Buddhist temple
Gofuku-ji
牛伏寺（ごふくじ）
Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture
An old Shingon temple in a valley about 1,000 meters above sea level on the mid-slope of Mount Hachibuse, with the mountain name Kinpusan. Its hidden principal image, Jūichimen Kanzeon Bosatsu, has drawn devotion as the “Yakuyoke Kannon” (Kannon for warding off misfortune).
English pages are the site’s own translations of its Japanese pages. The sources cited are in Japanese. 日本語で読む
Prayers associated with this place
Principal image: Jūichimen Kanzeon Bosatsu
History and things to know
According to temple tradition, in Tenpyō Shōhō 7 two oxen, one red and one black, that were carrying the Daihannya-kyō to Zenkō-ji collapsed at this place; the sutra scrolls were deposited here and the oxen were enshrined, and this is said to be how the temple came to be named Gofuku-ji. It is No. 27 of the Shinano Thirty-three pilgrimage and preserves many cultural properties, including Buddhist images from the Heian period.
Introduced by this site, based on materials from the shrine or temple and public bodies.
Related kami and buddhas
Before you visit
Opening hours, access, areas open to visitors, and events can change. Please check the latest guidance from the shrine or temple itself before you go.
Official website of the shrine or temple (may be in Japanese)
Sources (in Japanese)
- 牛伏寺「御祭神・御本尊・由緒の公式案内」（2026-10-22 確認）
This site is independent of the shrines, temples, and other websites mentioned. No partnership or endorsement is implied.