Buddhist temple
Kaikō-ji
海向寺（かいこうじ）
Sakata, Yamagata Prefecture
A temple of the Shingon Chizan-ha on a corner of Hiyoriyama in Sakata, with the mountain name 砂高山. Its principal image is the Womb Realm Dainichi Nyorai (Yudonosan Daigongen); it carries on the faith of Yudonosan and enshrines two sokushinbutsu.
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: Womb Realm Dainichi Nyorai (Yudonosan Daigongen)
History and things to know
According to temple tradition, it was opened about 1,200 years ago by Kōbō Daishi Kūkai; later Shinzen Shōnin welcomed the principal image, and Chūkai Shōnin and Tetsumonkai Shōnin rebuilt the temple. In the Edo period it became a center for people who worshipped Yudonosan among the Three Mountains of Dewa, and in its grounds stand the main hall in gongen-zukuri style, the Sokushinbutsu Hall and the Awashima Suigetsu Kannon Hall.
Introduced by this site, based on materials from the shrine or temple and public bodies.
Related kami and buddhas
Before you visit
The official guide cautions that map apps and car navigation systems sometimes direct visitors to a different temple. The road on the left near the entrance leads to Hie Jinja.
Official website of the shrine or temple (may be in Japanese)
Sources (in Japanese)
- 海向寺「御祭神・御本尊・由緒の公式案内」（2026-10-22 確認）
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