Sacred Places, Pilgrimage, and Tourism - Geography of Religion in Japan: Religious Space, Landscape, and Behavior - page 131

Fig. 4.1 Shinshoji Temple

the seventeenth century as “ O-Fudosama,” to bestow blessings on people in this
world. Subsequently, the Monzenmachi (temple town) developed into a crowded
and busy center catering to ko members (Narita-mode).
In this chapter, I will discuss the transformation of the landscape of Monzenmachi
of Naritasan Shinshoji and how Naritasan-related tourism changed the type of busi-
ness in Omotesando (which means “frontal approach”), and more specifi cally, clar-
ify the underlying causes of landscape transformation (Fig. 4.2 ).

4.1.2 Historical Development of Naritasan

Shinshoji-Monzenmachi

4.1.2.1 Monzenmachi up to the 1950s

Shinshoji was nationally renowned before 1700. Shohan was invited to be the chief
priest of the temple in 1700, commenced expositions in 1701, and converted many
believers (Narita City History Editorial Committee 1986a ). Twenty-three exposi-
tions on Naritasan were given between 1701 and 1857 (eight home expositions,
eleven extended expositions, and four traveling expositions). Fourteen expositions
happened in the modern era (nine home expositions and fi ve extended expositions).