Senju Kannon and the Pilgrimage Verse
Senju Kannon has been revered for generations as a compassionate Buddhist figure who offers protection and salvation to those who pray sincerely. Visitors may recite the mantra associated with the principal image:
Mantra: “On bazara tarama kiriku.”
The temple’s traditional pilgrimage verse reflects the belief that the difficulties of the journey bring spiritual merit in the life to come:
Pilgrimage Verse: “Gathering firewood and drawing water, I come to Kumadani Temple; even the hardships I endure are for the sake of the next life.”
The Temple’s History and Origins
According to temple tradition, Kumadani-ji was founded in 815, during the Heian period, when the Buddhist monk Kūkai, known posthumously as Kōbō Daishi, was practicing in the area. A manifestation of Kumano’s Hiryū Gongen appeared before him and delivered a divine message, urging him to make the site a lasting foundation for the salvation of living beings.
Kūkai is said to have received a small golden Kannon statue measuring approximately 5.5 centimeters and built a hall to enshrine it. He also carved a life-sized statue of Senju Kannon from sacred timber and established it as the temple’s principal image.
The original principal image and main hall were destroyed in a fire in 1927. Reconstruction began in 1940 but was interrupted by the Second World War. The new main hall was finally completed in 1971, when a newly created principal image was consecrated.
Seasonal Beauty and Temple Atmosphere
Kumadani-ji is well known for its cherry blossoms and seasonal flowers. In early March, the distinctive Hachisuka-zakura cherry trees bloom along the approach to the temple and around the pond, creating a beautiful display. In early April, Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms brighten the areas around the Niō Gate and middle gate, while weeping cherry trees add elegance to the surroundings of the pagoda.
Hydrangeas bring color to the grounds in early summer, making the temple an appealing destination throughout the changing seasons. On the 18th of each month, the principal image of Senju Kannon is illuminated, allowing visitors to admire its radiant golden appearance.
Highlights of the Temple Grounds
The Niō Gate
The impressive Niō Gate stands approximately 100 meters south of the main temple grounds. At around 13 meters tall, it is regarded as the largest main gate among the temples on the Shikoku 88-Temple Pilgrimage. Its imposing two-story structure creates a dramatic entrance and sets the tone for a visit to this historic religious site.
The gate was built in 1687 and is designated a Tokushima Prefecture Tangible Cultural Property. It measures approximately 12.3 meters in height and nine meters across.
The Middle Gate and Main Hall
The middle gate, also known as the Niten Gate, is guarded by statues of Jikokuten and Tamonten, two of the Four Heavenly Kings in Buddhist tradition. Beyond the gate, the main hall serves as the central place of worship.
The principal image of Senju Kannon is traditionally unveiled during the first three days of the New Year and on the 18th of each month, drawing pilgrims and worshippers. The route through the grounds also leads to the pagoda and bell tower, whose traditional architecture contributes to the temple’s dignified atmosphere.
The Tahōtō Pagoda
The Tahōtō is a two-tiered Buddhist pagoda standing approximately 18 meters tall, completed in 1774. Inside, Dainichi Nyorai, the Cosmic Buddha, is enshrined at the center as the principal figure of the Womb Realm mandala. The four surrounding Buddhas are Ashuku Nyorai, Hōshō Nyorai, Amida Nyorai, and Fukūjōju Nyorai.
The pagoda is a designated Tokushima Prefecture Tangible Cultural Property and is one of the temple’s most striking architectural features.
The Former Site of Kumano Hiryū Gongen Shrine
The temple grounds include the former site of a shrine dedicated to Kumano Hiryū Gongen, the divine manifestation associated with the temple’s founding legend. Archaeological investigations in recent years have confirmed traces of the former religious site, adding historical interest to the grounds.
The Bell Tower
Kumadani-ji’s bell tower features a traditional hakama-goshi design, characterized by a flared lower section resembling the pleated trousers worn with traditional Japanese clothing. The bell is part of the temple’s historic landscape, but visitors are not permitted to ring it.
Poetry and Memorial Monuments
Stone monuments inscribed with pilgrimage verses and poetry can be found around the parking area and middle gate. These inscriptions reflect the long tradition of devotion and literary expression associated with the Shikoku pilgrimage.
Cultural Properties
Several structures at Kumadani-ji are recognized as Tokushima Prefecture Tangible Cultural Properties, preserving the architectural heritage of this important pilgrimage temple. They include the Niō Gate, the Daishi Hall, the Tahōtō pagoda, and the bell tower.
The Daishi Hall was built in 1707 and received its cultural property designation in 2002. Together, these historic structures offer visitors a glimpse into the temple’s development and the craftsmanship of traditional Japanese Buddhist architecture.
How to Get to Kumadani-ji Temple
By train: From JR Kamojima Station on the Tokushima Line, the temple is approximately 5.8 kilometers away. A taxi is a convenient option for reaching the temple from the station.
By car: Kumadani-ji is approximately 1.8 kilometers from Donari Interchange on the Tokushima Expressway. It is also about 400 meters from the Maeda area of Donari along Tokushima Prefectural Route 139, the Funato-Kirihata-Kamiita Line.
Nearby Temples on the Shikoku Pilgrimage
Kumadani-ji is the eighth temple on the Shikoku 88-Temple Pilgrimage. Jurakuji, the seventh temple, is approximately 4.2 kilometers away, while Hōrinji, the ninth temple, is about 2.8 kilometers farther along the route.
For those following the Awa Saigoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage, Kumadani-ji is the 27th temple, following Izumiji, the 26th temple, and preceding Kirihataji, the 28th.
A Peaceful Stop on a Sacred Journey
Kumadani-ji offers a rewarding combination of spiritual heritage, historic Buddhist architecture, and seasonal natural beauty. From its monumental Niō Gate and elegant Tahōtō pagoda to the cherry blossoms of spring and hydrangeas of early summer, the temple invites visitors to slow down and appreciate the traditions of Japanese Buddhism.
Whether you are undertaking the full Shikoku pilgrimage or exploring the historic temples of Tokushima, Kumadani-ji is a memorable place to reflect, admire traditional architecture, and experience a living tradition of faith.