The Principal Image and Temple Verse
The temple’s principal image is the Eleven-Headed Kannon. Its associated mantra is traditionally recited as a prayer for spiritual protection and peace.
The temple’s traditional pilgrimage verse evokes a distant view of Kurotakiji beneath thin clouds and the sacred water emerging from its lapis-colored rocks. This verse reflects the temple’s close connection with the natural springs that have long been central to its religious identity.
Legends of the Temple’s Foundation
According to tradition, Kurotakiji was founded in 793, during the Enryaku era. While the Buddhist monk Kobo Daishi, also known as Kukai, was practicing asceticism at nearby Tairyuji Temple, a mysterious child—or, in another version of the story, a divine dragon—appeared and told him that a great dragon was causing havoc at Mount Kurotaki, upstream along the Naka River.
Kukai followed the river upstream to the mountain, where he carved an image of Kokuzo Bosatsu, a bodhisattva associated with wisdom and memory, and built a small shrine for prayer. He then climbed to the summit and carved an image of the Eleven-Headed Kannon, performing a ritual intended to subdue the dragon.
The dragon eventually withdrew from the lake and disappeared into a place known as Ryuo-buchi, or the Dragon King’s Pool. In gratitude, it is said to have presented Kukai with a pure spring called Akai-no-mizu, or the sacred water for ritual offerings. This legend is regarded as the origin of Kurotakiji Temple. The spring still flows within the temple grounds, and local tradition holds that drinking its water can bring relief from hardship and illness.
The Temple During the Sengoku Period
During Japan’s Sengoku period (the Warring States era), local warlord Hosokawa Sadamitsu reportedly built a fortification around the temple. Kurotakiji consequently became a fortified religious complex defended by warrior monks.
In 1582, when Chosokabe Motochika invaded Awa Province as part of his campaign to unify Shikoku, the temple and its fortifications were burned. According to local accounts, blood from the monks and soldiers turned a pond on the grounds bright red. The pond later dried up, and its former site has been developed into a garden that preserves the memory of this turbulent period.
Reconstruction and the Kurotaki Festival
The temple was rebuilt in 1688 by a monk named Kaiben during the early Edo period. August 17 is remembered as the anniversary of the reconstruction. Tradition says that Kaiben celebrated its completion with a dance, establishing a connection with the performing arts that continues today.
Every year on August 17, the Kurotaki Festival is held at the temple. The program includes a saito goma fire ritual, in which a sacred fire is used in prayers, as well as the traditional Kurotakiji dance associated with Kaiben. The festival offers a glimpse into the community’s enduring religious and cultural traditions.
Exploring the Temple Grounds
The surviving buildings at Kurotakiji were constructed over an extended period, from 1716 to 1956. Walking through the grounds reveals the temple’s long history and its role as a place of worship in the mountains.
Niomon Gate and Bell Tower
The entrance is marked by a distinctive gate that combines the functions of a temple gate and a bell tower. Guardian Nio statues stand on either side, symbolically protecting the sacred grounds and welcoming visitors into the temple precinct.
Main Hall
The main hall is the spiritual center of Kurotakiji and enshrines the Eleven-Headed Kannon. Visitors can pause here to offer prayers and reflect on the temple’s centuries-old traditions in a quiet mountain setting.
Daishido Hall
The Daishido is dedicated to Kobo Daishi (Kukai), whose legendary encounter with the dragon is closely associated with the temple’s foundation. It is an important place for pilgrims wishing to honor the monk’s spiritual legacy.
Honbo Abbot’s Quarters
The Honbo serves as the residence and working space of the temple’s clergy and plays a central role in the management of the temple and its religious ceremonies. It is part of the living temple complex that continues to sustain Kurotakiji’s traditions.
A Sacred Destination on Two Pilgrimage Routes
Kurotakiji holds a special place in two Buddhist pilgrimage traditions. It is regarded as the inner sanctuary of Tairyuji Temple, the 21st temple on the Shikoku 88-Temple Pilgrimage. The temple is also the 88th and final stop on the New Shikoku Mandala Pilgrimage, making it a meaningful destination for those completing this spiritual journey.
On the Shikoku 88-Temple Pilgrimage, the route is described as running from Tairyuji to its inner sanctuary, Kurotakiji, and then onward toward Byodoji Temple, the 22nd temple. On the New Shikoku Mandala Pilgrimage, Kurotakiji follows Shokoji Temple as the 88th stop, before the sequence returns to Torinji Temple, the first stop.
Nature and Seasonal Scenery
Set amid the mountains of Naka Town, Kurotakiji is also a place to appreciate the changing seasons. The surrounding woodland creates a tranquil atmosphere throughout the year, while autumn brings colorful foliage to the temple grounds and nearby slopes. The combination of forest scenery, historic architecture, and the sound of sacred spring water makes the temple particularly appealing to visitors seeking a quieter side of Tokushima.
Visiting Kurotakiji Temple
Kurotakiji is in a mountainous area, so visitors should plan their journey carefully. Road conditions and public transportation options can vary, and access may require additional travel through rural areas. Check current route information and local guidance before setting out. Allow time to explore the grounds respectfully and enjoy the surrounding natural landscape.