Kanfukuji

Kanfukuji, formally known as Myokosan Rengeiin Kanfukuji, is a Shingon Buzan sect temple in Makino, Katori City, Chiba Prefecture. Temple tradition holds that it was founded in 890 (Kanpyo 2) by the priest Sonkai. The principal image is a Sho Kannon Bosatsu, said to have been the protective deity of Taira no Masakado. The temple served as a prayer hall for the Chiba clan and gathered deep veneration from warriors through the ages. In the Edo period it became a honzan overseeing 53 branch temples, at the center of popular faith in Yakuyoke Daishi (Kobo Daishi). The Daishi-do hall enshrines Kobo Daishi and is counted as one of Japan's Three Great Exorcist Daishi temples, alongside Kawasaki Daishi and Nishiarai Daishi. The grounds contain the grave of Ino Tadataka, who produced Japan's first modern maps. Four bronze kakebotoke are designated National Important Cultural Properties.