Discover Fudo Waterfall
A Unique View from Behind the Falls
Standing approximately 15 meters high, Fudo Waterfall is the main natural attraction at Hoshi no Iwaya. Unlike many waterfalls that can only be admired from the front, this waterfall can also be viewed from behind, where the falling water creates a striking natural curtain against the surrounding rock formations.
Experiencing the waterfall from this sheltered viewpoint offers a different perspective on its power and beauty. The sound of cascading water, the cool atmosphere, and the surrounding rocky landscape combine to create a memorable setting for quiet reflection.
Senshin Waterfall
Downstream from Fudo Waterfall is Senshin Waterfall, a smaller cascade approximately 6 meters high. Its name suggests the cleansing of the mind, making it a fitting complement to the spiritual atmosphere of the surrounding temple grounds. Visitors exploring the area can enjoy both waterfalls as part of the same outing.
The Legend of the Falling Star
A Tale Connected to Hoshi no Iwaya
The area around Fudo Waterfall is associated with an ancient legend about a falling star. According to local tradition, a malevolent star was believed to bring misfortune to the people living in the region. Kobo Daishi, the revered Buddhist monk also known as Kukai, used his spiritual powers to bring the star down to Earth and seal it inside a rocky cave.
The star eventually transformed into stone, which was then enshrined. This legend is closely connected with Hoshi no Iwaya, whose name can be translated as “Cave of the Star.” It adds a mystical dimension to the waterfall and helps explain why the surrounding area has long been regarded as a sacred place.
Shokokuji Temple (Hoshi no Iwaya)
A Historic Buddhist Sanctuary
Shokokuji Temple, commonly associated with the name Hoshi no Iwaya, is a Buddhist temple of the Koyasan Shingon tradition in Katsuuracho. It serves as the inner sanctuary, or okunoin, of Tatsueji Temple, the 19th temple on the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage route. The temple’s principal image is the Eleven-Headed Kannon, a bodhisattva of compassion.
The temple is especially known for its connection to the falling-star legend and its distinctive rocky setting. Its combination of natural scenery, Buddhist traditions, and local folklore makes it an intriguing destination for travelers interested in Japan’s spiritual heritage.
History of the Temple
According to tradition, Shokokuji Temple was founded in 792 by Kobo Daishi Kukai. Over the centuries, it became a place of devotion for Buddhist practitioners and local worshippers.
The temple is now unstaffed, and its upkeep is overseen by nearby Kakurinji Temple. Despite its secluded character, it remains a place of historical and religious interest for visitors exploring the cultural landscape of Tokushima.
Highlights within the Temple Grounds
Fudo Waterfall and the Waterfall Fudo Myoo
Fudo Waterfall is one of the most distinctive features of the temple grounds. Its unusual rear viewing position allows visitors to experience the waterfall from within the rocky surroundings, bringing them close to the sound and movement of the water.
Carved into the rock face beside the waterfall is an image of Fudo Myoo, a fierce-looking Buddhist deity associated with protection and the removal of obstacles. Known in English as Acala, Fudo Myoo is an important figure in Japanese esoteric Buddhism. The combination of the carved image and the powerful waterfall creates a striking scene where natural forces and religious devotion meet.
The Ancient Camphor Tree and Kusunoki Fudo-son
The temple grounds are also home to an enormous camphor tree estimated to be approximately 450 years old. Revered as Kusunoki Fudo-son, the tree is associated with the worship of Fudo Myoo and stands as a living reminder of the area’s long spiritual history.
Its impressive age and size make it a notable natural landmark for visitors exploring the temple.
Jogan Cave Fudo-son
Another point of interest is Jogan Cave Fudo-son, also known as the “Ceiling Fudo.” This sacred image is carved into a rocky area reached by climbing a short distance up the hill behind the Iwaya Zen Learning Hall.
The site offers a glimpse into the region’s tradition of practicing Buddhism in secluded natural environments, where caves, rock formations, and mountain landscapes become settings for religious contemplation.
Buddha Stone and the Seventy-Three Stone Buddhas
Approximately 1.4 kilometers west of Shokokuji Temple is a sacred site known as Buddha Stone. According to tradition, during one of Kobo Daishi’s journeys, various Buddhas representing the two mandalas of esoteric Buddhism appeared before him at this enormous rock.
The rock bears carvings of 73 stone Buddhist figures, making it an important destination for visitors interested in religious art, pilgrimage traditions, and the spiritual history of the area.
How to Get to Fudo Waterfall
By Public Transportation
From JR Tokushima Station, take a Tokushima Bus service on the Katsuura Line and get off at the Nakazumi bus stop. From there, Fudo Waterfall is approximately a 40-minute walk.
Visitors who prefer not to walk the entire distance may be able to reach the waterfall by car in about 10 minutes from the bus stop. Check local transportation and road conditions before setting out, as services and access may be limited.
By Car
From Tokushima Interchange on the Tokushima Expressway, travel via National Routes 11 and 55, then continue along Tokushima Prefectural Route 16 toward the Komatsushima area. The waterfall is approximately 25 kilometers away, with a driving time of around 30 minutes under normal road conditions.
Experience the Natural and Spiritual Beauty of Tokushima
Fudo Waterfall is a memorable destination where dramatic natural scenery meets centuries of Buddhist tradition. Its approximately 15-meter cascade, unusual viewpoint from behind the falling water, and connection to the mysterious legend of a falling star make it one of the distinctive attractions in Katsuuracho.
Visitors can combine a stop at the waterfall with a walk around Shokokuji Temple to discover carved Buddhist images, an ancient camphor tree, and other sacred sites hidden among the rocks and woodland. The nearby Senshin Waterfall and Buddha Stone provide additional reasons to explore the area.
For travelers seeking a quieter side of Tokushima, Fudo Waterfall offers an opportunity to appreciate the power of nature, learn about local legends, and experience the peaceful atmosphere of a historic Buddhist sanctuary.