The History of Hashikura-ji Temple
According to tradition, the temple was founded in 828, during the Heian period, by Kūkai, the Buddhist monk also known as Kōbō Daishi. While traveling through Shikoku, Kūkai is said to have sensed a mysterious spiritual presence in this area and climbed the mountain. There, Konpira Daigongen appeared to him and declared, in a traditional account, that those who lifted chopsticks would receive divine protection.
Inspired by this revelation, Kūkai is said to have carved an image of Konpira Daigongen and established a temple to enshrine it. Although the story belongs to the temple’s religious tradition, it remains central to its identity and explains its unusual connection with chopsticks.
Hashikura-ji also has a close historical relationship with Kotohira-gu Shrine in Kagawa Prefecture, traditionally known as Konpira-san. Hashikura-ji was once called the “Inner Sanctuary of Konpira.” During the late Edo period, pilgrims often visited both sites on the same journey, believing that worshipping at both would bring greater spiritual blessings.
Highlights Along the Temple Grounds
Niōmon Gate and the High Lantern
The Niōmon, or guardian gate, marks the entrance to the temple’s sacred grounds. A small parking area is located nearby, but reaching the main temple buildings on foot takes approximately 30 minutes along the mountain approach. Passing through the gate marks the beginning of the more traditional pilgrimage route.
Standing in front of the gate is a tall stone lantern known as the Kōtōrō, or high lantern. In the past, it served as a navigational landmark for boats traveling along the Yoshino River. It is a reminder of the temple’s historical relationship with the river and the communities that depended on it.
Kuradani Training Site
Below the main gate, a valley known as Kuradani contains a traditional ascetic training area. This site has long been associated with spiritual discipline and religious practice in the mountains. Other landmarks along the approach include the Cherry Blossom Horse Grounds, the First Torii Gate, a drum bridge, and the Second Torii Gate, each adding to the atmosphere of the pilgrimage route.
The Hōjō Area and Main Temple Buildings
Chūmon Middle Gate
Entering the Hōjō area, visitors first encounter the Chūmon, or middle gate. It provides access to the central precinct and the Hōjō, the temple’s main residential and administrative building.
Hōjō: The Main Residence
The Hōjō serves as an important center of temple life. A black-colored image of Kōbō Daishi, traditionally regarded as a sacred and restricted object, is enshrined in a rear area that is not open to the public. The building also houses the temple office and the place where visitors receive pilgrimage stamps and related services.
Gomadō Hall
The Gomadō, or fire-ritual hall, is arranged in three sections: an outer worship hall, a middle hall, and an inner sanctuary. The middle hall contains a goma fire-ritual altar, flanked by an image of Aka Fudō on the right and Daikokuten on the left. Konpira Daigongen is enshrined in the inner sanctuary.
According to temple tradition, goma rituals have been performed here morning and evening for approximately 1,200 years. These ceremonies involve sacred fire and prayers for protection and well-being. In 2019, a new viewing platform known as the “Become-the-Principal-Deity Viewing Platform” was installed, providing visitors with an additional place to engage with the temple grounds.
Lanterns Donated by the Ichikawa Danjūrō Lineage
A pair of lanterns stands in front of the Gomadō. They are associated with the Ichikawa Danjūrō lineage of kabuki actors, one of Japan’s most celebrated theatrical traditions. The lanterns reflect the longstanding connections between religious institutions and the performing arts.
Reiwa Hall
Reiwa Hall enshrines Kongōka Bosatsu, one of the Eight Offering Bodhisattvas in esoteric Buddhist tradition. The temple has also indicated plans to enshrine Daizui-gu Bosatsu here in the future.
Memory-Prevention Kannon Statue
The temple grounds include a cast-metal statue of Kannon associated with prayers for protection against memory loss and cognitive decline. Hashikura-ji is linked to the Shikoku Thirty-Three Kannon Sacred Sites and the 108 Kannon Sacred Sites, making the statue a point of devotion for visitors following these pilgrimage traditions.
The Heart Sutra Steps and Bell Tower
278 Heart Sutra Steps
Between the Hōjō and the main sanctuary is a staircase of 278 steps known as the Heart Sutra Steps. The number corresponds to the character count of the Japanese text of the Heart Sutra used in this tradition. Climbing the steps can be experienced as a form of spiritual discipline, combining physical effort with reflection and prayer.
Bell Tower: An Important Cultural Property
The temple’s bell tower is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Its traditional architecture and historic significance make it one of the notable structures within the temple complex.
The Main Sanctuary and Sacred Images
Main Hall
The principal sanctuary enshrines Konpira Daigongen as an absolutely secret image, meaning that it is not ordinarily revealed to the public. Accompanying figures include Fudō Myōō and Deep Sand General, known in Japanese Buddhism as Jinja Daishō. Visitors can light candles inside the sanctuary, and when a temple attendant is present, they may ask the attendant to light one on their behalf.
