Chugen-ji

Let my name
Be traveler
First rains
–Bashō

Chugen-ji Temple which belongs to the Jodo sect of Buddhism is commonly called Mayami Jizo. The temple originated in 1022.

Legend holds that in 1228 the Kamo River was overflowing due to heavy rains. The official in charge of controlling the river saw Jizo, the guardian deity, rescuing drowning people.

To express his gratitude, he enshrined a seated statue of Jizo close to the river and named it Rain Stopping Jizo. Later this was believed to have taken on the eye diseases of an elderly couple. Today it is believed that this Jizo can heal eye diseases.