Shortly after 8 p.m. on 21 May 1792, the southern peak of Mt. Mayuyama, "Tenguyama (Mt. Tengu)", collapsed due to a strong earthquake. The avalanche of debris run into the sea and triggered a tsunami, which swept into the Taira area. Many people evacuated to the Shokakuji Temple on higher ground, and escaped the tsunami disaster.
There is a saying passed down in the Shokakuji Temple, "The tsunami reached the third step from the top of the stone steps." The stone steps to the right of the main hall of the temple show us that the tsunami came very close to the temple grounds.