The Temple Grounds and Sacred Shrines
Higanji’s grounds contain several small shrines dedicated to deities from Japan’s ancient religious traditions. Their presence reflects the close relationship between Buddhist worship, Shinto beliefs, and reverence for nature that has developed over centuries in Japan.
Jūnisha Shrine
Jūnisha Shrine enshrines several deities, including Izanagi and Izanami, the divine couple associated with the creation of the Japanese islands in Japanese mythology. Their presence connects the temple grounds with some of the oldest stories in the country’s traditional beliefs.
Kenmi Kō Shrine
This shrine is dedicated to Omoikane-no-Kami, a deity associated with wisdom, thoughtful judgment, and learning. Visitors may find the shrine particularly meaningful as a place connected with knowledge and intellectual pursuits.
Yama Shrine
Yama Shrine enshrines Ōyamatsumi-no-Kami, a deity revered as the guardian of mountains. The shrine reflects the importance of mountain worship in this rugged region, where forests and peaks have long been central to everyday life and spiritual traditions.
Yamadono Gōsha
This shrine enshrines the local tutelary deity, known as Ubusunagami, together with Shōtenjin. It serves as a place of worship associated with the protection of the local community and its traditional beliefs.
Amaterasu Ōmikami Shrine
This small shrine is dedicated to Amaterasu Ōmikami, the sun goddess and one of the most important deities in Japanese mythology. Revered throughout the country, Amaterasu is traditionally associated with light, the imperial lineage, and the sacred origins of Japan.
The History and Legends of Higanji Temple
Traditional Accounts of the Temple’s Founding
According to local tradition, Higanji stands at a site associated with the residence of Queen Himiko. A natural rock formation known as an iwakura, traditionally regarded as a sacred place where deities descend or are worshipped, is said to remain on the grounds. Local accounts identify it as a stone altar associated with Himiko’s religious ceremonies.
The temple’s founding is traditionally attributed to Bijōmaru, a son of Minamoto no Mitsunaka, a prominent warrior and aristocrat of the Heian period. According to this account, Bijōmaru established the temple at this spiritually significant location, continuing a tradition of worship believed to extend back to ancient times.
These stories form an important part of the temple’s cultural identity. Although the proposed connection with Himiko and the location of Yamatai remains a matter of historical debate, the legends offer insight into how local communities have interpreted and preserved the area’s ancient past.
A Place of Worship for Sericulture
Higanji was once widely worshipped as a guardian of sericulture. When silk production was an important part of the regional economy, people involved in raising silkworms visited the temple to pray for protection and successful harvests. During the height of the industry, the temple attracted many worshippers.
Although traditional sericulture later declined, Higanji continued to hold spiritual significance for the surrounding communities. Its history offers a glimpse into the agricultural livelihoods, religious customs, and local industries that shaped life in the mountains of Tokushima.
Higanji and the Theory of Ancient Yamatai in Awa
One of the temple’s most intriguing associations is with the Awa Yamatai theory. This interpretation proposes that the ancient kingdom ruled by Queen Himiko was located in the area of Awa Province, rather than in other regions commonly suggested by historians. Some proponents identify the vicinity of Higanji as a possible center of Himiko’s rule and religious activities.
The temple’s sacred rock formation and local traditions are often discussed in connection with these ideas. For visitors interested in ancient Japanese history, Higanji provides an opportunity to explore the stories and competing interpretations surrounding the origins of early Japanese political and religious life. However, the connection between the temple and Queen Himiko has not been conclusively established by historical evidence.
Exploring the Surrounding Area
Jinryo and Its Religious Heritage
Higanji is located in Jinryo, an area of Kamiyama Town that was historically known as Jinryo Village. The name is associated with land connected to shrines and temples, reflecting the area’s longstanding religious importance. Even today, its secluded mountain setting preserves a sense of the past and offers a quieter perspective on Tokushima’s cultural heritage.
Kamiichinomiya Ōawa Shrine
Kamiichinomiya Ōawa Shrine is another important religious site in the wider area. Known as a leading shrine of historic Awa Province, it is associated with Amanoiwatowake Yagurahime Shrine and has a distinguished place in the region’s religious traditions. Visitors interested in ancient shrines and local mythology may wish to explore the wider area to gain a deeper appreciation of its spiritual history.
Getting to Higanji Temple
By Car
Traveling by car is one of the more practical ways to reach Higanji. From Aizumi Interchange on the Tokushima Expressway, the route follows Tokushima-Kagawa Prefectural Route 1, National Route 192, Tokushima Prefectural Route 20, and National Route 438 toward the Tsurugi area. The total driving distance is approximately 35 kilometers.
The journey passes through the countryside and mountain scenery of Tokushima, making the drive part of the experience. As Higanji is located at a high elevation in a mountainous area, visitors should check road conditions in advance and allow sufficient time for the final approach.
By Public Transportation
Visitors using public transportation can take a Tokushima Bus service on the Kamiyama or Sanagouchi route and get off at Yorii-naka bus stop. From there, the walk to Higanji takes approximately one hour and 30 minutes.
The temple’s remote mountain location makes access on foot relatively demanding, so comfortable walking shoes, drinking water, and preparation for changing weather are recommended. Travelers should also check current bus schedules before setting out.
Other Temples Named Higanji
Several other temples in Japan share the name Higanji but are unrelated to the temple in Kamiyama.
In Gujō City, Gifu Prefecture, a temple belonging to the Ōtani branch of Jōdo Shinshū is also called Higanji. It enshrines Amida Buddha and serves its local community.
In Yasu City, Shiga Prefecture, Reizansen Higanji is another temple belonging to the Ōtani branch of Jōdo Shinshū, preserving the teachings of the Pure Land Buddhist tradition.
There is also Daihiganji in Akiruno City, Tokyo, a temple belonging to the Buzan branch of Shingon Buddhism with a long history of its own.
Discover the Spiritual Heritage of Mountainous Tokushima
Higanji Temple combines mountain scenery, traditional religious practices, and intriguing legends about Japan’s ancient past. Its historic role as a place of worship for sericulture, its collection of small shrines, and its association with theories about Queen Himiko make it a distinctive destination for travelers interested in culture and history.
Although reaching the temple requires some planning, its secluded setting offers a chance to experience a quieter side of Tokushima. Visitors can explore the temple’s sacred grounds, reflect on the stories passed down through generations, and discover the enduring relationship between the region’s natural landscape and its spiritual traditions.