【Pilgrim’s Song】
Come to the temple of Kotori Water Kumadaniji
For entering the world-hereafter through penance

The history and origin of Kumataniji Temple

It has the largest Niomon Gate in the Shikoku Sacred Sites. According to Engi, Kōbō Daishi was trained in the area of Kyogaya in the 6th year of Kōnin. At that time, the kami from Kumano of Kishu appeared and said, “Redemption will come to those on the last days.” He was given a gold statue of about 5.5 centimeters of gold and then left far away in the sky. It is reported that Daishi built a temple on the spot, carved a life-size Senju Kannon statue in the sacred tree himself, carved a statue of gold in its womb, and made it the principal deity. There is a guardhouse in the precincts, and the Kumano kami is enshrined. According to the book “Shikoku Jouki” in 1689, the second year of Genroku, “The precincts are clean, the valleys are deep, the waters are cool, and the southern sea can be seen. 126 Buddhist relics can be seen in the hair of the thousand-armed Kannon”, and the state of the grounds at that time can be seen.

There is also a theory that there had been fires several times before the Genroku era (1688-1704). However, in the fire of 1927 (Showa year 2), the main hall of Kobo Daishi’s work was burnt down along with the main hall. After that, the main temple was rebuilt in 1945 by the efforts of successive priests, but the construction was suspended in WWII. The aforementioned Niomon was built in 1687 and is a designated cultural property of Tokushima Prefecture. It is an eclectic style of Japanese and Tang, with a frontage of 9 meters and a height of 12.3 meters. The ceiling and pillars on the second floor are painted with a very colorful figure of a heavenly woman. The Kobo Daishi seated statue, enshrined in the Daishido, was created in the Muromachi period and is a cultural treasure as designated by the prefecture.

The highlights of Kumadaniji Temple

Daishido, Taho Tower, Bentenjima (Praying place for safe delivery next to the Nokyojou (adminstration office), with a taiko (drum) bridge)

Annual events at Kumaganiji Temple

Principle deity

Date: 18th of every month

Temple 8 Fudasho Fumyouzan Shinkouin Kumadaniji

Access

Location

Maeda-185 Donaricho Donari, Awa, Tokushima e 771-1506

Tel

088-695-2065

Parking

20 normal cars, microbuses, 6 large cars and 50 temporary parking lots are available.

Shukubo
(TempleLodging)

None

Website

None

From Donari Interchange, follow the prefectural road 139 toward Ichiba-cho. There is a sign for the temple. You can reach it by following the sign.
⇒ Google map

【Pilgrim’s Song】
If we leave human suffering early,
We arrive to the nine stages Amitabha’s Pure Land and the ten pleasures within

The history and origin of Jurakuji Temple

The temple is presumed to be in Dogahara, Jurakuji Valley, about 3 km north of the current location. It is reported that when Kobo Daishi visited and stayed in this area during the same year, he felt Amida Nyorai and carved a statue of Nyorai. At that time, Daishi is said to have given the temple the name of “Kōmeizan Jurakuji” for 10 hardships and also for shining pleasures in the unavoidable hardships of life, old age, illness, and death.

For some time after its founding, it boasted a vast seven-structured temple compound from the north of Awa. However, all the pagodas were destroyed in fire due to the attacks of Chosokabe Motochika in 1528. Fortunately, the priest said that the honzon of the time escaped the disaster. It was moved to its current location in 1635 and was rebuilt.

In 1994, a fine wooden main hall was erected. The “Eye Ailment Healing Jizo” was placed in front of the main hall is said to have been providing cures and treating people with eye disease and blindness since ancient times. Also, at the middle gate where Buddhist illumination can be found, Aizen Myou, who has governs both fortunate and unfortunate love, is enshrined, and there are many people visiting with supplications.

