Sect: Shingon Buddhism, Daikaku-ji School
Principal Deity: Yakushi Nyorai (Medicine Buddha)
Founded: Unknown
Goeika (Pilgrimage Hymn): The great wisdom and boundless compassion of Kannon Renkoji, where all wishes are fulfilled.
Manifestation (Okeishin): Jikyo Kannon (Sutra-Holding Kannon)
This form of Kannon is depicted seated on a rock, holding a sutra in its hands. The sutra is said to contain all the teachings of the Buddha, and when prayed to, Jikyo Kannon is believed to manifest and guide us along the path of enlightenment.
○ History & Origins
Renkoji Temple stands adjacent to Shigematsu Hachiman Shrine. It belongs to the Daikakuji school of Shingon Buddhism and was formerly a chuhonji, now holding the status of a jun-bekkaku honzan (quasi-special head temple).
During the Tensho era (1573–1592), it was renowned as a prominent and flourishing temple. However, it suffered destruction during the battles of Chosokabe’s forces and was further devastated by a great fire in Shigematsu Village during the Genroku era (1688–1704).
In 1791, the monk Mokai Risshi took charge of the temple. Under the patronage and devotion of Tokushima’s feudal lord, Hachisuka, and his chief retainer, the temple underwent significant reconstruction. Mōkai devoted himself to the restoration and enhancement of both the temple buildings and the surrounding grounds.
Within the temple precincts, the hondo (main hall), enshrining Yakushi Nyorai, stands at the center. To the east, a pedestal supports a statue of Kannon housed in the Hoando (dedication hall). Inside this hall, a Senju Kannon (Thousand-Armed Kannon) serves as the principal deity, flanked by substitute Kannon statues offered by worshippers as embodiments of their prayers.
○ Message from the head priest
Poet Shinmin Sakamura once wrote:
“Everything shines, everything radiates light. There is not a single thing that does not shine. Even those that do not shine by themselves receive light from others and begin to glow.”
Would you like to experience the radiance of Kannon’s presence?
○ Access
Address: 531-1 Shigematsu, Ishii, Myozai, Tokushima, 779-3231, Japan
Phone number: 088-674-4568
Large Buses: Permitted
Microbuses: Permitted