Mainland
Itokuji Temple
Kasaoka-yama Itokuji Temple represents the Soto school of Zen Buddhism, but originally is was a temple of the Rinzai section of Zen. It was built by Suyama Yoshitaka during the Kamakura Period. It is said that when Suyama moved his base of operations to Kasaoka, he built a castle on Mt. Ryuo behind the town, and took up residence near Itokuji Temple. The temple became the gravesite of his family.
Togenuki Shiroiwa Jizo
In front of the main hall of the temple is a stone statue of Jizo (guardian deity of children) called the Togenuki Shiroiwa Jizo. It is said that brushing it with a sponge will cure physical ailments.
Gravesite of Ido Heizaemon known as the "Imo (Potato) Magistrate”
Within the precincts, is the grave of Ido Heizaemon. There is a custom of holding a tea ceremony the every year in honor of the magistrate.
Ido Heizaemon was also known as the "Imo (Potato) Magistrate." History has it that when the entire West Japan region was suffering from a severe famine, he introduced the sweet potato, a crop that the weakened land was able to grow. This prevented people under his rule from dying of starvation.
Nearby is the Ido Park, which is closely connected to Ido Heizaemon.
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Overview
| Address | 5418 Kasaoka, Kasaoka City, Okayama Prefecture, Japan 714-0081 |
|---|---|
| TEL | 0865-63-1092 |
| Access | 10-minute walk from JR Kasaoka Station |
