Boyouzan Houjyuin Onzanji

Temple 18

【Pilgrim’s Song】
Onsan-ji, temple for parents with children
A new thing to visit

The carving of Tamayori Gozen, Daishi’s mother

In front of Daishido. There is a monument and a small hall of “Daishi Mother’s Carving Place”. In addition, “Mother’s statue”, which is said to be a master’s work, locks of Daishi’s mother’s hair is enshrined. * Image 1

Kobo Daishi statue

It is a statue carved by Daishi himself and is now regarded as the principle deity of the Daishido. * Image 2

History and origin of Onzanji

Located in a scenic area designated by the prefecture, where the forest of a small mountain on the outskirts of Komatsushima provides pastoral views. Following the auspicious occasion, the founding of Gyoki Bodhisattva was made by the edict of Emperor Shoumu (reigned 724-49), was created by Gyoki Bodhisattva, and called “Dainichi Yamafukuseiin Mitsugenji”. Gyoki Bodhisattva carved a statue of Yakushi Nyorai as the main statue, as the deity to save people from plague and calamity. Women were not allowed to enter and could only go as far as the hill called “Hanaorizaka”, which descended toward the nineteenth sacred place. It is said that when Kobo Daishi was practicing at this temple during the Enryaku period (782–806) the Daishi’s mother, Tamayori, visited from Zentsuji in Sanuki. However, the temple was forbidden to women, and the Daishi was able to welcome her within through 7 days of esoteric ritual near the temple gate, and the ban on women was dissolved.
Soon after, Daishi’s mother shaved her head and dedicated her hair to the temple, so the Daishi changed the name of the Yamagouji Temple to “Mother Yozan Onzanji”, engraved and image of her and enshrined both, “My wish is late in life but I want to take away the troubles of the souls of the less fortunate”. It is said that came about in 814, the 5th year of the Kōnin era.
Although the temple was burned down by the “Tensho Wars”, it prospered under the protection of the Lord Awa in the Edo period. It is a venerable building erected around this time. On the grounds, there is a small shrine dedicated to Tamari-gozen, and after welcoming his mother, there is a tree which was planted by the master, “Biranju” which is also a natural monument of the prefecture. The spirit of the Daishi who longed for his mother is the theme of this temple that still continues to this day.

The highlights of Onsanji

Tayori-mae’s carving place, Kobo Daishi statue, “Yoshitsune’s Disembarkation” stone monument (Bronze statue where Yoshitsune draws a bow at a nearby shrine)

Annual events at Onsanji

Goma prayer
Date: 1st, 12th, 20th of every month
Okunoin Kinenbenten Tenchien
Date: The day of self-containment (Tsuchino Tominohi, if you worship on this day, it is said that the wealth is provided)

Temple 18 Fudasho: Boyouzan Houjyuin Onzanji

Denomination
Koyasan Shingon sect
Honzon
Yakushi Nyorai
Pioneer
Gyoki
Founding
Tenpyō era (729-749)
Mantra
On korokoro sendari matōgi sowaka

Access

Location
Onzanji Tani 40, Tano-cho, Komatsushima, Tokushima 773-0008
Tel
0885-33-1218
Parking
20 ordinary cars, 5 microbuses, 4 large cars (7am-5pm, free)
Shukubo
(TempleLodging)
None
Website
None

Proceed west from JR Minami-Komatsushima and turn left at the Hikainocho intersection. Go south on Route 55. Follow the signs and turn right and follow the directions.
⇒ Google map

Rurizan Shinpukuin Idoji

Temple 17

【Pilgrim’s Song】
In the water of the well look for your face
If tied, the chest grows red

Well of shadow

In the legendary well dug by Daishi, if you look down and look at yourself, you will be safe from illness and disease. No calamity will befall you for three years. * Image 1

Time limit

A stone statue of the master can be found, also called ”water master”. It is said that there will be benefits if you visit only 5 days to 7 days. * Image 2

