Temple eighteen in the Shikoku Ohenro pilgrimage is also known as the Temple of Gratitude Mountain. It is said that when Kobo Daishi was training here, his mother, came to visit. However, at that time women were not allowed on any of the sacred mountains. For seventeen days he performed an esoteric rite at the temple gate until the ban against women climbing the mountain was lifted. When Kobo Daishi's mother was finally allowed to enter the temple grounds, she shaved off her hair and became a nun. Because Kobo Daishi took care of his mother after she became a nun, the temple came to be known as Onzanji, a temple of gratitude to one's parents. To get there, catch a Kayahara bound bus from Tokushima station and get off at the Onzanji-mae bus stop. From there it’s about a 15 minute walk.
- 1 min read
Onzanji
Temple #18 of the Ohenro 88 temple pilgrimage

By C. Rio
Community writer
Explore nearby
Leave a comment
0 comments in total
Book your trip
Find a nearby hotel
Explore some of the best nearby hotels and deals for the perfect place to stay in Japan.
Top Articles
-
1
Kyushu Craftsmanship and Traditions Heritage Tour
Article -
2
A Journey of Encounters in Kyotango
Kyoto - Sponsored -
3
70 Nations, One Amazing Meal
Osaka - Sponsored -
4
Sado Island Kodo Earth Celebration 2025: Music, Traditions, Taste Tour
Niigata -
5
SEGA Megastore Coming to Shibuya PARCO
Tokyo -
6
Sand Diplomacy at Expo 2025 Osaka
Osaka -
7
I’m Donut?: Japan’s Viral Donut Sensation
Culture -
8
What is a Manga Cafe?
Culture -
9
Hokkaido Full Immersion Tour
Hokkaido -
10
Free Meat Tastings at Expo 2025's Australian Pavilion
Osaka
-
1
Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2
The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
3
Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
4
Sanja Matsuri
Tokyo -
5
Iwatayama Monkey Park
Kyoto -
6
May Grand Sumo Tournament (Tokyo)
Tokyo -
7
Daikoku Car Meet
Kanagawa -
8
Japanese Urban Legends
Culture -
9
Kanda Matsuri
Tokyo -
10
Black Eggs of Owakudani, Hakone
Kanagawa