• Instead of a votive plaque, visitors that have problems with alcohol write their wish on a rice scoop.
  • No. 06

From a vicious, drunken prostitute to a god of abstinence from alcohol

Hoseiji Temple (Kashiku-dera)
1-2-19 Sonezaki , Kita-ku, Osaka
8:00 a.m. - sunset

This Nichiren Buddhist temple is home to the grave of Edo period prostitute Kashiku. She was a vicious drunk and one day while intoxicated, she stabbed her brother to death. Before her beheading, she swore to abstain from alcohol, and became an object of worship as the god of abstinence. Right before her execution, she asked the government official for a piece of fried tofu. Instead of eating it, she rubbed its oil on her hair, making herself look presentable. This attention to her appearance became legendary and was turned into joruri puppet dramas and plays.

It is said that before being executed, Kashiku vowed to become a spirit that helps people with the same wicked drinking habits she had.