The highlights of Jurakuji

Sanmon / Mizuko Jizo (in front of Sanmon) / Medical Treatment for Eyes and Relief for the Aged / Aizen Myoo

Temple 7 Fudasho Koumyouzan Rengein Jyurakuji

Access

Location

58 Tonoshima, Takao, Hōjō-machi, Awa City, Tokushima Prefecture 771-1509

Tel

088-695-2150

Parking

20 ordinary cars, 5 large cars from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm

Shukubo
(TempleLodging)

Yes (70 people, private room)

Website

http://jyuurakuji.com/

From the Tosei Interchange, take the road along the highway towards Itano and you will see it on your lef
⇒ Google map

【Pilgrim’s Song】
The battle of knowledge in the world of Kari
Look for protection from the Land of Ease

History and origin of Anrakuji

“Shikoku Sacred Site” (16th year of Genroku = 1689) says, “There is no time for everyone to look at the divinization of the medical king, to prosper in the temple, to touch the 12 gates, and to stop the bells from cracking.” In the old days, temple areas were dotted from the foot of the Mt. Asan to the present location, and it has come to the present after the warring period of fire and the Meiji Restoration decree.

Here Hikino has had a hot spring for a long time, Anrakuji is an old site where the benefits of hot springs were handed down by Kobo Daishi, and the mountain number was considered a hot spring mountain. (The hot springs are still present in the front of the Daishido.)

In the Momoyama period, Awa Sogo and Hachisuka Iemasa made it a “Post Road Temple” and set up facilities for Shikoku Henro Pilgrimage, traveler accommodations, tea, and baths. The record “Post Road Temple Document” (Keicho 3rd year = 1598) still remains, and the Shukubo has a 400-year history. During the Hansei period, a snow cave with the family crest of the Hachisuka family was allowed on the mountain gate, and on the temple grounds it was forbidden to kill. The length of thatched roof was donated by Hachisuka 250 years ago, and is a simple but elegant wooden structure.

Mizutani Shizu (49 years old at the time) of Onishi City, Aichi Prefecture, was bedridden due to an intractable spinal disease. The chief priest of this temple recommended the Shikoku pilgrimage with the wife, to her husband, Shigeji who suffered in his sickbed,. They made a pilgrimage journey. However, miraculously, Shizu-san’s intractable disease healed during the pilgrimage. The current image of the priest and Yakushi Nyorai is dedicated to the marvel, and an image of the ancient priest of about 43 centimeters is enshrined within. It is now around 1963. In Anrakuji Temple, sixty Buddha statues carved from this unknown period by the great Kyoto Buddhist master, Akiyoshi Matsumoto (starting from 1945), who have styles in keeping with Unkei (Buddhist sculptor) (1148-1224) and Kaikei (Kamakura era artist) and are enshrined in each temple. These include the statues of Kobo Daishi in the Daishido, Aizen Myou, and Fudo Myou. Also, the Garbhadhatu Mandala; Womb Realm Mandala, the Vajradhatu Mandala; Diamond Realm Mandala. On a stone wall are five holy writings. These are called the various writings of Kobou Daishi.

The highlights of Anrakuji

The statues the Nio gate, the Kyoto Great Buddha made by Akiyoshi Matsumoto. The main shrine in front of the main hall has a carved deity of Kobo Daishi. Two-story pagoda. Sakamatsu pine. 400 year old Shukubo. There is a natural hot spring public bath. called “Onsen Mountain”, and it is popular with pilgrims.)

