Sect: Shingon Buddhism, Daikakuji School
Principal Deity: Juichimen Kannon Bosatsu (Eleven-Faced Avalokiteshvara)
Founded: 815
Goeika (Pilgrimage Hymn): “In the land of Awa, at the first-ranked shrine, tie the sacred cord and offer your prayers, for this life and the next.”
Manifestation (Okeishin): Yugi Kannon (Playful Kannon)
This form of Kannon is depicted seated with its right hand gently resting upon a cloud. Known as Yugi Kannon for its embodiment of divine playfulness and freedom, it is believed that those who pray to this deity will be protected from harm, even if they fall from great heights.
○ History & Origins
It is said that Kukai (Kobo Daishi), the founder of Shingon Buddhism, stopped at this sacred site and performed the gomafire ritual. During this practice, Dainichi Nyorai (Mahavairocana Buddha) manifested before him and revealed:
“This land is a sacred place. You must establish a temple here.”
Following this divine message, Kukai carved a statue of Dainichi Nyorai and enshrined it as the principal deity of the temple.
Though the temple suffered damage during the Sengoku period (Warring States period), it was later reconstructed under the patronage of Hachisuka Mitsutaka, the feudal lord of the Awa domain.
During the Edo period, as Ichinomiya (the highest-ranked Shinto shrine in a region) shrines were established across the country, Dainichi-ji Temple was relocated to its current site to serve as the bettoji (a temple responsible for overseeing and managing a shrine). It has since been entrusted with the care of the nearby Ichinomiya Shrine.
○ Message from the head priest
Every day, many people pass by our temple—each carrying their own thoughts and emotions. My hope is that this temple remains a place where anyone can find comfort, healing, and courage at any time. Please feel free to visit at your leisure.
○ Access
Address: 263 Nishicho, Ichinomiya, Tokushima, Tokushima, 779-3132, Japan
Phone number: 088-644-0069
Large Buses: Permitted
Microbuses: Permitted