The Shusse Fudō of Myōōzan Fudōin, preserved and protected to this day by only a small number of people.

Fudō of Myōōzan Fudōin is a temple of the Shingi Shingon sect, whose head temple is Negoroji Temple in Iwade City, Wakayama Prefecture. It is said to have been founded in 853 during the Heian period by Genkyō Hōin.

The principal image, Fudō Myōō (Acala), is believed to have been carved by Gyōki Bosatsu by imperial order of Emperor Shōmu. Revered for bestowing success in battle and good fortune in life, it has long been deeply worshipped as “Shusse Fudō” (the Fudō who brings advancement and success). As this principal image, known as “Shusse Fudō,” is a hidden Buddha (hibutsu), it is not open to the public.

It is also said that Minamoto no Yoritomo stopped here to pray for lasting military fortune when passing through the area. During the Edo period, the temple prospered as a prayer temple of Mizuno Tadayori, lord of the Anezaki Tsurumaki Domain.

Within the precincts are enshrined a seated statue of Amida Nyorai, a seated statue of Dainichi Nyorai, and a seated statue of Yakushi Nyorai dating from the Edo period, as well as a wooden standing statue of Shō Kannon Bosatsu of unknown date, a statue of Kōbō Daishi, and a statue of Kōgyō Daishi. Outside the grounds stands a mid-Edo period stone statue of Batō Kannon.

Having lost its economic foundation due to the anti-Buddhist movement (Haibutsu Kishaku) of the Meiji era and the postwar land reforms, the temple faced the threat of closure many times. Nevertheless, it has been carefully preserved to this day by only a handful of parishioner families.

While attention often turns to large and bustling temples, small rural temples like this one—long removed from the spotlight—each possess their own precious history, sacred images that have carried generations of prayer, and a quiet, compelling charm.

Offering a prayer before the long-venerated “Ichihara no Shusse Fudō” may well become a meaningful step that gently supports your path forward.

The gentle radiance emanating from the Buddha, sheltered by a golden halo.

In the solemn presence of the seated statues of Amida Nyorai and Dainichi Nyorai, gently illuminated by soft light, the gilded seated statue of Amida Nyorai shines brilliantly with its halo behind it. The striking contrast of gold and black between the surrounding wooden bodhisattvas and the seated figures of Amida and Dainichi creates a sense of mystical depth. The finely carved drapery folds, serene expressions, and dignified bearing together evoke a warm yet majestic beauty.

“The harmonious beauty of the wooden statue of Shō Kannon Bosatsu, which enhances the presence of the golden Buddha.

Information about Myōōzan Fudōin in Ichihara City, Chiba Prefecture.