Annual events at Anrakuji

Attainment of Buddhahood Ceremony (Ritual for connecting with Buddha: ◎ Reservation required)

Date: 2nd Sunday of January (planned)

Teaching class (Study session to learn the teachings of Kobo Daishi and Buddhism: ◎ Reservation required)

Date: late January (5 days, 4 nights)

Great festival (bon festival dance hunter offering)

Date: August 20

Star Festival Goma Ceremony

Date: December 31-February 3

Temple 6 Fudasho Onsenzan Rurikouin Anrakuji

Access

Location

8 Tonoshima, Kitano, Kamiita-cho, Itano-gun

Tel

088-694-2046

Parking

Regular 80 cars, 10 large buses, free

Shukubo
(TempleLodging)

Yes (300 people, hot spring available)

Website

http://www.shikoku6.or.jp/

Socialmedia

• By foot: Jizo-ji-Post office-Kamiyabashi-Tanigawa-Bashi-Kojiya station ruins-Matsushima Shrine-Takeshigebashi-Anrakuji 1 hour 10 minutes 4.7km
• Public transportation: 5 minutes on foot south from Jizo-ji Temple 15 minutes on board for Tokushima Bus Blacksmith Hara from “Rakan” 7 minutes on foot to “Higashihara”
• Car: Turn right at the Tonosei Interchange Exit, turn right at the next traffic light, and go east on Prefectural Road 139 to the right and you will be on the right

⇒ Google map

【Pilgrim’s Song】
The great changing Jizou knows the ways of the six realms
Guides to the future world

History and origin of Jizoji

Kobo Daishi founded this temple in the 12th year of the Kōnin era, at the behest of Emperor Saga (reigned 809-23). The Daishi is said to have engraved a 5.5 centimeter image of the Warrior Jizo and enshrined it in the main shrine. After that, the Emperor’s family returned home for three generations: Emperor Junna (reign 823-33) and Emperor Nimmyou (reign 833-50).
It is also reported that Jokan Joji, who served as a mentor of Kii and gods of the three main Kumano shrines, engraved the statue of JIzo from the sacred tree, and enshrined the master’s work, Jizo within.
From the religion of Katsugun Jizo-san, warriors such as Minamoto No Yoritomo, Yoshitsune, and the Hachisuka family have made many donations. These donations expanded the temple territory, and it is said that at that time 300 temples were created in the three countries of Awa, Iki, and Iyo, and the number of towers increased to 26.

However, during the Tensho period (1573-92), the temple was burnt by Nagasokabe Motochika, all of these towers were turned to ashes. Since then, the temple has been improved and expanded with the efforts of successive priests, monks, and believers. Go through the approach to the left of the main hall, and go up the stone steps to Okunoin. This is Rakan-do. It was founded in 1775, the 4th year of the An’ei era and was called the 500 Arhat Hall. However, the area was destroyed by an accident with fire of a worshiper in the 4th year of the Taisho era, now about 200 life-size Rakan statues are lined up bearing various emotions. A large ginkgo tree on the grounds. The tree is over 800 years old, and history is engraved on the big mother tree.

The highlights of Jizoji

Warrior Jizo Statue, Awashimado, Suikokutsu

Annual events at Jizoji

Large Goma Fire Ritual

Date: First Sunday in March

Temple 5 Fudasho Mujinzan Shougonin Jizouji

Access

Location

5 East Forests, Rahan, Itano-cho, Itano-gun, Tokushima Prefecture 779-0114

Tel

088-672-4111

Parking

50 ordinary cars, 20 microbuses, 10 large cars, free

Shukubo
(TempleLodging)

None

Website

None

From Aizumi Interchange, take Route 1 to Itano. Next, take prefectural road 12 to Itano / Kamiitacho. Turn right on the road that crosses prefectural road 34.
⇒ Google map

【Pilgrim’s Song】
The long night of the mysterious white moon
A short dark sleeve in the black valley

