrimage.

What it is

• A Shingon-shu Chisan-ha Buddhist temple.
• Founded in the year 725.
• The 57th temple of the Kanto Hachijuhakkasho pilgrimage.

What to see

• Main image is a masked Senju Kannon.
• Wooden Senju Kannon statue is a cultural property.
• Wooden Daikokuten statue is a cultural property.
• Asahi Kaiun Daikokuten statue carved in 860.
• One of the largest old Daikokuten statues in Kanto.
• Twenty-eight Deities statues made in 1335.

When to go

• Daikokuten Taisai festival is held on February 6th.

Address

千葉県南房総市久保587 Map

Official site

www.manodaikoku.com

Read more about Mano-dera Temple

Discover Chiba's oldest tile-roofed temple, home to ancient artifacts and a significant Buddha statue.

What it is

• Tendai sect temple in Sakae Town, Chiba Prefecture.
• Main deity is Yakushi Nyorai.
• Oldest tile-roofed temple in Chiba Prefecture.
• Temple remains date back to the 7th century.

What to see

• Bronze seated statue of Yakushi Nyorai, a National Important Cultural Property.
• Statue's head dates to the Hakuho period.
• National Historic Site: tower ruins on the temple grounds.
• Excavated artifacts are a Chiba Prefecture Designated Cultural Property.
• Storehouse from early Meiji era, relocated to the grounds.

Address

千葉県印旛郡栄町龍角寺239 Map

Read more about Ryūkaku-ji Temple

Togakuji is a historic Zen temple in Chiba, home to important Buddhist statues and artifacts.

What it is

• A Soto Zen temple in Choshi City, Chiba Prefecture.
• Founded in 1390 by Kaito Kinko, lord of Nakajima Castle.
• Became the family temple of the Matsudaira Geki family in 1590.

What to see

• Three enshrined statues: Kannon, Yakushi Nyorai, and Jizo Bosatsu.
• Buddhist statues from Injoji Temple, now Tangible Cultural Properties.
• Unearthed gilt bronze sutra cylinder, buried in 1252.
• Two wooden standing Yakushi Nyorai statues, cultural properties.
• A wooden standing Bodhisattva statue, a cultural property.

Address

千葉県銚子市岡野台町2-473 Map

Read more about Tōgaku-ji Temple

Tokuzō-in Temple is a historic Shingon Buddhist temple with unique shrines and seasonal events.

What it is

• A Shingon-shu Buzan-ha temple.
• Founded by the monk Shinkei.
• Established during Emperor Go-Hanazono's reign.

What to see

• The main hall, built around 1720.
• Fujizuka Inari, enshrining samurai who committed seppuku.
• Konpira-do, a hall of unknown founding year.
• Jurojin, one of the Matsudo Seven Lucky Gods.

When to go

• Hatsumode, for New Year's prayers.
• Setsubun-e, for the bean-throwing festival.

Getting there

• 7-minute walk from Yabashira Station.

Address

千葉県松戸市日暮5-270 Map

Read more about Tokuzō-in Temple

Yakouji is a Hokke temple founded in the Kamakura period, rebuilt in 1745, and known for its festivals.

What it is

• A stand-alone temple of the Hokke sect.
• Formal name is Fuda Yakouji.
• Founded by Nichijo Shonin in the Kamakura period.
• Became an independent temple in 1953.

What to see

• Principal image is Yakou Rurikou Nyorai.
• Current temple buildings rebuilt after 1745 fire.
• Bridge for wheelchair access completed in 2015.
• Stairs to the bell tower completed in 2017.

When to go

• Hanamatsuri festival is held every April 8th.
• Segaki festival is held annually on September 7th and 8th.

Address

千葉県東金市上布田301 Map

Read more about Yakuō-ji Temple