Temples & Shrines Culture in Tokushima

My experience at Ryozenji temple was over-whelmingIy under-whelming. I arrived on a cold mid-November afternoon with the the expectation that the first Temple in a 1200 km pilgrimage would be quite impressive and inspiring of such a journey. Although beautiful and well maintained it was quite modest compared to some...

Kosenji is the third temple in the Ohenro 88 temple pilgrimage around Shikoku. It is located in the small town of Itano, in the suburbs of Tokushima. It's about a ten minute walk from Itano station on the JR Kotoku Line. The main deity of the temple is Shaka Nyorai....

Located about 1.3 km to the east of Ryozenji (temple #1), Gokurakuji is the second of the 88 temple Ohenro pilgrimage. Founded by Gyoki Bosatsu, the main deity that is worshiped here is Amida Nyorai, the deity of light. The main hall features a statue carved by Kobo Daishi. Legend has it...

The fifth temple of the Shikoku Ohenro pilgrimage, is also known as the Earthbearer's Temple. Kōbō Daishi founded the temple on the order of Emperor Saga in 811. Of the five temples that have Jizo Bosatsu as a main diety, this is the only one with Enmei Jizo Bosatsu. The...

Temple six in the Shikoku Ohenro pilgrimage is also known as the Temple of Everlasting Joy. Originally founded by Kōbō Daishi, it is said that that this is where he struck his staff into the ground and brought forth a hot spring. In the past, people would travel from all...

The seventh temple of the Ohenro 88 temple pilgrimage, Jurakuji, is also known as the Temple of Ten Pleasures. This refers to the ten pleasures that await believers upon death. The temple complex used to be much larger but was burned down in the late 17th Century and rebuilt later,...