History and origin of Dainichi

On the gentle slope of the ridge at an altitude of around 70m above sea level from the Asan Mountains on the border between Tokushima and Kagawa Prefecture, the south side of the sacred site is located. In the year 815, Kobo Daishi sensed Dainichi Nyorai in this area, and it was called Dainichi Temple and he carved a statue of Daiichi Nyorai with the reverent process of praying three times before carving once. The statue is very small (1 eighth of the width of a thumb). In the 2nd year of the Saga Genroku era “Shikoku Henrei Sacred Sites” (Nenmoto 1631-1701), it was written that although the magnificent pagoda was built, it became ruined over the passage of time. After that, it was written in the 18th year of Awa History (1815) that a person named Matsuhoshi had a prophecy and repaired it in the years of the Ouei era (1394-1428). After that, it was devastated again. Tokushima’s second-generation owner, Tadahide Hachisuka, donated timber in 1649 and built the main hall, Ichiyu, until Tenwa era (1681) and Joukyou era (1688) The site is still being restored.
After the 5th year of the Genroku era, the 11th generation Lord Hachisuka Tsunanori repaired the temple in 1799. In addition, this area is surrounded by mountains on three sides and is called Kuroya, so it is sometimes called “Kuroyaji” by locals. The origin of the third cause, Mt. Kurosu, is also attributed to the current status. It is currently the end temple of Toji Temple in Kyoto, up until the 20th year of the Meiji era. Before that, it belonged to the Shingon Buddhism Omuro school. A temple crest with sixteen chrysanthemums can be seen on the monastery (house wall) tiles and at the open space at the entrance.

Highlights of Dainichi Temple

Seated wooden Dainichi Nyorai statue (height 56cm, seat depth 32.7cm)

Seated wooden Dainichi Nyorai statue (height 56cm, seat depth 32.7cm)
It is a deity that is usually guarded as a secret Buddha and has never been opened in the past.
It is believed that it was founded in 1407 as evidenced in ink markings behind the statue knee.

Dainichido (Main Hall)

The era of construction is 1649 according to the building’s ridgepole. Restoration to the all is found to the ridgepole, Keian era 11th year (1799). The design of the building is based on the Japanese style, but it is an eclectic style building with a mixture of Zen sect styles, such as poles and mirror ceilings. It is valuable as having the form of the Buddhist main hall, and the crest of the Hachisuka family (Maru ni 卍) is also seen in other places where you can see the height of such a formal style.

Kobo Daishido

Established in September 1863 (Bunkyuu era 3rd year) in Daishido preaching documents and temple biography, the style is considered from the end of the Edo period.

Blue-faced Kongo statue

The wooden blue-faced Kongo-son statue is enshrined in a “zushi” (miniature shrine with double doors to store holy items), and this zushi is shown to be a donation from a person of Tamba country (now part of central Kyoto) in 1812.

Maitreya statue

It was established in the Edo period as a memorial to the millionth reading of the Koumyou Shingon (Mantra of Light).

Temizuya “hamaguri mizu”

It is said that the wash basin made by hollowing out the sandstone of the Temizuya was dedicated in 1822. In the past, it used to draw spring water, but it was cloudy, so it was called “hamaguri mizu” (clam water/ sea water).

Hachiman Shrine

The existing ridges of the west side of the pond are believed to be the same as those described in the “Shikoku Henraku Tourist Association” of 1800.

Temple 4 Fudasho: Kokuganzan Henjyouin Dainichiji

Access

Location

28 kurotaniinai,Itanocyo,Itano-gun,Tokushima,779-0113 prefecture

Tel

088-672-1225

Parking

５ normal, 6 large, ３middle

Shukubo
(TempleLodging)

None

Website

https://dainichiji-temple.com/english/?welcome=hide

⇒ Google map

【Pilgrim’s Song】
I thought of treasure pond of paradise
Give praise to the golden fountain

The history and origin of Konsenji

It is reported that Gyoki Bosatsu built the temple tower by the imperial request of Emperor Emperor Shoumu (reign 724-49) and named it “Konkomyoji Temple”. At that time, the main Buddha was a statue of about 91 centimeters in height, and it was said that it was founded by enshrining the three statues of Amida Nyorai and Yakushi Nyorai on the side. When Kobo Daishi was traveling in Shikoku during the Kōnin era (810-24), he saw a villagers suffering from drought and dug a well there. The water that springs out from this well is a miraculous water, which is called the “golden well that brings longevity”, and the temple name “Konkomyoji Temple” has been changed to “Konsenji”. Later, Emperor Kameyama (reigned 1259-74) became a cloistered monk, and he was praised by Kobo Daishi and patrolled sites afflicted by spirits in various places, and stayed at Konsenji for a while.

