Chorinji Temple, one of the Awaji Seven Lucky Gods Sacred Sites, enshrines Fukurokuju. The virtues of Fukurokuju include prosperity of descendants (Fuku), wealth (Roku), and health and longevity (Kotobuki). A statue of Fukurokuju made of Awaji Island's specialty Ibushi tiles attracts the attention of many worshippers. This is a temple that grants the fulfillment of great ambitions.
In 737, the monk Gyoki built seven halls and enshrined a statue of the eleven-faced Kannon, the principal deity of the temple. This was the origin of Chorinji Temple, which had 12 pagodas and became known as a spiritual center for the spread of Buddhism. In the first year of Engi (901), Michizane Kanbara stayed in this area and made a vow to become the capital of Japan, hence the name “Miyakoji.
At Chorinji Temple, a summer festival is held on the auspicious anniversary of the eleven-faced Kannon Bosatsu (eleven-faced Goddess of Mercy), and a heroic “tsukai danjiri” parade is held through the temple grounds. The highlight of this traditional folk entertainment is the sight of the Danjiri, operated by two riders, rolling in all directions and displaying their virtuosity. It has been performed at the National Theatre of Japan in the past and is a valuable local cultural heritage known throughout the country.
The Fukurokuji festival is held from January 1 to 15 every year.
Chorinji Basic Information
| Name | Chorinji |
| Address | 975, Tsuzimantai, Goshiki-cho, Sumoto City, Hyogo Prefecture |
| Phone | 0799-33-0121 |
| Official WEB | https://www.tyorinji.com/ |
| Opening hours | 8:00 - 17:00 (visitation is available 24 hours a day) |
| Closed | None |
| Admission | Free (300 yen worship fee) |
| Parking | 50 cars |
| Parking fee | free |
| Access | Public transportation: 10 min. walk (700 m) from Goshiki BC, bound for Kobe - Goshiki Takataya Kahei Koen Car: 25 minutes (18 km) by car from Awaji IC |