The Principal Image and Sacred Traditions
According to temple tradition, Kūkai, also known as Kōbō Daishi, encountered a spiritual vision of Dainichi Nyorai while practicing Buddhist austerities at this location. He is said to have carved the principal statue himself, making a ritual bow with each stroke of his chisel. The resulting image measures approximately 55 cm in height and remains enshrined as the temple’s principal deity.
The temple’s mountain name, Kokuganzan, is associated with Kurodani, the valley surrounded by mountains on three sides where the temple stands. Historically, the temple has also been known as Kurotani-dera.
The mantra associated with Dainichi Nyorai is traditionally recited as “On Abiraunken Bazara Dōban.” The temple’s pilgrimage verse evokes the moon shining brightly over the quiet valley and the simple, dark robes of Buddhist practitioners.
History and Restoration
The origins of Dainichi-ji are closely linked to Kūkai’s spiritual practice and the carving of the principal image. Over the centuries, the temple experienced periods of decline and restoration, reflecting the changing fortunes of religious institutions in Japan.
During the Ōei era (1394–1428), a monk known as Matsuhōshi carried out restoration work. In 1649, Hachisuka Tadahide, the second lord of the Tokushima Domain, had the main hall constructed. Further restoration work took place during the Tenwa and Jōkyō eras (1681–1688).
In 1692, Hachisuka Tsunanori, the fifth lord of the domain, ordered major repairs to the temple buildings. Another extensive restoration followed in 1799 under Hachisuka Haruaki, the eleventh lord. These successive projects helped preserve the temple and its religious traditions for later generations.
Changes in the Modern Era
In 1714, Dainichi-ji became affiliated with the Omuro school of Shingon Buddhism. During the Meiji period (1868–1912), it became a subordinate temple of Tō-ji in Kyoto.
From 1998 to 2015, the temple’s head priest was Shōshō Manabe, a scholar of Buddhist art who also published numerous books. Beginning in 2014, a major restoration project was undertaken to repair important Buddhist images, including the seated statue of Dainichi Nyorai, the image of Kūkai, a seated statue of Miroku Bosatsu, and the collection of 33 Kannon statues.
Exploring the Temple Grounds
Main Gate and Bell Tower
The temple’s main gate, a distinctive structure combining a gate and bell tower, was rebuilt in spring 2018. Zelkova timber was used for the main pillars and supporting posts, while hinoki cypress was used for other parts of the structure. The bell itself dates to 1861 and was preserved from the former bell tower gate, maintaining a tangible link with the temple’s past.
Main Hall
The main hall was built in 1649 and repaired in 1799. Its principal image of Dainichi Nyorai is a hidden Buddhist statue that is not ordinarily open to public viewing. In 2017, following restoration work, the image was made accessible for worship on the 28th day of each month.
A carved wooden image placed in front of the principal statue serves as a visible representation for worshippers. It was newly created when the former head priest, Shōshō Manabe, assumed his position at the temple.
Daishi Hall
Built in 1863, the Daishi Hall is dedicated to Kūkai. It houses statues of Kōbō Daishi, Miroku Bosatsu, and Fudō Myōō, a Buddhist wisdom king associated with protection and the removal of obstacles.
The hall also displays a painting known as the Ryōmen Daishi, created by the former head priest. The work depicts Kūkai in both daytime and nighttime aspects, offering visitors an unusual artistic interpretation of the revered Buddhist master.
Goma Hall
Behind the Daishi Hall stands the Goma Hall, where statues of Fudō Myōō and his two attendant figures are enshrined. The hall is used for goma fire rituals, a Buddhist practice in which prayers are offered through sacred fire. The building was newly constructed during the tenure of the former head priest.
Covered Corridor and the 33 Kannon Statues
A covered corridor connects the main hall and the Daishi Hall. Along it are 33 statues of Kannon, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, representing the 33 sacred sites associated with the Saigoku Kannon pilgrimage in western Japan.
The statues were reportedly donated by Buddhist devotees from Osaka during the Meiwa era (1764–1772). They were restored in 2020, allowing visitors to appreciate their religious significance and artistic heritage.
Other Religious Sites
The grounds also contain a Yakushi Hall dedicated to Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of Healing, a small shrine housing a stone image of Amida Nyorai, and a Hachiman shrine. Visitors can explore these smaller structures as part of a leisurely walk around the temple.
Another notable feature is a stone washbasin carved from sandstone and donated in 1822. Its water was traditionally known as “Hamaguri Water,” adding another distinctive detail to the temple’s history.
Cultural Heritage Designations
On October 16, 2019, the grounds of Dainichi-ji were designated a National Historic Site under the name “Awa Pilgrimage Route: Dainichi-ji Temple Grounds.” The protected area covers approximately one hectare and recognizes the temple’s importance as part of the historic Shikoku pilgrimage landscape.
Dainichi-ji is also designated a historic site by Itano Town, reflecting its importance to the region’s cultural and religious heritage.
Access to Dainichi-ji Temple
By train: The temple is approximately 4.5 km from Itano Station on the JR Kōtoku Line.
By bus: Take a Tokushima Bus service on the Kajiya-bara Line or Ishii-Kamiita Line and get off at the Rakan bus stop. The temple is approximately 2.3 km from the stop.
By car: Tokushima-Kagawa Prefectural Route 34, the Ishii-Hiketa Line, passes in front of the temple. Dainichi-ji is approximately 7 km from Itano Interchange on the Takamatsu Expressway and 7.5 km from Aizumi Interchange on the Tokushima Expressway.
Parking: Free parking is available for approximately 30 standard cars and six buses.
Visitor Facilities
Dainichi-ji does not offer temple lodging. However, the grounds have flush toilets with separate facilities for men and women, as well as an accessible toilet. A statue of Ususama Myōō, a Buddhist deity traditionally associated with purification, stands nearby.
Temples Before and After Dainichi-ji
Dainichi-ji is the fourth temple on the Shikoku 88-Temple Pilgrimage. The route continues from Konsen-ji, the third temple, approximately 5 km away, to Jizō-ji, the fifth temple, approximately 2 km away. Visiting these neighboring temples offers pilgrims a chance to experience several historic religious sites in the Itano area.