The Principal Deity and Sacred Verse
Kirihataji’s principal image is Senju Kannon, who is revered as a compassionate protector of all living beings. The temple’s principal mantra is “On Basara Tarama Kiri-ku.” Its traditional pilgrimage verse is:
“Desires, if followed without restraint, become obstacles that remain even in the world to come; at Kirihataji, cut them away with a single-minded heart.”
The verse reflects the temple’s association with spiritual discipline and the letting go of worldly attachments.
The Legend of the Weaving-Cutting Kannon
Kirihataji is widely known as the temple of the “Hata-kiri Kannon,” or “Weaving-Cutting Kannon.” According to temple tradition, the story dates back to a time when Kūkai, the Buddhist monk later revered as Kōbō Daishi, was undertaking ascetic training in the area.
When Kūkai’s clothing became worn and torn, he asked a young woman who was weaving cloth for a piece of fabric to repair it. Without hesitation, she cut a section from the cloth she was making and offered it to him, despite the sacrifice involved.
Moved by her generosity, Kūkai asked what she wished for in return. The woman requested a statue of Senju Kannon to honor the memory of her parents. Kūkai is said to have carved the statue on the spot and then ordained the woman, granting her a Buddhist initiation ceremony known as kanjō.
According to the legend, the woman began to radiate light in seven colors and attained Buddhahood in her present body, transforming into the form of Senju Kannon. This miraculous story gave rise to the temple’s distinctive name and its enduring identity as a place of compassion and selfless devotion.
The Temple’s Foundation and History
After reporting the miraculous event to Emperor Saga, Kūkai is said to have received imperial support to establish the temple. He enshrined the statue of Senju Kannon that he had carved facing south, while placing another image, representing the woman who had attained Buddhahood, facing north.
In its heyday, Kirihataji was a substantial religious complex with 24 sub-temples and other buildings. Much of the complex was destroyed by fire during the campaigns of Chōsokabe Motochika in the Tenshō era (1573–1592). Another major fire occurred in 1909, destroying most of the buildings apart from the large pagoda. The temple complex seen today was rebuilt after these losses.
Exploring the Temple Grounds
Sanmon Gate and Niō Guardians
The Sanmon, or main gate, marks the entrance to the temple grounds. It is guarded by a pair of Niō, the fierce guardian figures commonly found at Buddhist temples. Beyond the gate, visitors reach a spacious parking area before continuing toward the main precinct.
Hachidai Ryūō Hall
Hachidai Ryūō Hall is dedicated to the Eight Great Dragon Kings and serves as a guardian sanctuary for the temple. It is also revered as one of Japan’s eight sacred shrines associated with this tradition. From the main gate, visitors follow the approach toward the hall and the imposing stone stairway leading farther uphill.
The 333 Stone Steps and Tsue Nashi Bridge
One of the most memorable parts of a visit is the climb up the 333 stone steps leading to the main hall. Along the way are sections known as the Women’s Yakuzaka and Men’s Yakuzaka, traditional stairways associated with age-related periods of misfortune in Japanese belief.
The climb offers a sense of the effort traditionally involved in pilgrimage. Visitors should allow sufficient time and take care on the steps, especially in wet weather. At the top, the main temple precinct opens up among the surrounding greenery.
Kyōgiba: A Place for Memorial Offerings
At Kyōgiba, a traditional memorial rite known as kyōgi-nagashi takes place on the spring and autumn equinoxes. The names of deceased family members are written on thin wooden tablets, which are then offered and washed with clear water as part of a Buddhist memorial ceremony. This observance remains one of Kirihataji’s distinctive traditions.
Main Hall and Inner Sanctuary
The main hall complex has a distinctive three-part arrangement consisting of an open worship area, the main hall, and an inner sanctuary. Dainichi Nyorai, the Cosmic Buddha central to Shingon Buddhism, is enshrined in the main hall, while the inner sanctuary houses the temple’s hidden image of Senju Kannon.
