Kashozan Mirokuji Temple

Kashozan Mirokuji Temple, was founded in 848. Chuhodo Hall on the grounds houses the largest Tengu mask in Japan (face length 6.5m, nose height 2.8m) and a large Tengu substitute for traffic safety (face length 4.0m, nose height 2.7m), and smaller Tengu masks have also been donated. Long ago, during the time of the head Tenson, there was a disciple named Chuho who possessed supernatural powers and worked hard to spread Buddhism to the people and improve the temple. After Tenson's death, Chuho declared that he was an incarnation of Mahakasyapa and would remove people's suffering and bring joy to them, and ascended to heaven leaving behind a Tengu mask. This legend led to the spread of Tengu faith. The custom when visiting Kashozan Mirokuji Temple is to borrow a Tengu mask the first time you visit and then, the next time you visit, offer up the mask you borrowed and a new mask purchased at the shop in front of the temple, and then borrow another mask.