Kofuku Shrine

Overview

Kofuku Shrine, situated in Kanuma City, Tochigi Prefecture, is renowned as one of Kanto's most powerful spiritual sites. Perched atop Mount Kofuku at an elevation of 618 meters, it has been revered as a sacred mountain worship site for centuries. Legend attributes the shrine's founding to En no Gyoja, who is said to have built it during the Hakuhō period (around 1400 years ago) at the behest of Prince Shotoku. Subsequent visits by Minamoto no Yoritomo during the Kamakura period and Tokugawa Ieyasu during the Edo period further enhanced its fame. Nestled in the naturally abundant landscape of Mount Kofuku, Kofuku Shrine offers breathtaking seasonal beauty. Autumn's fiery red and gold foliage is especially spectacular, while spring's cherry blossoms and the vibrant greenery of summer provide stunning contrasts. The beauty of the shrine endures year-round. Within the shrine grounds stands a thirteen-story pagoda, designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Reconstructed during the Kamakura period, this majestic 31.5-meter-tall structure serves as the shrine's iconic symbol. Numerous stone statues surrounding the pagoda further evoke the shrine's rich history. The shrine also boasts Kofuen, a magnificent strolling garden spanning 25,000 tsubo (approximately 82,500 square meters). This expansive garden utilizes the natural terrain and incorporates the clear waters of the Oashigawa River's source. With teahouses scattered throughout, Kofuen provides a tranquil space for a leisurely day of exploration. Known as a power spot, Kofuku Shrine is particularly associated with blessings for matchmaking and warding off misfortune. It's also believed to grant wishes for traffic safety, academic success, business prosperity, and household safety. Kofuku Shrine, nestled within the natural beauty of Mount Kofuku, offers breathtaking seasonal scenery and a palpable sense of history. It's the perfect place for rejuvenation and spiritual renewal.