Jan 10, 2014 - 1 min read

Jizoji

Temple #5 of the Ohenro 88 temple pilgrimage

By C. Rio

Community writer

1 of 7

Approaching the main gate

Purification fountain

Statue detail

Chain to slow falling water drops from main temple roof

Main temple carving detail

Bato Kannon Bosatsu statue

Main temple wood carving detail

The fifth temple of the Shikoku Ohenro pilgrimage, is also know as the Earthbearer's Temple. Kōbō Daishi founded the temple on the order of Emperor Saga in 811. Of the five temples that have Jizo Bosatsu as a main diety, this is the only one with Enmei Jizo Bosatsu. The inner sanctum contains 500 statues of Rakan (Arhats: enlightened disciples of Buddha), each with a different facial expression. The statues were carved by two priests in the 18th Century and then collected here at a later date. To get there catch a Kajiyahara bound bus from Itano or Tokushima station and get off at Rakan bus stop. From there it is a 5 minute walk.