In the meantime, a building that was modelled after the Sanjusangendo (Renkao-in) in Kyoto was erected, and 1,000 Senju Kannon (thousand armed) statues were enshrined within, and the mountain behind it was named “Kameyama”, also known as “Mitsuyama”. It is said that there was a storehouse for sutra in this building and it was bustling with school monks. Since then, the relationship with the imperial family has been deep, and the Imperial Palace of Emperor Chōkei (reigned 1368-83) is also behind the main hall. In addition, it is reported in the “Genpei Histories” that Yoshitsune stopped at Konsenji on the way to Yashima and prayed for victory. On the left side of the main hall, Bodhisattva Kannon is the place of prayer for Yoshitsune. In addition, the “Benkei-stone” is where one can test their strength. The Bodhisattva Kannon is where prayers are made for supplicants to grow up smoothly. Many visitors who wish to improve their lives gather here.

The highlights of Konsenji

• “Shara” trees” (Stewartia pseudocamellia)・ “Kuma” bee (yellow jacket)

The third fudasho office, Kikouzan Shakain Konsenji

Access information

Location

66 Kameyamashita, Itera-cho, Itano-gun, Tonoshima, 779-0105, Tokushima Prefecture

tel

088-672-1087

Parking

Normal 14 cars, 3 large cars, all day, free

Shukubo
(TempleLodging)

None

Website

None

From Aizumi Interchange, take prefectural road 1 to Itanocho, then prefectural road 12 to Naruto City and prefectural road 1. As you are traveling, look for the sign and you follow the road.
⇒ Google map

【Pilgrim’s Song】
If you want to go to the pure land of Sukhavati
You must say, “Namu Amida Butsu” (Hail Amitabha Buddha)

The history and origin of Gokurakuji

It is said that Gyoki was the founder of the temple, (Kounin Era, year 6) but in 815, the 6th year of the Kōnin era, 42-year-old Kobo Daishi chanted “Amitabha Sutra” for 37 days and was trained. On the day of completion, Amida Nyorai appeared, and the Daishi sculpted the figure and made it the honzon (principle object of worship). The statue of Amida Nyorai is deeply revered, and it is said that the light emitted as far off as Nagahara in Naruto. The fishermen constructed a small hill in front of the main hall, called “Mt. Rizhao” to block the light because the brightness of the deity hindered fishing. After that, the temple was burned down by Chōsokabe Motochika during the Tensho period (1573-92), but in 1659, the main hall was rebuilt with the help of Mitsutaka Hachisuka.

In a quiet precinct surrounded by mountains on three sides, you can pass through the vermilion Niomon Gate and you will see a garden that resembles the paradise of The Pure Land. The main hall is in front with 44 stone steps. At the back to the right is Daishido, and this statue is also called “Ansan Daishi”. The priest prays for a women plague with miscarriages, and are instantly blessed with a treasure. An ancient cedar, which is considered to be hand-planted by Kobo Daishi himself, is a sacred tree that is about 1,200 years old, stands about 31 meters in height, and is about 6 meters in circumference. It is said that if you touch it, you will receive not only safety in your home but also relief from sickness as well as longevity. It is designated as a natural monument in Naruto City. It is marvellous to touch the giant cedar that has withstood the wind and snow since ancient times.

