Banman-ji

Manman-ji is a Rinzai Zen temple of the Daitoku-ji school, located in Mabashi, Matsudo, Chiba Prefecture. Its mountain name is Hoo-zan, and the principal object of worship is Amida Nyorai (Amitabha). The temple is known for its pair of Kongo Rikishi (guardian deity) statues from the Kamakura period, designated as Important Cultural Properties by the Japanese government. A distinctive tradition called Nio-sama no Mata-kuguri — crawling between the legs of the guardian statues — attracts visitors who pray for good health. The temple continues to be an important center of faith in the Matsudo area.