Seichoji Temple, officially known as Senkozan Seichoji, is a head temple of Nichiren Buddhism located in Kiyosumi, Kamogawa City, Chiba Prefecture. With its long history and importance as a place of Buddhist faith, it is counted as one of the four sacred sites of Nichiren Buddhism, together with Kuonji, Ikegami Honmonji, and Tanjoji.
The temple stands amid the rich natural surroundings of Mount Kiyosumi and has played an important role in the religious history of the Boso Peninsula. It is particularly significant as the place where Nichiren first proclaimed the title of the Lotus Sutra, “Namu Myoho Renge Kyo,” in 1253.
According to temple tradition, the history of Seichoji began when a traveling monk named Fushigi Hoshi came to the area and established a temple to enshrine Akashagarbha Bodhisattva (Kokuzo Bosatsu). The site subsequently became an important center of mountain worship and attracted many devotees.
The name Senkozan is said to have originated from an old oak tree near the mountaintop that appeared to shine with light. The name Seichoji is associated with a clear spring that emerged beneath the tree.
Seichoji once flourished as a major temple of the Tendai school. In 1618, during the Edo period, the temple was converted to the Shingon school by order of Tokugawa Hidetada. It received an annual stipend of 500 koku of rice and was granted a high-ranking status under the shogunate, reflecting the temple’s considerable prestige.
In 1949, Seichoji was converted to Nichiren Buddhism. Since then, it has continued to serve as an important head temple while preserving its historic buildings, religious traditions, and cultural heritage.
Seichoji is located on Mount Kiyosumi, which rises 377 meters above sea level. The temple is surrounded by lush natural scenery within Minamiboso Quasi-National Park. The main temple area stands at an elevation of approximately 310 meters.
The mountain is also notable for its distinctive vegetation. Warm-temperate plants grow mainly on the northern slopes, while subtropical vegetation can be found on the southern slopes, creating an interesting ecological boundary.
Asahigamori, a part of the temple grounds, is famous as one of the places on mainland Japan where the first sunrise of the New Year can be seen earliest, apart from Mount Fuji. On New Year’s Day, many visitors gather here to welcome the beginning of the year and pray for good fortune.
Seichoji is traditionally said to have been founded in 771, when Fushigi Hoshi established the temple and enshrined Kokuzo Bosatsu. It was later restored by Jikaku Daishi Ennin and flourished as a Tendai Buddhist temple.
During the Kamakura period, the temple reached its height of prosperity, with 12 sub-temples and 25 major halls. Its long history is reflected in the numerous historic buildings and cultural properties preserved throughout the grounds.
In 1253, Nichiren returned to Seichoji after years of study and travel. At the temple, he publicly chanted “Namu Myoho Renge Kyo” for the first time and declared the teachings that would become the foundation of Nichiren Buddhism.
This event is regarded as the establishment of Nichiren Buddhism, and April 28 is commemorated as the Day of the Establishment of Nichiren Buddhism.
Nichiren was entrusted to Seichoji at the age of 12 in 1233. He studied under a monk named Dozen-bo and entered the Buddhist priesthood at the age of 16.
While studying at Seichoji, Nichiren is said to have prayed to Kokuzo Bosatsu for the wisdom to become the wisest person in Japan. He later traveled to study Buddhism in various parts of Japan, deepening his understanding of the Lotus Sutra before returning to Seichoji.
When Dozen-bo, Nichiren’s teacher, died in 1276, Nichiren wrote the “Ho’onjo,” or “Treatise on Repaying Debts of Gratitude,” to express his deep gratitude toward his teacher. The work is counted among the five major writings of Nichiren and is regarded as an important religious and literary text.
The Nio-mon Gate was built in 1863 and is designated as a Tangible Cultural Property of Chiba Prefecture. The gate houses two guardian figures: Agyo, also known as Narayanakongo, and Ungyo, known as Misshaku Kongo.
The two figures symbolize the beginning and ultimate end of all phenomena. The roof ridge is decorated with a sixteen-petal chrysanthemum crest, a reminder of the temple’s distinguished status during its former Shingon period.
The Maniden, also known as the Great Hall, is believed to have been built in 1682. It enshrines an image of Kokuzo Bosatsu, carved in 1717 by Tenzui Ensho. The statue stands approximately 2.4 meters tall.
The interior is richly decorated with elaborate carvings and ornamental details. Among the works are pieces attributed to Shimomura Toshiro, a renowned Edo-period master of architectural carving.
The Founder’s Hall was built in 1973 based on a design by architect Shozo Uchii. Its distinctive architecture symbolizes the world of the Lotus Sutra and the life of Nichiren.
The building is raised approximately two meters above the ground. This unusual design represents the Buddhist concept of the assembly in the air, in which Shakyamuni Buddha is said to have preached the Lotus Sutra in midair.
Inside is an image of Nichiren said to have been dedicated by Oman-no-kata, a consort of Tokugawa Ieyasu.
The Bell Tower was constructed in December 1995. A historic bronze bell bearing an inscription dated 1392 is displayed there, providing a tangible connection to the temple’s long history.
The Kannon Hall was restored in 1880 and enshrines a statue of the Eleven-Headed Kannon. It is the 17th sacred temple on the Awa Thirty-Four Kannon Pilgrimage and is opened to the public for special viewing during the Years of the Ox and Horse.
The Thousand-Year Cedar is one of the most impressive natural features of the temple grounds. The tree stands approximately 47 meters tall and has a trunk circumference of around 15 meters. It is believed to be approximately 800 years old and was designated a National Natural Monument in 1924.
Although part of the tree was damaged by a typhoon, its enormous trunk and majestic presence remain an unforgettable sight for visitors.
Hoshi-no-I, or the “Well of the Stars,” is a mysterious spot on the temple grounds. According to legend, the reflection of the stars can be seen in the water inside the well.
The well is traditionally associated with Fushigi Hoshi, who is said to have received divine guidance from Kokuzo Bosatsu. Its unusual legend continues to attract the attention of visitors.
The tomb of Dozen-bo, Nichiren’s teacher, was established in 1276. It remains an important sacred site for followers of Nichiren Buddhism and commemorates the monk who played a significant role in Nichiren’s early religious education.
Seichoji preserves numerous cultural properties designated by Chiba Prefecture and Kamogawa City. These include the Nio-mon Gate, Middle Gate, stone monuments, and historic Buddhist bells, as well as various sculptures and architectural features.
The natural environment also forms an important part of the temple’s heritage. The Great Cedar of Kiyosumi and the forest-dwelling Moriaogaeru tree frog are among the natural features associated with the area.
Seichoji Temple can be reached from Awa-Amatsu Station on the JR Sotobo Line by local bus in approximately 20 minutes, or by taxi in approximately 15 minutes.
Seichoji is more than a historic Buddhist temple. Its combination of religious heritage, historic architecture, cultural properties, and beautiful mountain scenery makes it an appealing destination for travelers interested in Japanese history and spirituality.
Visitors can explore the Kannon Hall, Founder’s Hall, Ho’on-den, and other buildings scattered throughout the grounds while enjoying the changing scenery of the seasons. Asahigamori is another worthwhile stop, particularly for those interested in experiencing the famous first sunrise of the New Year.
The temple’s elevated location also offers opportunities to enjoy panoramic views. From Myoken-do Hall near the summit, visitors may be able to see Mount Fuji on clear days. The site is also visited by people praying for good fortune and good health.
Exploring special sites such as the Well of the Stars and the Thousand-Year Cedar provides a deeper appreciation of Seichoji’s legends, natural surroundings, and centuries of religious history.