A history dating back to the Heian period
Hōonji Temple is traditionally said to have been founded during the Heian period (794–1185). Over the centuries, it developed into an important place of worship for people in the surrounding communities, serving not only as a destination for prayer and religious practice but also as a center of local spiritual life.
One of the most tangible reminders of its long history is a group of stone monuments known as itabi. These thin, upright stone steles date from the late Kamakura period to the early Muromachi period, reflecting the religious customs and memorial practices of medieval Japan. They were designated Tangible Cultural Properties of Yoshinogawa City on December 1, 1981.
Medieval stone monuments
The temple grounds contain several historic itabi carved from green chlorite schist, a stone commonly used for medieval memorial monuments in Japan. Their inscriptions provide valuable clues to the history of the area and the religious beliefs of the people who lived here.
The central stele bears an inscription dated 1316, corresponding to the Shōwa era’s fifth year. The large stele on the left is dated 1321, while the smaller stele on the right bears the date 1397. Together, these monuments span the late Kamakura and early Muromachi periods.
Recognized as Tangible Cultural Properties of Yoshinogawa City in 1981, the steles are important historical records as well as expressions of the faith and memorial traditions of medieval Japan.
The grave of Iio Tsunefusa
Another historical site within the temple grounds is the grave of Iio Tsunefusa, a samurai who served Ashikaga Yoshimasa, the eighth shogun of the Muromachi shogunate. His grave connects Hōonji Temple with the political and military history of medieval Japan.
The monument offers visitors an opportunity to reflect on the lives of the warriors who shaped the period and the role that Buddhist temples played in commemorating the dead and preserving local historical memory.
The grave of comedian Soganoya Gokurō
Hōonji Temple is also home to the grave of Soganoya Gokurō, a popular Japanese comic actor who was active in the early Shōwa period (1926–1989). Known for his distinctive performance style, he contributed to the development of popular comedy and theater in Japan.
His grave adds a more recent cultural connection to the temple’s historic grounds, bringing together the stories of medieval samurai and a performer who entertained audiences in modern Japan.
A temple on two pilgrimage routes
Hōonji Temple holds a place on two regional pilgrimage routes, making it an appealing stop for pilgrims as well as travelers exploring Tokushima’s religious heritage.
New Shikoku Mandala Pilgrimage
Hōonji is the 71st temple on the New Shikoku Mandala Pilgrimage. It is linked to Tōfukuji Temple, the 70th site, and Myōhōji Temple, the 72nd site, as part of a pilgrimage that connects sacred places across Shikoku.
Awa Saigoku Thirty-Three Kannon Pilgrimage
The temple is also the 29th stop on the Awa Saigoku Thirty-Three Kannon Pilgrimage. This regional pilgrimage centers on devotion to Kannon, the bodhisattva of compassion. Visitors following the route come to pray, seek peace of mind, and experience the area’s longstanding religious traditions.
Access to Hōonji Temple
Hōonji Temple is approximately a 20-minute walk from Kamojima Station on the JR Tokushima Line. Its location makes it relatively easy to reach by public transportation, allowing visitors to explore the temple’s historic monuments and tranquil grounds as part of a wider visit to Yoshinogawa City.
Discover the history and faith of Yoshinogawa
Hōonji Temple brings together centuries of Buddhist devotion, medieval stone monuments, and the memories of people who shaped Japanese history and culture. Its itabi, the grave of samurai Iio Tsunefusa, and the resting place of comedian Soganoya Gokurō each reveal a different aspect of the area’s past.
Whether you are following a pilgrimage route or exploring Tokushima’s cultural heritage, a visit to Hōonji offers a quiet opportunity to encounter the history, faith, and traditions that continue to shape the region.