History and origin of idoji

In the latter half of the 7th century, a new and fresh Japanese culture was created, statues were made, and priests were coming to Awa. Joining the priests, Emperor Tenmu (reigning 673-86) built the Imperial hall, and the named the temple “Idoji” at that time. The temple area is widely spread across Hachimachi, and there is a magnificent grounds that boasts 12 temples in addition to Shichido Temple. The main shrine is a statue of the Seven Buddhas of Yakushi Nyorai, whose main deity is the seated Yakushinyorai. Later, when Kobo Daishi visited to worship at these places in 815, the sixth year of the Kōnin era on the wall was enshrined an eleven-sided Kannon statue with a height of about 1.9 meters. This statue has a water bottle with a khakkhara (Buddhist ringed staff) cane in the right hand and a lotus flower in the left hand, and is currently designated as an important cultural property of the country. Daishi also pitied that the village was suffering from water shortages and muddy water, and when he dug a well with his Khakkhara cane, a spring came up from the earth overnight. Therefore, the neighborhood was named “Idomura” and the temple name was changed to “Idoji”.

However, the history of temples after the North and South Dynasties changed drastically. First, in the year of Sadaharu (1362), Dou was burned down by Yokoyuki Hosokawa’s war, and then in the tenth year of Tensho (1582), there was a disaster in the battle between Osamu Miyoshi and Motochika Sosobe. The main hall was rebuilt in the Edo period in 1661. The Seven Buddha Yakushi Nyorai, which is rare throughout the whole country, the Seven Great Misfortunes, the Seven Great Fortunes, and belief in good luck are all features of Idoji.

The highlights of idoji

Famous well, Daikyuu Daishi, Niomon (the gate that the Awa young lord Shigeki Hachisuka relocated from Otani villa and donated.)

Annual events at Iidoji

Right shadow
Date: March 21 of the lunar calendar
Goma ritual
Date: 28th of every month

Temple 17 Fudasho: Rurizan Shinpukuin Idoji

Denomination
Shingon Buddhism Zenzenji
Honzon
Nanabutsu Yakushi Nyorai
Pioneer
Emperor Tenmu
Founding
Hakuho period (673)
Mantra
On korokoro sendari matōgi sowaka

Access

Location
Kitayashiki-80-1 Kokufucho Ido, Tokushima, Tokushima 779-3118
Tel
088-642-1324
Parking
Ordinary 30 cars, 5 microbuses, 5 large cars (7am-5pm)
Shukubo
(TempleLodging)
None
Website
None

From Aizumi Interchange, take Route 1 to Kuramotocho and turn right at the intersection of NTT Tokushima Nishi Sales Office Chikaku. Turn left following the sign at about 2km ahead. There is also a route guide.
⇒ Google map

Kouyouzan Senjyuin Kannonji

Temple 16

【Pilgrim’s Song】
Do not forget the guidance of Kannonji
To the Pure Land of Maitreya to the west

Jizo cry in the night

子供の夜泣きを止めてくれる地蔵尊で、子供の病気平癒、健康と成長を祈願する。ご利益をあずかったお礼にと、何枚ものよだれかけが奉納される。※画像1

Ema

There is a dedication that depicts a woman wrapped in flames, and is displayed in the main hall. This is a true story of the pilgrimage that occurred in the Meiji period. * Image 2

History and origin of Kannonji

There is one volume of “Kannonji Engi” which is a treasure given to the temple. At the end of the book, there is an inscription of “Minamikaidō Awa kuni Meitō-gun Kan’onji Koyasan Senden-in Kannonji Engii”, and it can be seen that the monk of Koyasan had copied it in 1725. Kannon-ji was founded by Kobo Daishi, and the master himself carved the Senju Kannon statue to remain in the main sanctuary. The history of the temple is described in detail, such as the statue of the Fudo Myo who makes the devil surrender, the enshrined Bishamon statue of the provincial state, and the cooperation of the Tokushima lord Hachisuka Tsunanori for restoration and rebuilding. Apart from this “Engi”, in the temple biography, reports that Emperor Shoumu (reigned 724 to 49) founded temples called “Kokubunji” as national temples in 68 locations nationwide in 1913, he installed Gyoki Bosatsu as a principle deity. It is considered to be a long-established ancient temple. Kobo Daishi visited this area around 816, Kōnin era year 7, when he sculpted and revived the form of the statue and established the current temple name.

