Katsukawa Eisai
1868 (Meiji 1)
Donated by Tanba Tsuneo
Upon the island of Kinkasan, the whole of which is consecrated grounds, lies the shrine of Daikin-ji, known in modern times as Koganeyama Shrine. These days, the temple is crowded with worshippers and tourists praying for the benefits believed to be gained in this world through observance of Buddhist teachings, namely bringing forth business success and the encouragement of good luck.
Prior to the modern period, Daikin-ji Shrine of Kinkansan was an ascetic Shingon sect temple that enshrined Benzaiten, goddess of music, eloquence, wealth, and water. Women were barred from entering the temple grounds, and the temple was counted alongside Dewa Sanzan in Yamagata Prefecture and Mount Osore in Aomori Prefecture as one of the “Three Sacred Grounds of the Northeast.”