The hidden Kannon image is not ordinarily displayed, adding to the sense of reverence surrounding the temple’s principal deity.
Hata-kiri Kannon Statue
Within the grounds stands a statue commemorating the young weaving woman from the temple’s founding legend. She is depicted holding a pair of scissors in her right hand and a piece of cloth in her left. The image brings the story of her generosity and spiritual transformation to life for visitors.
Daishidō Hall and Bell Tower
Near the main hall is Daishidō, a hall dedicated to Kōbō Daishi. A bell tower stands farther to the right and behind it. The bell is associated with prayer and devotion, and its presence adds to the traditional atmosphere of the temple grounds.
Fudō Hall and Other Small Sanctuaries
Fudō Hall enshrines Fudō Myōō, a Buddhist deity depicted with a fierce expression and associated with the overcoming of spiritual obstacles. Near the right side of the main hall are small sanctuaries dedicated to Kokūzō Bosatsu and Benzaiten. The grounds also include Hasso Daishidō, a hall honoring the Eight Patriarchs of Shingon Buddhism and regarded as an inner sanctuary.
The Great Pagoda: An Important Cultural Property
The Great Pagoda is one of Kirihataji’s most remarkable architectural treasures. Built in 1607 during the Momoyama period, it was relocated to its present site in 1882. According to tradition, Toyotomi Hideyori constructed the pagoda at the urging of Tokugawa Ieyasu to honor the memory of his father, Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
The pagoda stands approximately 24.168 meters tall and features traditional Japanese tiled roofing. Its unusual structure is especially significant: it is described as the only surviving two-story pagoda in Japan in which both the lower and upper stories have square plans. The building was designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan on June 23, 1975.
Cultural Heritage and Historic Designations
Kirihataji is important not only as a pilgrimage temple but also for its architectural and historical heritage. Its Great Pagoda is a nationally designated Important Cultural Property. On June 24, 2024, the temple grounds were also added to the designated area of the Awa Pilgrimage Route, a historic section of the Shikoku pilgrimage landscape. The formal designation process was reported as awaiting official notification at the time described in the source material.
Access to Kirihataji Temple
By Train
Kirihataji is approximately 6.3 kilometers from Awa-Kawashima Station and 6.5 kilometers from Gaku Station on the JR Tokushima Line. Visitors should plan their onward journey from either station, as the temple is not within easy walking distance for everyone.
By Car
By local roads, the temple can be reached via Tokushima Prefectural Route 139, Funato-Kirihata-Kamiita Line. It is approximately 600 meters from the Kirihata-Furuta area. From Donari Interchange on the expressway, the distance is about 7.9 kilometers.
Nearby Pilgrimage Site: Inubaka Daishidō
Inubaka Daishidō is associated with a legend about Kūkai and his loyal dog. According to the story, the dog saved Kūkai’s life when they encountered a wild boar during his travels, but died in the process. To honor the animal, Kūkai is said to have built a small hermitage and enshrined Amida Nyorai to pray for its spirit.
Nearby Temples on the Shikoku Pilgrimage
Temple No. 9: Hōrinji is approximately 3.8 kilometers from Kirihataji.
Temple No. 11: Fujiidera is approximately 9.3 kilometers away.
For those following the eastern section of the Awa Saigoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage, Kumadaniji is Temple No. 27, Kirihataji is No. 28, and Hōonji is No. 29.
A Place of Faith, Legend, and Architectural Heritage
Kirihataji Temple is a meaningful stop for pilgrims and travelers interested in Japan’s Buddhist traditions. Its legend of the selfless weaving woman, the long stone stairway, the hidden Kannon image, and the remarkable Great Pagoda all contribute to its distinctive character. Set amid the natural landscape of Awa City, the temple invites visitors to pause, reflect, and experience the enduring spiritual culture of the Shikoku pilgrimage.