After that, like many of the sacred sites in other parts of Awa, the fate of prosperity and decline continued, and suffered from “Tensho’s fire” (1573-92), It was rebuilt by an apprentice priest in 1659, following the support of the Hachisuka family, and is said to have been maintained in its present form. In the 2nd year of the Taisho era, a blind person, Inosuke Takamatsu, who was brought along by his parents, regained his sight with the benefit of the principle deity, and there are stories of people leaving their crutches behind here as well. The Japanese-style multi-story bell tower gate facing the pilgrimage road has a dignified personality, leaving an indelible impression of remnants of the past.

The highlights of Kannonji

Night Crying Jizo / Ema / Tenguhisa (Ningyo Joruri puppeteer name. Kokufu Town produces many puppeteers)

Temple 16 Fudasho: Kouyouzan Senjyuin Kanonji

Denomination
Koyasan Shingon sect
Honzon
Senju Kanzeon
Pioneer
Kobo Daishi
Founding
741
Mantra
On basara tarama kiriku sawaka

Access

Location
49-2 Kannonji, Kokufucho, Tokushima, Tokushima 779-3123
Tel
088-642-2375
Parking
Normal 6-7 cars, 1 microbus (7 am-5pm, free)
Shukubo
(TempleLodging)
None
Website
None

From Aizumi Interchange, take Prefectural Road 1 to Tokushima City. When you join National Highway 192, there is a sign indicating that you are driving towards Ishiicho. Follow that road to Prefectural Road 123.
⇒ Google map

Yakuouzan Konjikiin Kokubunji

Temple 15

【Pilgrim’s Song】
You do not dye the color because it is thin and dark
Autumn maple leaves

Garden

The nationally designated (2000) scenic garden is composed of a dry pond garden on the east side of the main hall and a built-up style dry mountain water garden with stones on the four sides. It is one of the best gardens in Japan with a dramatic stone structure that was renovated in the late Edo period. (Admission fee 300 yen) * Image 1

Main Hall

Built in a multi-layered main building, it was reconstructed during the Bunka and Bunsei years (1804-30). Emperor Shoumu and Empress Kōmyō are enshrined. * Image 2

History and origin of Kokubunji

There are Kokubunji temples in Shikoku in each of the four prefectures, and the first national temple is Awa Kokubunji. Emperor Shoumu (reigned 724 to 49), who revered Buddhism, prayed for peace in the nation, the fertility of five grains, united religion by ensuring that national temples (Kokubunji), by edict were set up in 68 places nationwide, and worked on the improvement of local culture. Nara and Todaiji Temples are also said to be Kokubunji Temples. According to Engi, it is said that Awa Kokubunji Temple received the statue of Shaka Nyorai from the Emperor Shoumu and the “Daihan Nyakyou” (The Great Perfection of Wisdom Sutra), and that the main temple was dedicated to Empress Gwangmyeong. Opened by Gyoki Bodhisattva, He himself carved the Yakushi Nyorai and regarded it as the principle deity. At the beginning, the temple was with the Hoso sect belonging to the same Nanto school as Horyu-ji, Yakushi-ji and Kofuku-ji in Nara . The foundation stone of the tower has been excavated from this temple area, and it is designated as a historic site in Tokushima Prefecture.

When Kobo Daishi was on pilgrimage during the Genroku period (810-24) he opened this Shikoku Sacred Site, and changed the sect to Shingon. Later, the temple was reduced to ashes during the Tensho War, and the sacred grounds were considerably degraded, as can be seen from Jakumoto’s Shikoku Reijoki (Genroku 2 = 1689). The temple was rebuilt in the first year of Kanpo (1741) by Gowa Hayami Kakuro, the magistrate of Awa Clan, and the temple now belongs to the Sōtō Zen sect. It is a Sōtō Zen sect temple. The former glory still extends from the archeological site.

