The Meaning Behind the Name Konsenji
The name Konsenji can be interpreted as the “Temple of the Golden Spring.” According to local tradition, the temple’s name is associated with blessings for prosperity and good fortune. The surrounding district is known as Ōtera, meaning “great temple,” a place name believed to have originated from the temple itself.
Konsenji also played a role in local geography and history. It is said that the boundary between the former eastern and western divisions of Itano District was determined with reference to the wooden door panels of the temple buildings.
A Pilgrimage Poem and Sacred Mantra
The temple’s traditional pilgrimage poem evokes the Pure Land, a Buddhist realm of peace and spiritual fulfillment:
“Think of the treasure-filled pond of paradise, where a golden spring flows clear and full.”
The verse reflects the temple’s association with the legendary golden spring and expresses the spiritual aspirations of pilgrims. The mantra associated with the principal image of Shakyamuni Buddha is traditionally recited as “Nōmaku Sanmanda Bodanan Baku.”
The History of Konsenji Temple
Foundation in the Nara Period
According to temple tradition, Konsenji was founded during the Tenpyō era (729–749) under the patronage of Emperor Shōmu. The Buddhist priest Gyōki is said to have carved the principal image of the Buddha and established the temple, which was originally called Konkōmyōji.
During the Kōnin era (810–824), Kūkai, also known as Kōbō Daishi, is said to have visited the area. Facing a shortage of water, he reportedly dug a well from which sacred water emerged. This miraculous spring inspired the temple’s new name, Konsenji, or “Temple of the Golden Spring.”
Connections with Emperor Kameyama and Minamoto no Yoshitsune
Emperor Kameyama, who reigned from 1259 to 1274 before becoming a retired emperor, is said to have stayed at Konsenji while visiting sacred sites associated with Kōbō Daishi. During his stay, he reportedly commissioned a hall modeled on Sanjūsangendō in Kyoto, the famous temple hall known for its rows of Buddhist statues, and enshrined one thousand images of the thousand-armed Kannon, the bodhisattva of compassion.
The hill behind the temple was named Kameyama in connection with this tradition, and the temple’s mountain name was changed to Kiko-zan.
Konsenji also appears in the medieval war chronicle Genpei Jōsuiki. According to the account, the celebrated warrior Minamoto no Yoshitsune stopped at the temple in 1185 while traveling toward Yashima during the Genpei War, the conflict between the Taira and Minamoto clans.
Destruction and Reconstruction
In 1582, during the military campaigns of Chōsokabe Motochika, the temple was devastated by fire. Most of its buildings were destroyed, although the Daishidō, or hall dedicated to Kōbō Daishi, survived. The temple was subsequently rebuilt and has continued to serve pilgrims and worshippers.
Roof tiles dating from the Nara period have been discovered on the temple grounds. These archaeological finds provide evidence supporting the tradition that the temple’s origins reach back to the early history of Japanese Buddhism.
Exploring the Temple Grounds
Niōmon Gate and Main Hall
The imposing Niōmon Gate, the temple’s main entrance, is a two-story structure with a traditional irimoya-style roof, combining gabled and hipped elements. Its substantial wooden construction gives the entrance a dignified appearance befitting an important pilgrimage temple.
The Main Hall houses Shakyamuni Buddha and the two attendant Buddhas. The principal image has been available for public viewing since 2014, allowing visitors to appreciate the temple’s central object of worship.
Daishidō Hall
The Daishidō is dedicated to Kōbō Daishi, the influential Buddhist monk traditionally associated with the founding of many temples along the Shikoku pilgrimage route. The hall was rebuilt in 2008, and visitors can view the statue of Kōbō Daishi inside.
For pilgrims, this hall is a particularly meaningful place to offer prayers and reflect on the spiritual journey connecting the 88 temples of Shikoku.
The Golden Well
One of Konsenji’s best-known features is the Golden Well, associated with the legend of Kūkai’s discovery of sacred water. Local tradition holds that anyone who can see their face reflected in the well will enjoy a long life.
The well adds a personal and memorable dimension to a visit, linking the temple’s name with a story of miraculous water and good fortune.
Benkei’s Strength Stone
Another notable feature is Benkei’s Strength Stone, a large rock said to have been lifted by the legendary warrior monk Benkei as a test of his strength. Benkei appears in many Japanese historical tales and theatrical traditions, and objects associated with him are popular points of interest for visitors exploring the temple grounds.
Goma Hall and Kannon Hall
The Goma Hall contains a standing statue of Fudō Myōō, a fierce Buddhist deity who protects the teachings of Buddhism, accompanied by two attendants. Its ceiling is decorated with attractive paintings of flowers and birds, adding artistic interest to the sacred space.
The Kannon Hall enshrines Shō Kannon, a form of the bodhisattva of compassion. The hall also reflects Konsenji’s role as the 23rd temple on the Awa Saigoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage.
Enmadō and Other Buddhist Images
Throughout the grounds, visitors will encounter additional religious statues and halls. These include Enmadō, dedicated to Enma, the Buddhist judge of the dead, as well as images of Manigan Benzaiten, Kurikara Ryūō, and Jibo Kannon. Each represents a different aspect of Buddhist devotion and protection.
The temple’s Tahōtō pagoda houses an image of Amida Nyorai. Together, these structures and statues give the grounds a rich religious atmosphere and offer visitors an opportunity to discover the diversity of Japanese Buddhist iconography.
Cultural Properties
Konsenji’s historical significance has been formally recognized by Itano Town. On February 1, 1974, the temple grounds were designated a municipal historic site.
Two other groups of objects were also designated tangible cultural properties by the town in 1974: a pair of paintings of the Ryōkai Mandala, representing the two principal mandalas of Shingon Buddhism, and six roof tiles excavated at Konsenji. These objects provide valuable insight into the temple’s religious traditions and long history.
Access to Konsenji Temple
By Train
Take the JR Shikoku Kōtoku Line to Itano Station. From the station, the temple is approximately 700 meters away and can be reached on foot.
By Bus
Take a Tokushima Bus service on the Kajiyahara Line and get off at Itano Station South. From there, Konsenji is approximately 700 meters away.
By Car
From National or prefectural roads, follow Tokushima Prefectural Route 12, the Naruto–Ikeda Route, and continue for approximately 300 meters from the Ōtera area. By expressway, the temple is about 1 kilometer from Itano Interchange on the Takamatsu Expressway or approximately 3.2 kilometers from Aizumi Interchange on the Tokushima Expressway.
Nearby Temples on the Pilgrimage Routes
Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage
Konsenji is Temple No. 3 on the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage. Temple No. 2, Gokurakuji, lies approximately 2.6 kilometers away, while Temple No. 4, Dainichiji, is about 5 kilometers away. These relatively short distances make Konsenji a convenient stop when exploring this section of the pilgrimage route.
Awa Saigoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage
For those following the Awa Saigoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage, Konsenji is Temple No. 23. Myōyakuji, Temple No. 22, is approximately 7 kilometers away, while Kannonji, Temple No. 24, is about 1.2 kilometers away.
Discover the Spiritual Heritage of Shikoku
Konsenji Temple brings together centuries of Buddhist devotion, legends associated with Kūkai and Benkei, and architectural and cultural treasures. From the Golden Well to the Main Hall and the statue-filled temple grounds, each feature offers a glimpse into the religious traditions that have shaped Shikoku.
As the third stop on the celebrated Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, Konsenji is an especially rewarding destination for travelers interested in Japanese Buddhism, local history, and traditional pilgrimage culture. Whether visiting as a pilgrim or as a cultural traveler, take time to explore the grounds and appreciate the stories preserved at this historic temple.