Sect: Koyasan Shingon Buddhism
Principal Deity: Nami-kiri Fudo Myoo (Wave-Cutting Acala)
Founded: 1575
Goeika (Sacred Chant): “Homage to Fudo Myoo, Who calms the raging waves Of the sea of life and death, With the sword of wisdom.“
Emanation Form: Suigetsu Kannon (Water-Moon Kannon)
This form of Kannon is depicted standing atop a floating lotus petal, gazing peacefully at the full moon reflected on the water while in a gesture of prayer. The full moon symbolizes our hearts, and as Suigetsu Kannon watches over it, we become one with the deity, receiving divine salvation.
○ History & Origins
Daitokuji was originally founded in 1575 (Tensho 3) as Aokaji at the eastern edge of Mount Aoka, serving as the betto (guardian temple) when Chosokabe Motochika enshrined Kumano Gongen in the region. In the Tenmei era (1781–1789), the temple was damaged by fire and was relocated to its current site, where it was renamed Daitokuji.
In 1871 (Meiji 4), during the Haibutsu Kishaku (anti-Buddhist movement), the temple was mostly abandoned, leaving only a single hall standing. However, in 1924 (Taisho 13), Priest Satake Hiromitsu took residence and began efforts to revive the temple. He relocated Nagaoji, a Shingon Daigo-ha temple from Matsuyama in Iyo Province, to this site.
In 1930 (Showa 5), the temple was reestablished as Aokazan Enjuin Daitokuji, and it became deeply involved in children’s welfare and education. In 1987 (Showa 62), the temple transferred its affiliation from the Shingon Daigo-ha sect to Koyasan Shingon Buddhism, the tradition in which the head priest had trained.
○ Message from the head priest
In prayer, I become Kannon. You, too, are Kannon. Your journey through the Thirty-Three Kannon Sacred Sites plants the seeds of compassion, taking root and growing in all directions. Bathed in the light of mercy, those seeds bloom into smiles reaching toward the sky.
“With devotion, the flower of enlightenment blooms.”
Homage to Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva.
○ Access
Address: 2194 Osone Otsu, Nankoku, Kochi, 783-0005, Japan
Phone Number: 0888-64-2229
Large Buses: Permitted
Microbuses: Permitted
Official website