The highlights of Kokubunji

Garden / Main Hall

Temple 15 Fudasho Yakuouzan Konjikiin Kokubunji

Denomination
Sōtō sect
Honzon
Yakushi Nyorai
Pioneer
Gyoki
Founding
741
Mantra
On korokoro sendari matōgi sowaka

Access

Location
Kokufucho Yano 718-1 Tokushima, Tokushima 779-3126
Tel
088-642-0525
Parking
10 ordinary cars, 1 microbus (exception) Large cars are not allowed to enter and parking is not possible 7:00 am-5:00 pm Free
Shukubo
(TempleLodging)
None
Website
None

From Aizumi Interchange, take Prefectural Road 1 to Tokushima City. When you join National Highway 192, there is a sign indicating that you are driving towards Ishiicho. Follow that road to Prefectural Road 123.
⇒ Google map

Seijyuzan Enmeiin Jorakuji

Temple 14

【Pilgrim’s Song】
You will arrive at the shore of Hall of Peace someday.
If you go by the boat of Buddha’s Great Vows

Rakuen Hall

Established as a social welfare facility for war-affected orphans in 1955, it was approved as a social welfare corporation in 1963.
It supports children from 1 to 18 years old. This is the only sacred site on the Shikoku pilgrimage that has a child-care facility.

Araragi Daishi

A huge tree with a circumference of 8 meters and a height of 10 meters on the right side of the main hall. Prayers are made here for diabetic healing.

The history and origin of Jorakuji

This is the only Shikoku cemetery that has Maitreya as the principal deity. Maitreya is a future Buddha that is said to emerge after 5670 million years and continue to work for the salvation of people. In the national treasures of Goryu-ji Temple in Kyoto, the buddhist statue of Maitreya, who stands on one knee and supports her cheek with the right hand, has a beautiful facial expression and is a Buddha that gives the light to the master. According to Engi, during the 42-year-old “bad luck” year of Kobo Daishi, when he was practicing the secret rituals in this area, Maitreya, who was incarnated with many bodhisattvas, came to greet him. The Daishi immediately felt it, carved the statue in the nearby tree, and erected a hall and made it a principal deity. The master said in a passage to the will of the Lord, “After I closed my eyes, I went to Tosotten (one of the six heavenly realms of desire) and in front was Jison Maitreya. After 56 million years we will be regenerated. The passionate feelings about Jorakuji are expressed.

Later, Daishi, the master, built the temple, and the auditorium, the three-storied pagoda, Niomon, etc. and were erected by prayers who were known for the reconstruction of Koyasan. In the Muromachi period, it was also a place of prayer for the Awa Shugo Daimyo, but it was burned down by the “Tenshō era fires” and reduced to ashes. However, in the early Edo period, it was reconstructed, and in the late 15th year of the Bunka era, (1818), it was moved from the lowland valleys to the current “Running Water Garden”, about 50 steps up from the stone steps. The “Running Water Garden” is a place where faults of deformed bedrock overlap. This brings out the charm that blends with the beauty of nature.

The highlights of Jorakuji

Changrakuen / Araragi Daishi / Ksitigarbha, the bodhisattva who guards children (in front of the main hall. Praying for healing of children’s bed-wetting, night crying, toothache, foot pain, etc.)

Temple 14 Fudasho: Seijyusan Enmeiin Jyourakuji

Denomination
Koyasan Shingon sect
Honzon
Maitreya
Pioneer
Kobo Daishi
Founding
Hirohito 6th year (815)
Mantra
On maitareiya sowaka

Access

Location
Kunfucho Enmei 606, Tokushima, Tokushima 779-3128
Tel
088-642-0471
Parking
Normally about 10 cars, free
Shukubo
(TempleLodging)
None
Website
None

From Aizumi Interchange, take Prefectural Road No. 1 to Tokushima City. If you join with National Highway No. 192, it will run towards Ishii Town, and you will see a signboard if you run Prefectural Road No. 21 and Prefectural Road No. 207.
⇒ Google map

Oogurizan Kezouin Dainichiji

Temple13

【Pilgrim’s Song】
What is this Awa no Kuni Ichinomiya?
Ask the world of this world

Protection from Dementia Kannon

Shinokuin, Kokuchu-ji, about 0.7 km to the east, is known for prayers to the elderly.