Purification Pavilion
In front of the main sanctuary stands a purification pavilion where visitors can ritually cleanse their hands and mouth before praying. This practice is common at Japanese temples and shrines and helps mark the transition from the everyday world into a sacred space.
Kannon Hall
Quietly situated behind and to the right of the main sanctuary, Kannon Hall enshrines Batō Kannon, a form of Kannon often depicted with a horse’s head. The hall is also a pilgrimage site on the Awa Saigoku Thirty-Three Kannon route.
Great Fudō Myōō and the Five Wisdom Kings
A stone image of Great Fudō Myōō stands within the temple grounds. Fudō Myōō is a powerful guardian figure in esoteric Buddhism, associated with steadfastness and the overcoming of obstacles. Hashikura-ji is an important stop for pilgrims following the Shikoku Thirty-Six Fudo Sacred Sites route.
Miei-dō Hall
Miei-dō houses an image of Kōbō Daishi that visitors can view. The building was constructed in 1989 and serves as a substitute place of worship for the Daishi image that was traditionally kept in the Hōjō.
Miniature Shikoku Eighty-Eight Temple Pilgrimage
Behind the main temple buildings is a miniature version of the Shikoku Eighty-Eight Temple pilgrimage route, created in the late Edo period. Visitors can follow the small pilgrimage circuit without traveling around the entire island. Those who complete the route can obtain a certificate of completion from the temple office for ¥200, according to the supplied information.
Traditional Festivals and Religious Customs
Chopstick Memorial Service and Fire-Walking Ceremony
Every year on August 4, Hashikura-ji holds Hashi Kuyō, a memorial service honoring chopsticks. The event includes a large Shitō Goma fire ritual and a fire-walking ceremony, attracting worshippers from across the region.
Chopsticks are essential to everyday Japanese life, and this ceremony expresses gratitude for objects that are used daily. The temple is also known for prayers associated with a baby’s first use of chopsticks during the traditional Okuizome ceremony, which celebrates an infant’s early life and symbolizes wishes for health and growth.
Setsubun Star Ceremony
On Setsubun, the seasonal festival held around February 3, the temple conducts a traditional Hoshi Kuyō, or Star Offering Ceremony. Prayers continue across midnight, marking the transition between periods of time and the changing of the seasonal cycle.
Thousands of prayer talismans and protective charms submitted from around Japan are included in the ceremony. This annual observance is an important event for worshippers seeking blessings and protection for the coming year.
The Legend of the Tengu and the Chopsticks
A local legend tells of a tengu, a supernatural being from Japanese folklore, who lived on Mount Hashikura. According to the story, whenever chopsticks were used during a festival honoring Konpira Daigongen at Kotohira in Kagawa, the tengu carried them to Hashikura-ji that same night and deposited them at the temple.
The tale symbolizes the close spiritual relationship between Hashikura-ji and Kotohira-gu Shrine. It also helps explain why chopsticks occupy such an unusual and important place in the temple’s identity.
Important Cultural Properties of Japan
Six buildings at Hashikura-ji are designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan. Their historical value and architectural craftsmanship were recognized through designation on July 6, 2004.
Main Sanctuary
The main sanctuary is believed to date from the late Edo period. It is divided into three sections, extending from the outer worship area through the inner sanctuary to the innermost hall. Its complex copper-sheet roof and carefully designed layout are notable features. Built on sloping ground, the structure uses changes in elevation to create different floor levels throughout the building.
Gomadō Hall
The Gomadō was also built in the late Edo period. Although its general structure resembles that of the main sanctuary, the roof of its innermost section has a pyramidal form, and the roof covering uses traditional interlocking ceramic tiles. Slightly smaller than the main sanctuary, it nevertheless has a distinctive architectural presence and an important role in the temple’s religious life.
Bell Tower
The bell tower was built around 1861, during the Bunkyū era. Its designation recognizes the structure’s historical importance and its place within the temple complex.
Hōjō
The Hōjō was built around 1856, during the Ansei era of the late Edo period. It has served as a base for temple administration, ceremonies, and other activities, preserving the atmosphere of a traditional Buddhist temple residence.
Yakushi Hall
Yakushi Hall was built around 1861 and is dedicated to Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of healing and medicine. Its associated shrine cabinet is also included in the cultural property designation.
Tenjin Shrine Main Hall
The main hall of Tenjin Shrine was likewise built around 1861. Dedicated to Tenjin, a deity associated with scholarship and learning, it reflects the coexistence of Buddhist and Shinto elements in Japan’s religious history.
Registered Tangible Cultural Properties
Several additional buildings at Hashikura-ji are registered Tangible Cultural Properties of Japan, recognized for their historical and architectural value.
