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Complete Pilgrimage Guide to Hozoin (Saihoji) | Kanazawa Seven Lucky Gods & Shingon Temple

Hozoin (Konoki-zan Saihoji), a Shingon Omuro-sect temple in Shiba-machi, Kanazawa Ward, Yokohama. A seaside esoteric Buddhist temple revived in the Genroku era, enshrining Jurojin on the Yokohama Kanazawa Seven Lucky Gods circuit and the 76th site on the Tokugo 88-temple pilgrimage. The Kamakura-period Amida Triad is a designated Yokohama City Tangible Cultural Property.

Contents

MOKUJI

History of Hozoin and Its Revival

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The Yokohama Kanazawa Seven Lucky Gods Pilgrimage

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A Seaside Temple Beside Shiba Fishing Port

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Summary

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Frequently Asked Questions

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The precinct of Hozoin (Konoki-zan Saihoji) in Shiba-machi, Kanazawa Ward, Yokohama — a Shingon Omuro-sect temple quietly overlooking the bay from its hillside perch

Hozoin (Konoki-zan Saihoji), a Shingon Omuro-sect temple perched on a hill overlooking Shiba fishing port in Kanazawa Ward, Yokohama, has quietly carried the torch of esoteric Buddhism in this seaside community for centuries. Revived in the Genroku era (1689) by the priest Denyu Hoin, this temple is both the Jurojin (longevity god) site on the Yokohama Kanazawa Seven Lucky Gods circuit and the 76th temple on the Tokugo 88-Temple Pilgrimage of Eastern Japan — making it a pilgrimage landmark of exceptional depth.

History of Hozoin and Its Revival

A Hall Reborn in the Genroku Era

The origins of Hozoin predate reliable records; a small hall known as “Teikobō” is said to have existed on this site before the current temple. In the second year of Genroku (1689), the priest Denyu Hoin rebuilt the hall and formally renamed it Hōzō-in (“Treasure Repository Temple”), becoming its reviving founder. Denyu Hoin served this seaside community until his death in Hōei 7 (1710).

At the time of the revival, the original principal image — an Amida Triad (three-figure Amitabha) attributed to the ancient monk Gyoki — was replaced by a seated image of Dainichi Nyorai (Mahavairocana). The former Amida Triad is preserved in the temple to this day; recognized as a work of the Kamakura period, it is designated a Yokohama City Tangible Cultural Property.

The Shingon Tradition and Kukai’s Legacy

Hozoin belongs to the Shingon Omuro sect, whose head temple is Ninnaji in Kyoto. Shingon Buddhism was brought to Japan from Tang-dynasty China by Kobo Daishi Kukai, who established Mt. Koya as the faith’s principal training ground. Kukai spread esoteric teachings across Japan, and Hozoin carries that lineage at the water’s edge in Kanazawa.

Hozoin's main hall, rebuilt by the priest Denyu Hoin in Genroku 2 (1689). The temple enshrines Dainichi Nyorai (Mahavairocana) as its principal image

The Mystery of the Gyoki-Attributed Amida Triad

The original principal image, attributed to Gyoki, connects Hozoin to one of Japan’s most revered monk-engineers. Gyoki is celebrated for building roads, bridges, and reservoirs across the country, and many temples nationwide claim images of his making. Whether the current Kamakura-period Amida Triad directly descends from a Gyoki original or whether the attribution arose later is unknown — but the fact that Yokohama City has designated this statue a cultural property underscores Hozoin’s historical significance.

The Yokohama Kanazawa Seven Lucky Gods Pilgrimage

Jurojin — God of Longevity and Good Fortune

Hozoin is the enshrining temple of Jurojin on the Yokohama Kanazawa Seven Lucky Gods circuit. Jurojin, one of the Seven Lucky Gods of Japanese mythology, is associated with longevity, happiness, and good health. While the Seven Lucky Gods pilgrimage is most popular during the New Year season, Hozoin accepts pilgrims and issues special goshuin year-round.

The circuit connects Hozoin with other historic sites across Kanazawa Ward, including Seto Jinja, Biwajima Jinja, Shomyoji, and Nojima Jinja — a half-day to full-day walk through one of Yokohama’s most historically layered districts.

Hozoin as the Jurojin (longevity deity) site on the Yokohama Kanazawa Seven Lucky Gods circuit — one of the key stops on the Kanazawa Ward pilgrimage route

Tokugo 88-Temple Pilgrimage, Site 76

Hozoin is also the 76th temple on the Tokugo 88-Temple Pilgrimage of Eastern Japan, a circuit modeled on the famed Shikoku 88-temple pilgrimage associated with Kobo Daishi Kukai. This Kanto-based route follows the spiritual legacy of Shingon temples throughout eastern Japan, allowing pilgrims to experience the essence of the Shikoku henro journey closer to home.

Goshuin for both the Seven Lucky Gods circuit and the Tokugo pilgrimage are available; visitors seeking both should mention this when approaching the temple office.