Kannon of Joy

Two stone pillars stand in front of the gate. As you climb several stone steps, the main hall on your left and the Daishido on the right are facing each other. The “Watered Jizou” and Kannon statue watch over the worshipers who come and go between the main hall and Daishido.
In the center of the ground, there is a “spirit” tree. The image of “Kannon of Joy” is very eye-catching. She is holding a lotus and smiles in her hands. * Image 2

History and origin of Dainichi-ji

There are five sacred places in Tokushima City. Located on the plains west across the Ayukuro River in the westernmost part, the other side of the prefectural road where the traffic is intense is Ichinomiya Shrine, which was once the great Shinto guardian of Awa was found. According to Engi, the foundation was made possible through Kobo Daishi, and during the day when the priest practiced the ritual practices in this land it was called “Daishi ga Mori,” Dainichi Nyorai flew with purple clouds in the air, saying, “This land is a spiritual one ” The Daishi is said to have sculpted the statue of the Dainichi Nyorai and made it a principle deity, and built and enshrined it. The origin of the temple name is also due to this luck. The grounds are covered with old trees and have the atmosphere of a Buddhist temple, but during the Sengoku period, all the towers were damaged by the “Tensho Wars”. Later, in the first half of the Edo period, when the main hall was rebuilt by Awa’s third-generation lord, Mitsutaka Hachisuka, and the nation’s great Shinto guardian Ichinomiya was erected in the same location, it was in the same grounds as the Betsuto-ji and was also managed together.

However, the main Buddha of Ichinomiya is considered to be the eleven-faced Kannon image of Gyoki Bodhisattva, and because it was in the same grounds, it came to be that the Ichinomiya Shrine was a fudasho and worshiped as such in the Edo period. This is also described in the true book Shikoku Kushiro Doinan (Sadayoshi 4th year, 1687). Later, the shrine became independent during the Meiji era due to the Buddhist separation order, and Ichinomiya Temple changed its name to that of Dainichiji, but the statue of Dainichi Nyorai originally in this temple became that of Buddha, and the eleven-faced Kannon statue was enshrined as the main deity within. ”Buddha and the god of Shinto” are united in the Japanese mind. Pilgrims on the pilgrimage keep walking in the heart of the master.

Highlights of Dainichi Temple

Protection from Dementia Kannon, Okunoin, Kenji-ji, Kannon of Joy (a 100-year-old tree on the side of a giant tree, a small, colorful Kannon image with a palm.

Temple 13 Fudasho: Oogurizan Kezouin Dainichiji

Denomination
Shingon Buddhism Daikakuji School
Honzon
Eleven-faced Kanzeon Bodhisattva
Pioneer
Kobo Daishi
Founding
Hirohito 6th year (815)
Mantra
On maka kyaronikya sowaka

Access

Location
Nishicho-263 Ichinomiyacho, Tokushima, 779-3132
Tel
088-644-0069
Parking
15 for regular cars, 10 for microbuses, 8 for large cars, free
Shukubo
(TempleLodging)
Yes (150 people)
Website
http://dai13.jp/
Socialmedia
facebook

From Aizumi Interchange, take Prefectural Road 1 to Tokushima City, merge with National Highway 192 and drive toward Ishiicho.
⇒ Google map

Marozan Shoujyuin Shozanji

Temple 12

【Pilgrim’s Song】
Incredible Shozanji in the future
Even in death and misery

Three-sided black sky

The center is Daikokuten (god of wealth), the right side is Bishamonten (guardian of Buddhism), and the left side is Benzaiten (goddess of music, wealth, and water). Located in the hall on the left side of the main hall. * Image 1

Ceder Cane Hermitage

A temple built on the ground where Saburo Emon, a founder in the Shikoku Henro, is said to have met his end. An extraordinary sacred place about 1.6 km down the road from the grounds. * Image 2

History and origin of Shozanji

Located near the 8th station of Shozanji (938 meters above sea level), it is the second highest mountain temple of the Shikoku Sacred Sites. The view of the mountains of Shikoku Mountains, such as Kenzan and the Shikoku Pilgrimage has several fudasho called “Henro Falling”, which means that the path is dangerous and easy to fall down from. One of which is Shozanji Temple. There is a road now to the top of the mountain. According to Engi, the beginning of the temple is that priests opened up the mountains during the Asuka era and enshrined Zao Gongen. However, there was a magical serpent on this mountain, often spitting fire and attacking crops and villagers. Around the 6th year of the Kōnin era, when Kobo Daishi visited this area, he had a dream where Amitabha, a place where he rested in Ipponsugi, appeared. When he woke up, there was a sea of fire in front of him. Then, when he went up the mountain and after purifying myself in the Ketori River, the large snake blocked the whole mountain as a sea of fire. Daishi made a sign of “Wheel of Water”, and proceeded while chanting, but the snake retreated to a cave near the summit.