The highlights of Gokurakuji

Buddha foot stones, Jizo for smooth pregnancy

Annual events at Gokurakuji’s

Flower festival (Buddha’s birthday)

Date: New Year, April 8

Location: Gokurakuji precincts

Service for unborn children

The date and time: Midday on autumn equinox, 10:00 on September 23

Location: Gokurakuji precinct, Before the Jizo for the unborn

Nightlight bell

Date: December 31, 11:50 pm

Location: Gokurakuji temple grounds

The 2nd fudasho office, Nisshouzan Muryoujyuin Gokurakuji

Access

Location

Hinoki Aza Dannnoue 12, Oasacho, Naruto, Tokushima 779-0225

Tel

088-689-1112

Parking

40 normal, 6 large, free

Shukubo
(TempleLodging)

Yes (150 people)

Website

http://www.ca.pikara.ne.jp/gokurakuji/

From Aizumi Interchange, take Prefectural Road 1 to Itanocho, then run Prefectural Road 12 to Naruto City.
⇒ Google map

【Pilgrim’s Song】
Coming before Gautama Buddha at Ryozenji
The myriad sins of my life disappear

The history and origin of Ryozenji

The total length of the 88 sites in Shikoku is approximately 1460 km, 365 ri. This pilgrimage is for pilgrims who visit the sacred places in order of their bill office (fudasho) numbers is a long journey of “Temple of Appeal” and the theme of “Two Traveling Together”. According to the history, Gyōgi founded the temple on the request of Emperor Shoumu (reign 724-49). In 815, when Kobo Daishi journeyed clockwise from Tohoku to Shikoku, 88 people’s worldly desires were purified in this area. 37 days of training was done to establish the sacred place that could be used. At that time, many monks surrounded the old teacher who preached the Buddhist law, and were inspired to listen eagerly. The Daishi felt that the scene is similar to the scene that Buddha preached at the mausoleum of Tengu (India), and named it “Yowayama / Ryozanji” in the sense of transferring India’s sacred mountain to “Wako” (the term in ancient Chinese for “Japan”).

The Buddha statue at this time was that of Guatama Buddha, and it was reported that he was prayed to for the establishment and fulfillment of this sacred ground, as the “fudasho” in the Shikoku 88 sacred places, because it was established in front of the main shrine. The birth Buddha is a work made in the Hakuhou period, and is made of small copper with a height of about 14 cm. In the past, he was one of the three Awa Daibo and boasted a majestic monastery. However, in 1082 (Tensho era), the tower was burnt down by Motochika Chosokabe. After that, it was finally reconstructed by Awa lord, Mitsutaka Hachisuka, but in 1891, the main hall and pagoda and other buildings other than the Taho Tower were burned down again due to fire. Since then, it has been a 100-year effort, and what is now is mostly recent buildings. An exceptional head temple. The arrangement of the temples take advantage of the grounds and is unique and beautiful, adding vivid color to the pilgrimage.

The highlights of Ryozenji

Temple 1

It is important to be prepared for a long pilgrimage, and so as not to make trouble on the path and not to bother others. Especially in the first bill office (fudasho), it is important to prepare the heart.

Other

• Two Story Pagoda (The statue of Gochi Nyorai is enshrined in the construction of the Ouei Era (1394-1428))
• Meiji garden (on the north side of Daishido. It symbolizes the “Temple of Appeal” that begins the pilgrimage.)

Annual events at Ryozenji

New Year’s Goma Prayer

Date: January 1-3

Star Festival / Amulet Prayer

Date: February 3

“Settai” class

Date: February 21-last day

Shakyamuni Birthday, Aoba Festival, Flower Festival

Date: 1st Sunday in April

Daishi’s Birthday / Aoba Festival

Date: June 15

Goma memorial service

Date: 1st of every month

Mikage

Date: 21st of every month

Temple 4 Fudasho Jikuwasan Ichijyouin Ryozenji

Access

Location

126 Higashitsukahana, Oasacho, Naruto, Tokushima 779-0230

Tel

088-689-1111

Parking

normal size vehicles 100, bus 10-20, free

Shukubo
(TempleLodging)

None

Website

None

From Aizumi Interchange, take Prefectural Road 1 to Itanocho, then take the Prefectural Road 12 to Naruto City.
⇒ Google map