Historical background and the origins of Shugendō
Kōtsuji Temple occupies the upper slopes of Mount Kōtsu, a mountain also known by names such as Kinugasa-yama and Manishu-yama. In contrast to Mount Ōmine, associated with the sacred mountains of ancient Yamato Province to the east, Mount Kōtsu was referred to as Saijōzan, or the Western Sacred Mountain. It is traditionally regarded as one of the birthplaces of Shugendō in Awa Province.
According to the Manishu-zan Kōtsuji Shiki, a record written by the temple’s priest Yūson in 1665, the temple was founded by En no Gyōja, the legendary ascetic traditionally credited with establishing Shugendō. The precise details of this origin story remain uncertain. Nevertheless, records suggest that a sphere of Shugendō worship centered on Mount Kōtsu had developed by the Kamakura period, demonstrating the mountain’s importance as a center of religious practice.
The temple’s connection with Imbe Shrine
Kōtsuji Temple has a longstanding relationship with Imbe Shrine in Yamasaki, Yamakawa-cho, Yoshinogawa City. Imbe Shrine is associated with the Awa Imbe clan, whose ancestral traditions are closely connected with the region’s ancient religious history.
Historically, representatives gathered at Imbe Shrine twice a year, and Kōtsuji Temple served as its bettōji, a Buddhist temple responsible for managing or supporting a shrine’s religious affairs. This relationship helped foster a distinctive local form of Shugendō sometimes called Imbe Shugendō, blending mountain ascetic practices with the religious traditions of the Awa Imbe clan.
Cultural heritage and Buddhist art
Kōtsuji Temple preserves a range of cultural heritage associated with its long history. Among its notable works is a silk painting depicting the Buddha’s Nirvana, known as the Silk Painting of the Buddha’s Parinirvana. This important Buddhist artwork has been entrusted to the Kyoto National Museum for safekeeping.
Nirvana paintings depict the final passing of Shakyamuni Buddha and are significant works in the history of Buddhist art. The preservation of this painting reflects the temple’s importance not only as a place of worship but also as a custodian of Japan’s religious and artistic heritage.
Mount Kōtsu: The mountain known as Awa Fuji
Rising to 1,133 meters, Mount Kōtsu is one of the best-known mountains in Tokushima Prefecture. Its graceful profile has earned it the nickname Awa Fuji, while local residents affectionately call it Oko-tsuan. The mountain is also included among the 100 Famous Mountains of Shikoku, attracting hikers and nature enthusiasts.
From the summit area, visitors can enjoy views of some of Shikoku’s celebrated peaks, including Ichinomori at 1,879 meters, Mount Tsurugi at 1,955 meters, and Mount Miune at 1,898 meters. On clear days, the panorama may extend to the Seto Inland Sea and Awaji Island, offering a striking contrast between the rugged mountains and the distant sea.
Mountain worship and annual religious ceremonies
Mount Kōtsu has a deep-rooted tradition of Shugendō, a Japanese religious practice that combines Buddhist teachings, mountain asceticism, and elements of older spiritual traditions. Kōtsuji Temple is traditionally said to have been established in the seventh century by En no Gyōja. The temple and mountain are also associated with stories of Kūkai, the founder of Shingon Buddhism, who is said to have practiced asceticism in the area.
Mount Kōtsu was once considered a place where women were prohibited from entering. Although this restriction has generally been lifted, a traditional prohibition remains in effect during the annual Jūhachiyama Eshiki, held on August 18. The ceremony includes a solemn shidō daigoma, a large sacred fire ritual associated with mountain ascetic traditions.
Sacred sites on Mount Kōtsu
Several sites on the mountain are associated with the religious practices of Shugendō. Among them is Mandai Pond, known in local tradition as a sacred place within the mountain’s spiritual landscape. Another notable feature is Nozoki-iwa, or Peeping Rock, a dramatic rocky outcrop associated with ascetic training.
Such places reflect the demanding nature of traditional mountain practice, in which ascetics sought spiritual discipline and purification through physical hardship and close contact with the natural environment. Hermitages scattered across the mountain also offer glimpses into its history as a place of solitary religious practice.
A natural sanctuary in Dochu-Kōtsu Prefectural Natural Park
Mount Kōtsu and its surrounding area form part of Dochu-Kōtsu Prefectural Natural Park, a region characterized by rich vegetation and mountain scenery. The area has long been appreciated for hiking, walking, and outdoor activities.
A former facility known as the Tokushima Prefectural Yamakawa Youth Nature House once operated in the park and hosted activities such as school nature camps. It closed in 2006, but the mountain remains a destination for those seeking to experience Tokushima’s natural landscapes and religious heritage.
Mountain safety and winter conditions
Mount Kōtsu’s remote location and changing weather conditions require careful preparation. On December 6, 2014, the temple’s 43-year-old head priest and an 83-year-old man who worked at the temple became stranded in snow near the temple. Both died in the incident, highlighting the serious risks that winter conditions can pose in this mountainous area.
Visitors planning to hike or drive up the mountain should check the weather forecast and road conditions in advance, allow plenty of time, and carry suitable clothing and equipment. Snow and ice can make access particularly hazardous in winter. Avoid traveling into the mountains when conditions are unsafe, and confirm local access information before setting out.
Access to Kōtsuji Temple
Kōtsuji Temple is approximately 50 minutes by car from Awa-Yamakawa Station on the JR Tokushima Line. From Wakimachi Interchange on the Tokushima Expressway, the journey to the mountain area takes around 70 minutes by car and on foot, depending on the route and conditions.
Because the temple is located high in the mountains, access requires advance planning. Public transportation options may be limited, so visitors should confirm their travel arrangements before departure and take particular care during the winter season.
Experience the spiritual and natural heritage of Mount Kōtsu
Kōtsuji Temple and Mount Kōtsu offer a distinctive combination of religious history, traditional mountain asceticism, cultural heritage, and spectacular scenery. The temple’s association with Shugendō and Imbe Shrine reveals the close relationship between Buddhism and local spiritual traditions in Tokushima.
From the mountain’s sweeping views to its sacred ponds and dramatic rock formations, the area rewards visitors who appreciate Japan’s quieter spiritual destinations. With appropriate preparation and respect for the mountain environment, a visit to Kōtsuji Temple provides a memorable way to discover the history and natural beauty of the Awa region.