The Daishi prayed with all his heart and sealed it in a cave under the protection of the Akasagarbha bodhisattva. He prayed for the continued of the local homes, for the homes that were damaged, and for the harvest of five grains, he also enshrined the three-faced Daikokuten which he carved by himself. The mountain has become a “yake-yama”, which means “burnt” so the master named it “Shozanji”, which uses the same characters. The mountain name of “Maya” and the temple name of “Shozanji” are derived from such incredible legends, and in the latter part of the Kamakura period, they became the cradle power for Emperor Gojo (reign 138-39). The grounds are lined with hundreds of giant ancient cedar trees (prefectural natural monuments) and welcomes pilgrims.

The highlights of Shozanji

Sanzen Daikokuten, Tsumugi Sugi, Kamiyamacho (Tokushima Prefecture’s special products are Ume and Sudachi.)

Annual events at Shozanji

Sacred shadow
Date: Old March 21
Hidden law
Date: August 30
General young society
Date: Autumn gathering day

Temple 12 Fudasho Marozan Shoujyuin Shozanji

Denomination
Koyasan Shingon sect
Honzon
Kokuzo Bosatsu
Pioneer
EN no Ozunu
Founding
Kōnin era 6th year (815)
Mantra
Ubō, akyashya kyarabaya on arikya maribori sowaka

Access

Location
Kamiyama-cho Shimobun Aza Naka 318, Kamiyama-cho,Myozai-gun, Tokushima 771-3421
Tel
088-677-0112
Parking
70-80 cars for each model
Shukubo
(TempleLodging)
Yes (30 people, please make a reservation for Yamanoue)
Website
None

It is convenient to use prefectural road No. 20 via Ishii-cho via Route 192 from No. 11 Fujiidera.
⇒ Google map

Kongouzan Ichijyouin Fujiidera

Temple 11

【Pilgrim’s Song】
Fujiidera Temple, a color and incense
There is no day without the waves of Shinyo

Ancient Wisteria

After the Daishi prays for dispelling the plague
It is said that the wisteria was hand-planted, from late April
Five colors of wisteria bloom in early May.
(At the beginning of April photo season) * Image 1

Cloud Dragon Ceiling Painting

Main hall. A dragon of about 30 tatami mats created by a local painter in 1977. * Image 2

History and origin of Fujiidera

Shikoku’s largest, Yoshino River, 236 km long, flows through the northern part of Awa. Cross the Awa Chuo Bridge to the south, and you will see the gate of the 10th Sacred Site at the foot of about 3 kilometers. It is said that Koho Daishi, who was surrounded by mountains on three sides was attracted by the clean mountainousness of the mountain stream, and was able to learn the Goma ritual in this area in the 6th year of Kojin. Daishi was 42 years old. He sought remedy to his own troubles and sculpted a statue of Yakushi Nyorai in hopes of bringing well-being to the people. On the 8 tatami sized rocks, about 200 meters above the ground, a solid guardian tower, which is called the indestructible vajra, was built and the master subjected himself to 17 days of training. From the history of planting five colors of wisteria in front of hall, it was called the Indestructible Vajra Fujiidera Temple.

The temple flourished as a dojo of Shingon Buddhism and developed into a grand temple of a seven structure temple grounds. However, all the mountains were ravaged by the fires during the Tensho period (1573-92), and they fell into decline until the early Edo period. Later, the Nanzan Kokushi of the Rinzai sect, who had been devoted to the Awa lord in the Enpō era year 2, (1674), entered the mountain area and revived the temple, and the temple was changed to the Rinzai sect. In 1832, fire broke out again, and all the temples other than the main shrine were turned to ash. The current temple was rebuilt in 1860. The main deity is known as a “Protection from Evil Medicine Buddha” and is designated as an important cultural property of the country. From Fujii-ji Temple to the next, 12th temple, Shozanji,, there is a “Henro-do” that keeps the appearance of ancient times. This is a valuable path where the ruins, stone buddhas and stones that Kobo Daishi rested on during training are preserved.