Niōmon Gate: This two-story gate was built in 1880. Local historical accounts suggest that it was moved from Kochi Prefecture before 1908. It continues to serve as an impressive entrance to the temple grounds.
High Lantern: Built in 1884, the lantern once helped guide boats traveling along the Yoshino River and remains a landmark associated with the temple’s history.
Chūmon Middle Gate: Built during the early Meiji period, between 1868 and 1882, this gate provides access to the inner temple precinct.
Purification Pavilion: Constructed in 1896, the pavilion provides a place for visitors to perform the customary purification before worship.
Tokushima Prefecture Designated Cultural Property
Kannon Hall: Built during the early Edo period, Kannon Hall is considered the oldest building at Hashikura-ji. It was relocated from Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Tokushima City during the Taishō period and was designated a Tokushima Prefecture Tangible Cultural Property on February 4, 2005.
Access and the Mountain Approach
Walking from the Niōmon Gate
Visitors who drive to the upper parking area near the high lantern, at an elevation of approximately 405 meters, can reach the Niōmon Gate by climbing 48 steps. From there, the approach continues along a straight path through a stone torii gate and up another 214 steps to a junction.
At the junction, the route to the right includes a slope and approximately 50 steps leading to the Hōjō. The temple’s pilgrimage-stamp office is located near the corner of the Hōjō building. The full walk from the Niōmon parking area to the Hōjō takes approximately 30 minutes.
Hashikura Mountain Ropeway
For a more convenient approach, visitors can use the Hashikura Mountain Ropeway. The ropeway connects the lower station, at an elevation of approximately 160 meters, with the upper station beside the Hōjō. It climbs a vertical difference of approximately 342 meters in just four minutes.
The short ride offers views of the surrounding mountains and provides an alternative to the steep approach on foot. It is particularly useful for visitors who wish to experience the temple without climbing the full mountain route.
By Train
Hashikura-ji can be reached using the JR Dosan Line. From Hashikura Station, the ropeway’s lower station is approximately 500 meters away. From there, the four-minute ride takes visitors to the upper station near the Hōjō.
By Car
Drivers can reach the area via Ikawa-Ikeda Interchange on the Tokushima Expressway, continuing along National Route 32 toward the Hashikura Mountain Ropeway. Those who wish to drive directly to the Niōmon Gate should be aware that the local road is narrow and requires careful driving. Only a few parking spaces are available near the gate.
Other Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes
Isshōsui Spring
Behind the temple’s Daishi Hall, along the path toward Mount Hashikura, is a sacred spring called Isshōsui. According to legend, Kōbō Daishi caused the spring to emerge by striking the ground with his staff after arriving from Sanuki, the historical name for present-day Kagawa Prefecture. Tradition holds that the spring continues to produce approximately one shō of water, around 1.8 liters, even during dry periods.
Shikoku Bekkaku Twenty Sacred Sites Pilgrimage
Hashikura-ji is the 15th temple on the Shikoku Bekkaku Twenty Sacred Sites pilgrimage. The preceding temple, Tsubakidō, is approximately 26.9 kilometers away, while Hagiwara-ji, the next temple, is approximately 29.7 kilometers away.
Shikoku Thirty-Six Fudo Sacred Sites
The temple is also the fourth site on the Shikoku Thirty-Six Fudo Sacred Sites pilgrimage. The preceding site, Saimyō-ji, is approximately 33 kilometers away, while the next site, Mitsugon-ji, is approximately 7 kilometers away.
Shikoku Thirty-Three Kannon Sacred Sites
Hashikura-ji is associated with the 28th site on the Shikoku Thirty-Three Kannon Sacred Sites pilgrimage. This connection adds another layer to the temple’s importance for pilgrims following routes dedicated to Kannon, the bodhisattva of compassion.
Awa Saigoku Thirty-Three Kannon Pilgrimage
The temple is also the 23rd site on the western section of the Awa Saigoku Thirty-Three Kannon pilgrimage. This network links Hashikura-ji with other temples in Tokushima Prefecture and reflects the region’s rich tradition of local pilgrimage routes.
Experience the Spiritual Heritage of Tokushima
Hashikura-ji is a remarkable destination where Buddhist devotion, mountain scenery, traditional architecture, and local legends come together. Its association with chopsticks gives it a distinctive identity, while its historic halls, sacred stairways, and multiple pilgrimage connections reveal the depth of its religious heritage.
Visitors can explore the temple buildings, learn about its unusual traditions, or ride the ropeway for a scenic approach to the mountain sanctuary. Whether you are a dedicated pilgrim or a traveler interested in Japanese history and culture, Hashikura-ji offers a memorable opportunity to discover the spiritual landscape of Miyoshi City.