Sightseeing: Trip to Yamagata / Gateway to Yamagata Tourist Information site

Kaikoji かいこうじ

Temple in which enshrines two sokushinbutsu

◎Denomination / Chisan School, Shingon Sect of Buddhism
◎Foundation / Keicho Era (1600s)
◎Patriarch / Kukai
◎Principal Image / Dainichi Nyorai

2 out of 6 Sokushinbutsu in Shonai are enshrined at Sokubutsudo in Shakosan Kaikoji.
This is the only temple that shrines 2 sokushinbutsu.
Legend has it that Kaikoji was founded by Kukai, the patriarch of Shingon Sect, 1,200 years ago. Chukai-shonin and Enmyokai-shonin, who endured 1,000 days of ascetic training then became sokushinbutsu in order to save people from suffering until the last days and make their wishes come true, are now enshrined at Sokushindo.
Ennichi (Buddhist night memorial service) is held from August 1 to 3 and sokushinbutsu are on exhibit at night during this period.

Information

■Name Kaikoji
■Location 2-7-12, Hiyoshicho, Sakata-shi
■Phone number 0234-22-4264
■Business Hours 9:00-17:00
(9:00-16:00 from November to March)
■Closed on Tuesdays
January 1-3
■Admission Adult: 400 yen (300 yen)
Elementary and junior high school student: 200 yen (150 yen)
※() is applied to a group of more than 20 people
■Access From JR Sakata Station: 6 min by car
From JR Sakata Station: 5 min by Shonai Kotsu Bus to “Kotobuki-machi” stop then 5-min walk
From Sakata Interchange of Nihon-kai Tohoku Express way: 17 min by car
■Parking lot 10 lots available
Please park large vehicle at Hiyoriyama Park
■URL http://www.kaikouji-sakata.jimdo .com