The highlights of Fujiidera

Ancient wisteria, ceiling paintings of the Cloud Dragon, and pilgrimage path (up to the next 12th fudasho is about 13 km on a narrow mountain path. It is a difficult place of pilgrimage that is said to take 8 hours for men and 9 hours for women.)

Temple 11 Kongouzan Ichijyouin Fujiidera

Denomination
Rinzai Muneshinji School
Honzon
Yakushi Nyorai
Pioneer
Kobo Daishi
Founding
Hirohito 6th year (815)
Mantra
On korokoro sendari matōgi sowaka

Access

Location
Kamojima-cho Inoo 1525 Yoshinogawa, Tokushima 776-0033
Tel
0883-24-2384
Parking
There is a parking lot for Honya Fujiya in front of the gate. Inquiry phone: 0883-24-2907 Visiting time: 300 yen / 500 yen per day
Shukubo
(TempleLodging)
None
Website
None

From Donari Interchange, turn left on Route 318 to Kamojima, cross Awa Chuo Bridge and turn left at the end of Route 192. Turn right at the traffic light in front of Kamoshima Post Office and you will reach the road.
⇒ Google map

Tokudozan Kanjyouin Kirihataji

Temple 10

【Pilgrim’s Song】
Holding onto a single desire in Kirihataji
Hinders as you travel to the next world

From Mountain Foot to the Main Hall

About 800 meters. There are 333 steps of stone steps. * Image 1

Kirihataji Pagoda,

The space between Shouju and Nijuu is square, the only structural style of its kind in Japan. Toyotomi Hideyori was erected to honor Hideyoshi’s bodhi (enlightenment), and was relocated from Jinguji Temple, Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, located in the foothills of Osaka in the Meiji era year 6 and took 10 years to complete. * Image 2

The history and origin of Kirihatajiji

The grounds on the hillside of Kirihataji. The view from the large tower, a nationally designated important cultural property, is wonderful, with the Yoshino River flowing slowly underneath and the magnificent mountains of the Shikoku Mountains in front. In olden times, there was a maiden who weaved cloth at this foot of the mountain. Kobo Daishi, who was in need of repairing his own clothing, wanted a piece of cloth to repair his broken vestment on the seventh day of his meditation. The maiden cut out the woven cloth without hesitation and offered it. The master was so impressed with this courtesy he asked, “What are you hoping for?” The maiden said, “My father was exiled from the capital, and my mother was pregnant, but if a boy was born, that child would be in danger. I prayed to Kannon to have a girl”, she said,” I wanted to become sanctified with Kannon on behalf of my deceased parents, and I would like to enter the Buddhist world and devote myself.”

The master was deeply impressed, and immediately sculpted the statue of Senju Kannon, so inspired by the maiden. The maiden immediately became a Buddha, and transformed into Senju Kannon, emitting seven colors of light from her body. The Daishi told this to the Emperor Saga, enshrined the Senju Kannon statue carved by the Emperor’s petition and carved another of himself, facing the south, and the Senju Kannon statue was immortalized in the north. It is reported that it was made the principle deity. The names of Tokudosan (entering the priesthood), Kanjou-in (baptism into buddhahood), and Kirihata Temple are also based on these reasons. Sakai is a town in the town of Monzen where pilgrimage equipment stores are lined up. Known as “a woman’s instant Buddhist temple”, it is popular with women who desire to be good women and to radiate like this maiden in seven colors.

The highlights of Kirihataji

From the foot of the mountain to the main hall ・ Kirihata Temple Tower (National Important Cultural Property) ・ Senju Kannon (a bronze statue of a maiden who instantly became a Buddha and turned into Kannon. She has scissors in her right hand and a long cloth in the left.)

