Kocho-ji

Kochoji Temple in Numazu, Shizuoka, was founded in 1276 with Nichiren as its opening patriarch and Nichishun and Nichiho as co-founders. It stands as one of the four great head temples of the Hokke Honmon school alongside Washiyamadera, Honnoji, and Honkoji. Its most treasured artifact, the Hobutsushu volume (Important Cultural Property), is one of the oldest surviving copies, transcribed in 1287. The statue of Nichiren carved by Nichiho is known as the Bleeding Patriarch for a legendary incident during its consecration. The repository building, completed in 1927, is a Registered Tangible Cultural Property. The grounds are celebrated as a cherry blossom viewing site each spring.