The History of Jōrakuji Temple
According to temple tradition, Kōbō Daishi (Kūkai), the monk who founded the Shingon school of Buddhism in Japan, was practicing asceticism in this area when he experienced a vision of Miroku Bosatsu accompanied by numerous other bodhisattvas. Inspired by this revelation, he is said to have carved an image of Miroku Bosatsu from sacred wood and enshrined it in a newly built hall.
The temple subsequently expanded under the guidance of other Buddhist leaders. Kūkai’s nephew, the monk Shinzen, is said to have built the main sanctuary, while the monk Kishin helped establish a lecture hall and a three-story pagoda. Jōrakuji eventually flourished as a major temple complex with the traditional seven principal buildings of a large Buddhist monastery.
During the Muromachi period (1336–1573), the temple received the village of Enmei as temple land through a donation associated with Hosokawa Yoriharu, the first head of the Awa Hosokawa family. This support strengthened its position and helped it prosper.
However, the temple was destroyed by fire during the military campaigns of Chōsokabe Motochika in the Tenshō era (1573–1592). It was later restored in 1659 under the patronage of Tokushima Domain lord Hachisuka Mitsutaka. Further changes followed, and in 1815 the temple was relocated to make way for a reservoir used for irrigation. The grounds were moved from the valley to a ridge, where approximately 5,000 square meters of land were prepared for the present temple complex.
The temple’s principal mantra is “On Maitreya ya sowaka,” a sacred invocation to Miroku Bosatsu. Its traditional pilgrimage verse expresses the hope of reaching the shore of eternal peace by boarding the vessel of the Buddha’s great vow without missing the opportunity.
Highlights of the Temple Grounds
The Main Hall
The main hall houses the seated statue of Miroku Bosatsu, the temple’s principal deity. Standing images of Fudō Myōō, the Immovable Wisdom King, and Bishamonten, a guardian deity associated with protection and good fortune, are enshrined alongside it in the same Buddhist cabinet. Together, these figures create a solemn setting for prayer and contemplation.
The Daishi Hall
The Daishi Hall is dedicated to Kōbō Daishi. Pilgrims visit to pay their respects to the revered monk and reflect on the teachings associated with his life and spiritual practice. The hall is an important stop for those following the Shikoku pilgrimage route.
Yakushi Hall, Jizō Hall, and the Bell Tower
Other structures across the grounds include a Yakushi Hall dedicated to the Buddha of Healing, a Jizō Hall honoring the compassionate guardian of travelers and children, and a bell tower. These buildings provide additional places for quiet prayer and help preserve the traditional atmosphere of the temple.
Araragi Daishi and the Ancient Yew Tree
One of the temple’s distinctive features is a large Japanese yew tree known as Araragi Daishi. A statue of Kōbō Daishi is enshrined among the tree’s branches, creating an unusual meeting point between Buddhist devotion and the natural world. The tree’s impressive presence adds to the tranquil, contemplative atmosphere of the grounds.
The Flowing Rock Garden
One of Jōrakuji’s most remarkable features is its Ryūsui-iwa garden, a landscape shaped around exposed natural bedrock. The temple stands on a distinctive rock formation where layers of rock and geological fractures are clearly visible, giving the grounds a rugged appearance unlike that of a conventional landscaped garden.
Tradition holds that the rock surface was once much more uneven and difficult to cross, but gradually became smoother through erosion caused in part by the footsteps of worshippers. The garden makes use of the natural contours of the stone rather than concealing them, allowing visitors to appreciate the harmony between the temple architecture and the surrounding geology.
Walking through this unusual landscape offers a different perspective on traditional Japanese temple gardens, where the natural environment itself can become an integral part of the spiritual experience.
Cultural Properties and Historic Significance
National Historic Site: The Awa Pilgrimage Route
On March 26, 2021, the grounds of Jōrakuji were designated a National Historic Site as part of the Awa Pilgrimage Route. The designation recognizes the importance of the site in preserving the history and cultural traditions of the Shikoku 88-Temple Pilgrimage.
Nationally Registered Tangible Cultural Properties
The main hall and Daishi Hall were registered as National Registered Tangible Cultural Properties on July 25, 2011. Both buildings are valued for their historical and architectural significance and are protected as part of Japan’s cultural heritage.
Tokushima City Designated Cultural Properties
The temple also preserves Buddhist paintings of considerable artistic and historical value. These include a silk painting depicting Gōzanze Myōō, one of the Five Wisdom Kings, and a painting of the Yakushi Triad accompanied by the Twelve Heavenly Generals. Both were designated cultural properties by Tokushima City on December 26, 2001.
Okunoin: Jigenji Temple
Jigenji Temple, the inner sanctuary of Jōrakuji, is located within the temple’s traditional domain. Its principal deity is the Eleven-Headed Kannon, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. The grounds also include a hall housing a living-wood Jizō statue carved directly into a cedar tree, making it a distinctive place of worship.
The walk to the inner sanctuary takes approximately 20 minutes from the rear of Enmeizan. The quiet mountain path offers an opportunity to step away from the main temple grounds and experience the deep-rooted devotional traditions of the surrounding landscape. Pilgrims can also arrange to have their pilgrimage books stamped for the main temple and its inner sanctuary.
How to Get to Jōrakuji Temple
By Train
The nearest railway station is JR Fuchū Station on the Tokushima Line, approximately 3.2 kilometers from the temple. From the station, visitors can continue on foot or take a taxi.
By Bus
Tokushima Bus services on the Kamiyama route via Enmei and the Amanohara-nishi route serve the area. Get off at the Jōrakuji-mae bus stop, from which the temple is approximately 300 meters away.
By Car
National Route 192 is the main nearby road, with the temple approximately 300 meters from the Enmei area. From Aizumi Interchange on the Tokushima Expressway, the drive is about 8.7 kilometers. From Itano Interchange on the Takamatsu Expressway, it is approximately 11.8 kilometers.
The temple provides free parking for approximately 20 vehicles, making it convenient for visitors traveling by car.
A Memorable Stop on the Shikoku Pilgrimage
Jōrakuji Temple offers much more than a place to pray. Its unique connection with Miroku Bosatsu, long history, traditional halls, and extraordinary exposed-rock garden make it one of the most distinctive stops on the Shikoku 88-Temple Pilgrimage.
Whether you are a pilgrim following the traditional route or a traveler interested in Japanese Buddhism, historic architecture, and natural landscapes, take time to explore the temple grounds and appreciate the way spiritual traditions have shaped this remarkable setting in Tokushima.