A Temple with a Distinctive Religious Tradition
Worship of Ohana Daigongen
Rinkaji is best known for its worship of Ohana Daigongen, a figure revered as a protector in matters related to sexuality and fertility. The temple grounds contain numerous wooden carvings and stone sculptures shaped like male genitalia. These objects serve as symbols of fertility and expressions of devotion, reflecting a distinctive aspect of Japan’s traditional folk religion.
Visitors come to pray for safe childbirth, the blessing of children, and harmony between couples. The temple offers an opportunity to learn about forms of religious practice that may be unfamiliar to many international travelers, where fertility and the continuation of family life are expressed through symbolic objects and local legends.
The Temple’s History
Origins and Reconstruction
The exact date of Rinkaji’s founding is unknown. It is said to have been established as a subsidiary temple of Ninnaji, a historic Buddhist temple in Kyoto. During the Tenshō era (1573–1592), however, the temple buildings were destroyed by fire during military campaigns led by Chōsokabe Motochika, a powerful warlord who sought to bring Shikoku under his control.
With the efforts of local residents, the temple was subsequently rebuilt and continued to serve as a place of worship. Its history reflects the upheaval of the Sengoku period, when warfare caused widespread destruction across Shikoku, as well as the determination of local communities to preserve their religious traditions.
The Legend of Ohana-han
A Story of Tragedy and Spiritual Transformation
The tradition surrounding Ohana Daigongen is based on the legend of a woman named Ohana, who is said to have been born in this area during the Edo period. According to the story, she married Hara Jūbei, a senior retainer of the Mori clan associated with Tsuyama Castle in present-day Okayama Prefecture. Ohana reportedly became the victim of jealousy and hostility from other women in the household and met a tragic death.
After her death, strange occurrences were said to have taken place within the castle. According to the legend, Ohana appeared in Jūbei’s dream and was eventually enshrined as a spiritual protector associated with sexuality. A small shrine dedicated to her was later established and moved to the grounds of Rinkaji, her place of origin.
Over time, the temple became known as a place to worship Ohana-han and seek blessings related to fertility and family life. The tradition is also associated with Ohanamiya at Tokumori Shrine in Tsuyama, Okayama Prefecture, where Ohana is likewise enshrined. The story illustrates how local legends can travel across regions and become woven into the religious life of different communities.
Exploring the Temple Grounds
Symbols of Fertility and Protection
The distinctive sculptures found throughout the grounds are among Rinkaji’s most striking features. Carved from wood or shaped from stone, these fertility symbols represent devotion to Ohana Daigongen and serve as objects of prayer for visitors seeking help with personal concerns related to relationships, childbirth, and family well-being.
Although the imagery may be surprising to visitors unfamiliar with this tradition, it reflects a long-standing cultural association between fertility, human vitality, and spiritual protection. A visit provides a chance to explore a less familiar side of Japanese religious culture beyond the country’s better-known temples and shrines.
Access to Rinkaji Temple
Rinkaji Temple is approximately a 10-minute walk from Eguchi Station on the JR Tokushima Line. By car, it is about 15 minutes from Mima Interchange on the Tokushima Expressway. Its convenient location makes it a worthwhile stop for travelers exploring Higashimiyoshi Town and the wider Oboke, Koboke, and Iya Valley area.
Discover a Different Side of Tokushima’s Spiritual Heritage
Rinkaji Temple stands out for its devotion to Ohana Daigongen and the distinctive fertility symbols displayed across its grounds. Alongside its history of destruction and reconstruction, the temple preserves a local legend that has shaped generations of religious practice. For travelers interested in Japanese folklore, regional history, and the diversity of Buddhist and folk traditions, Rinkaji offers a memorable cultural experience in Tokushima Prefecture.