Annual events at Kirihataji

  • Beginning of Spring Buddhist Service・・・March 21 (Midday)
  • Beginning of Autumn Buddhist Service・・・September 23 (Midday)
  • Eight Great Dragon Royal Palace Autumn Festival ・・・October (3rd Saturday)

Temple 10 Fudasho: Tokudozan Kanjyouin Kirihataji

Denomination
Koyasan Shingon sect
Honzon
Senju Kanzeon Bosatsu
Pioneer
Kobo Daishi
Founding
Year of Hirohito (810-824)
Mantra
On bazara tarama kiriku

Access

Location
Ichiba-cho Kirihata Aza Kannon 129, Awa, Tokushima 771-1623
Tel
0883-36-3010
Parking
20 cars in the precincts below (medium and large are not allowed) 7am-5pm Free
Shukubo
(TempleLodging)
None
Website
None

Turn left from the Donari Interchange and follow National Route 318 toward Kamojima. Proceed along Prefectural Route 12 (Naruto Ikeda Line) toward Market Town and turn right at Kiryu Substation. I will arrive.
⇒ Google map

Shoukakuzan Botaiin Horinji

Temple 9

【Pilgrim’s Song】
The Great Wheel of Buddhism turns over and over
We live on its edge

Main hall

The Buddha statue of Nirvana, the principal Buddha, depicts the coming of the Buddha’s death. The figure is called “Northwest facing head”, and lies with the head facing north and the face facing west. It is the figure that became the origin of Kitakurama. At the time of his own death, he was preaching the teachings of impermanence. After the death of the Buddha, the teachings came from three countries and eventually led to Kobo Daishi Kukai. “All beings have Buddha within” We can all become the Buddha. The Shikoku Henro Pilgrimage is a practice of giving water to the seeds of Buddha which each of us possesses. * Image 1

Straw sandal amulet

In the past, when people who could not walk without crutches came to worship, it was reported that their feet became lighter in the middle of their approach, and that they were completely cured so that they could walk without crutches. Many straw sandals are dedicated to the main hall. Supplications for the lower body, with the words “Ashikoshi onegai warabi” (“Prayer for lower body straw sandals”) , are at the administration office.

History and origin of Horinji Temple

In the old days, it was called “Shirohebisan Horinji” (White Snake Horinji Temple) and is said to have been distinguished for its magnificent temples in the “Houchikei Valley”, 4 km north of the current location. The cornerstones and burnt earth remain, and this is a ruin that was burned down by Chosokabe Motochika during the war of the Tenshō era year 10 (1582). According to Engi, in Kōnin era year 6, Kobo Daishi found a white snake when he was on pilgrimage in this region. The white snake is said to be a messenger of the Buddha, so the master is said to have carved a statue of Buddha and opened the temple with the principle deity. The Buddha statue is the Buddha of Nirvana and is a figure of a fox sleeping on the northern placed pillow with his face facing west, and on the right side are two Japanese stewartia trees, white and withered. Around him are arhats and animals mourning his passing. The statue is also enshrined. The hidden images are opened once every few years and the next is scheduled for February 15, 2020.

It was relocated to its current location and reconstructed during the Shōhō era (1644-48). It was changed. However, it has been changed again in 1859, in year 6 of the Ansei era. It was reported that when the villagers were practicing the Joruri play (a kind of puppet theatre with shamisen), a fire broke out from the hall, and only the bell tower was burnt down. The current temple tower was rebuilt in the Meiji period. The temple treasure is said to be “Kobo Daishi imperial garments”. In 1882, 15th year of the Meiji era, the Emperor Meiji gifted these to Horinji Temple by the changing of clothes that was customary at the Koyasan Okunoin.

The highlights of Horinji Temple

Straw sandal amulet dedicated to the main hall

Annual events at Horinji Temple

Principal Deity in the Honzon
Date: Once every few years

Temple 9 Fudansho Shoukakuzan Bodaiin Horinji

Denomination
Koyasan Shingon sect
Honzon
Nirvana Buddha
Pioneer
Kobo Daishi
Founding
Hirohito 6th year (815)
Mantra
Nōmaku sanmanda bodanan baku

Access

Location
Donari-cho Donari Aza Tanaka 198-2 Awa, Tokushima 771-1506
Tel
088-695-2080
Parking
Normal 50 cars, or 30 microbuses, or 10 large cars, free
Shukubo
(TempleLodging)
None
Website
None

From the Donari Interchange, take National Route 318 toward Kamojima and follow Prefectural Route 12 toward Wakimachi. A sign will appear, so you can reach it by following the road.
⇒ Google map