There are generally five "Bocchimori" portions in a plate of Togakushi soba. Some restaurants, however, prefer to do six. It’s because they add this Jizō-dō Hall to the sub-shrines of Togakushi Shrine.
Jizō-dō is enshrined with a stone-carved Enmei Jizō, or longevity statue. Normally, it’s not open to the public, but let us introduce one interesting story to you.
When the famous Japanese monk Kūkai was climbing up Mt. Togakushi, the ground suddenly began to tremble. Kūkai, in a state of panic, immediately started chanting sutras. Suddenly, a glowing rock emerged from the ground. Kūkai, who saw the bodhisattva Enmei Jizō in the brilliant glow, realized that this was a land with mysterious power. Thus, Kūkai carved a Jizō statue into a giant rock to let everyone know.
Because of this legend, some believe that Jizō-dō was the genesis of Togakushi’s belief. Although it’s not included in the five sub-shrines, Jizō-dō is a valuable place that carries the origin of the beliefs of Togakushi.