At a Glance: Hozoin Key Information

Detail

Information

Full name

Hozoin (Konoki-zan Saihoji)

Sect

Shingon Omuro (head temple: Ninnaji, Kyoto)

Principal image

Seated Dainichi Nyorai (Mahavairocana)

Cultural property

Wooden Amida Triad — Yokohama City Tangible Cultural Property

Seven Lucky Gods

Yokohama Kanazawa Seven Lucky Gods: Jurojin

Pilgrimage

Tokugo 88-Temple Pilgrimage, Site 76

Address

Shiba-machi, Kanazawa Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa

Access

5-min walk from Umi-no-Koen Shibaguchi Stn (Kanazawa Seaside Line)

A Seaside Temple Beside Shiba Fishing Port

Climbing the Hill to the Temple Grounds

From Umi-no-Koen Shibaguchi Station on the Kanazawa Seaside Line, a short walk leads to the foot of a hillside path. The climb to the temple grounds offers glimpses of Shiba fishing port below and, on clear days, views toward Tokyo Bay. Once inside the precincts, the noise of the beach recedes entirely, replaced by the quiet of a centuries-old esoteric sanctuary.

View from the hilltop beside Shiba fishing port, near Hozoin — a seaside esoteric Buddhist temple that has long drawn the devotion of local fishermen

A Temple That Sheltered Fishing Communities

For generations, Shiba’s fishermen have prayed at Hozoin for safe passage at sea and abundant catches. The temple’s position overlooking the harbor made it a natural beacon for those who worked the waters of Tokyo Bay. Kumano Jinja (Shiba), the tutelary shrine of the same Shiba neighborhood, stands nearby — visiting both in sequence gives a vivid sense of the spiritual landscape that shaped this community.

Surrounding Historic Sites in Kanazawa-Hakkei

A short journey from Hozoin connects visitors to some of Kanazawa Ward’s finest historic sites: Susaki Jinja, guardian shrine of the bay view immortalized in the “Eight Views of Kanazawa”; the medieval garden of Shomyoji, founded by the Kanazawa Hojo clan; and Seto Jinja, an ancient sea-deity shrine associated with Minamoto no Yoritomo. Tomioka Hachimangu serves as the regional tutelary shrine for the wider Kanazawa and Isogo areas.

Inside the precinct of Hozoin, the 76th site on the Tokugo 88-Temple Pilgrimage of Eastern Japan — a 5-minute walk from Umi-no-Koen Shibaguchi Station

Summary

Pilgrimage Tips

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Alight at Umi-no-Koen Shibaguchi Station (Kanazawa Seaside Line); the temple is about 5 minutes on foot up a gentle hill — wear comfortable walking shoes

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Jurojin goshuin (Yokohama Kanazawa Seven Lucky Gods) is available year-round; Hozoin makes a natural starting or ending point for the circuit

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Tokugo Pilgrimage goshuin (Site 76) is also available; bring a pilgrimage book (nokyo-cho) if you are completing the circuit

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The Kamakura-period Amida Triad (Yokohama City Cultural Property) is enshrined inside the main hall — ask at the temple office if you wish to view it

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Shiba fishing port’s morning market (mainly weekends) pairs well with a visit to the temple for a full taste of this seaside neighborhood

Related Spots

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Hozoin (Saihoji) — This temple; Shingon Omuro sect, Jurojin site on Yokohama Kanazawa Seven Lucky Gods

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Kumano Jinja (Shiba) — The tutelary shrine of the Shiba neighborhood, steps from Hozoin

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Susaki Jinja (Kanazawa-Hakkei) — Ancient shrine at the “Susaki Clearing” of the Eight Views of Kanazawa

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Shomyoji — Renowned medieval Jodo-style garden temple founded by the Kanazawa Hojo clan

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Seto Jinja — Ancient sea-deity shrine with ties to Minamoto no Yoritomo

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Biwajima Jinja — Benzaiten shrine on a small island near Shomyoji

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Nojima Jinja — Shrine at the site of “Nojima Evening Glow,” one of the Eight Views of Kanazawa

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Tomioka Hachimangu — Major Hachiman shrine serving Kanazawa and Isogo wards

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Hozoin?

Take the Kanazawa Seaside Line to Umi-no-Koen Shibaguchi Station. The temple is approximately 5 minutes on foot, up a short hillside path. Street parking is limited; the Umi-no-Koen beachside car parks are a convenient alternative if coming by car.

Can I receive a goshuin at Hozoin?

Yes, goshuin are available throughout the year. Both the Yokohama Kanazawa Seven Lucky Gods (Jurojin) goshuin and the Tokugo 88-Temple Pilgrimage (Site 76) goshuin are offered. Please inform the temple office which goshuin you would like when you arrive.

What is the principal image, and what cultural property is preserved here?

The current principal image is a seated Dainichi Nyorai (Mahavairocana). The former principal image — a Wooden Amida Triad attributed in tradition to the monk Gyoki and dated to the Kamakura period — is a designated Yokohama City Tangible Cultural Property, preserved in the main hall.

Is Hozoin close to Umi-no-Koen (Sea Park)?

Yes — both share the same nearest station (Umi-no-Koen Shibaguchi), so the sandy beach of Umi-no-Koen is within about 10 minutes on foot from the temple. The wider Kanazawa-Hakkei area also clusters Seto Jinja, Susaki Jinja, and Shomyoji within easy walking distance, making a half-day historic circuit very accessible.

Last updated: June 4, 2026

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Toku editorial team — samurai history. Insists on primary sources and castle-layout diagrams, walking battlefields from Yoritomo's Izu exile sites to the late-Edo battlegrounds.

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