Nagoji Temple

Nagoji, in the Nako district of Tateyama, is an ancient temple said to have been founded in 717 by the monk Gyoki and is popularly known as Nago Kannon. Its principal image is a thousand-armed Kannon, and as the thirty-third and final site of the Bando thirty-three Kannon pilgrimage, it is a special temple that brings a long pilgrimage journey to its close. Its halls stand on a hillside overlooking the sea, allowing worship alongside a fine view of Tateyama Bay.

Highlights

• As the closing site of the Bando thirty-three Kannon circuit, it is a venerable sacred place that pilgrims visit last.
• The vermilion many-treasure pagoda is a designated tangible cultural property of the prefecture, showing an elegant form against the greenery.
• From the observation deck before the Kannon hall, one can take in the blue sea and townscape of Tateyama Bay.

Enjoying the Seasons

Spring offers cherry blossoms, summer the blue sea, and autumn worship in crisp air. In winter the air clears, and on some days Mount Fuji can be seen across the bay. The prayers of those completing their pilgrimage are quietly offered here throughout the year.

Access and Basic Information

• About a 12 to 15-minute walk from Nako-Funakata Station on the JR Uchibo Line.
• Roughly 10 minutes by car from central Tateyama, with parking available.
• Visits are mainly during daytime. Slopes and stone steps lead to the pagoda and Kannon hall, so wear comfortable shoes.

Practical Travel Notes

• For the view, a clear day with crisp air is best. Mount Fuji is visible mainly on fine winter days, and morning and evening light shifts the color of the sea moment by moment.
• Climbing the slopes and steps to tour the pagoda and Kannon hall and enjoy the view takes about 40 minutes. This is an old temple to explore unhurriedly.
• The Cliff Kannon (Daifukuji) is close by, and central Tateyama is dotted with sights such as Tateyama Castle (Shiroyama Park) and scenic coastal spots. Extending the trip to Awa Shrine lets you tour the temples, shrines, and views of the southern Boso in a day.
• There is no charge to worship, and pairing the visit with Tateyama seafood keeps costs modest. As the closing site of the pilgrimage, it is a fitting place to round off a journey.

A Quick Tip

Because it is the closing site of the Bando pilgrimage, even those who are not pilgrims will find it moving to visit at a turning point in a journey. The view of Tateyama Bay from the observation deck is exceptional. Together with the graceful pagoda, this is an old temple worth exploring at a leisurely pace.

📚 Sources

This article is compiled from the history of Nagoji, known as the concluding temple of the Bando Thirty-Three Kannon pilgrimage, tourism guidance from Tateyama City and the Tateyama City Tourism Association, and public information on the Tahoto pagoda designated a prefectural tangible cultural property. The viewing hours and the status of nearby facilities may change, so please confirm fees, hours, and access with official sources before you set out. Please also refer to the on-site history notice and signboards.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: About 40 minutes to climb the slopes and stone steps, tour the Tahoto and Kannon hall, and enjoy the view.
• What to bring and prepare: The Tahoto and Kannon hall are reached by slopes and stone steps, so wear easy-walking shoes. For the view, choose a clear day with crisp air and dress for the season.
• Suggested route: As the concluding temple of the Bando Thirty-Three Kannon, view the vermilion Tahoto pagoda and take in the blue sea and townscape of Tateyama Bay from the observation deck before the Kannon hall. Combine with the nearby Cliff Kannon (Daifukuji), Tateyama Castle, and Awa-jinja to tour the temples, shrines, and views of southern Boso in a day.
• Best for the view: Mount Fuji is visible mainly on clear winter days, and morning and evening light shifts the color of the sea moment by moment.