The Temple’s History and Rebuilding
According to tradition, Chōzen-ji was founded by Kōbō Daishi. The temple originally had an extensive complex of buildings, but a devastating fire in 1586 destroyed the entire compound. It was rebuilt the following year by the eminent monk Ryōgen, after which it continued to prosper as an important regional center of Shingon Buddhism.
The temple also served as a place of prayer for the Hachisuka family, the ruling lords of the Awa Domain, and received a stipend of ten koku of rice. In 1598, Hachisuka Iemasa designated it as an ekiro-ji, one of eight Shingon Buddhist temples established along the domain’s principal highways to provide religious support and assistance to travelers.
The main hall that stood at the time was later destroyed by fire in 1849. Under the leadership of the monk Yūjō, it was rebuilt in 1860, giving the temple much of the historical character associated with its later development.
Temple Buildings and Sacred Places
The Main Hall and Goma Hall
The main hall enshrines Kokūzō Bosatsu, a bodhisattva traditionally associated with wisdom, learning and the ability to remember. At the left end of the main hall is a goma hall, where Buddhist fire rituals are performed. Pilgrims visiting as part of the Shikoku Thirty-Six Fudo Pilgrimage traditionally direct their prayers toward this hall.
Sanpōzan Inari Shrine
On higher ground behind the main hall stands Sanpōzan Inari Shrine. Dedicated to the revered Inari deity, it is a traditional place to pray for prosperity in commerce, industry and agriculture. The shrine reflects the close relationship between Buddhist temples, Shinto worship and everyday community life in Japan.
The Inner Sanctuary of Fudō Myōō
Farther uphill from the Inari shrine is the inner sanctuary dedicated to Fudō Myōō, a fierce Buddhist guardian deity associated with the removal of obstacles and spiritual protection. The area also serves as a venue for saitō goma, an outdoor fire ritual performed as part of esoteric Buddhist practice. Its elevated, secluded setting lends the site a solemn atmosphere.
The Bell Gate and Red Torii
At the entrance, visitors are welcomed by a bell gate and a distinctive red torii gate. The combination of Buddhist architecture and a Shinto-style gate reflects the religious traditions that have historically coexisted in Japan. Together, these structures form a memorable entrance to the temple grounds.
Important Cultural Properties
Chōzen-ji preserves a connection to important examples of medieval Buddhist art. Two paintings dating from the Kamakura period have been designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan: a silk painting of Mañjuśrī Bodhisattva and a silk painting of Vajrasattva. Both works are currently deposited at the Kyoto National Museum, where they can be preserved under appropriate conditions.
The paintings received their national designations on August 29, 1910, reflecting their artistic and historical importance. Although they are not ordinarily displayed at the temple, they demonstrate the significant collection of Buddhist art associated with Chōzen-ji.
The Ekirō-ji Documents
Another important historical treasure is the Ekirō-ji Documents, designated a town tangible cultural property on July 20, 1982. These documents include an official directive issued in 1598 by Hachisuka Iemasa when eight Shingon Buddhist temples along the main roads of the Awa Domain were designated as ekirō-ji.
The document addressed to Chōzen-ji provides valuable evidence of the temple’s role in the domain’s transportation network and religious administration. It also illustrates how temples once supported travelers and helped maintain connections between communities along major routes.
A Temple Pilgrimage with a Traditional Verse
Chōzen-ji has its own traditional pilgrimage verse, known as a go-eika:
“Through the mountain shade, Chōzen-ji appears in glimpses; the Buddha’s vow remains ever worthy of trust.”
The verse evokes the quiet temple emerging from the surrounding hills and expresses confidence in the enduring compassion of the Buddha. For pilgrims, such verses are an important part of the devotional experience, connecting the physical journey with reflection and prayer.
Access to Chōzen-ji Temple
By train: The temple is conveniently located approximately 100 meters from Mikamo Station on the JR Tokushima Line, making it easy to reach on foot.
By car: Free parking is available. Large buses can park in a designated space beside National Route 192, while smaller vehicles and vans can generally proceed to the area beside the main hall.
Nearby Attraction: Kamo no Okusu
About one kilometer from Chōzen-ji stands Kamo no Okusu, a magnificent camphor tree designated a Special Natural Monument of Japan. Believed to be around 1,000 years old, this giant tree is one of the region’s most celebrated natural landmarks. Combining a visit to the temple with a walk or short drive to the tree makes a rewarding way to explore Higashimiyoshi’s religious and natural heritage.
Chōzen-ji and the Shikoku Thirty-Six Fudo Pilgrimage
Chōzen-ji is the eighth temple on the Shikoku Thirty-Six Fudo Pilgrimage. The preceding seventh site, Fukushō-ji’s Kamo Fudo-in, is approximately 4.5 kilometers away, while the ninth site, Myōō-in, is about 21 kilometers away, or roughly 40 minutes by car.
These connections make Chōzen-ji a meaningful stop for travelers following the pilgrimage route, as well as for visitors interested in Buddhist history and traditional Japanese temple culture.
Discover the Spiritual Heritage of Higashimiyoshi
With its history of destruction and rebuilding, its association with Kōbō Daishi, and its collection of nationally designated Buddhist artworks, Chōzen-ji is an important cultural landmark in Tokushima Prefecture. Its temple halls, red torii gate and quiet hillside sanctuaries provide a setting for both religious observance and historical exploration.
Whether you are following a Buddhist pilgrimage or exploring the Oboke, Koboke and Iya Valley region, a visit to Chōzen-ji offers an opportunity to appreciate the faith, art and traditions that have shaped this part of Shikoku for centuries.