Konsen-ji: The Temple’s Name Derives from a Sacred Spring Associated with Kōbō Daishi.

• Name: Kikōzan Shaka-in Konsen-ji
• Main Deity: Shakyamuni Buddha
• Goeika (Pilgrimage Song):
• Think of the treasure pond in the Pure Land, the golden spring is filled with purity and grace.

Access From Temple No. 2 (Gokuraku-ji):

• On Foot: Take the narrow paved path beside the temple gate. Follow the signs through the rice fields, continue along the narrow levee path, and enter the temple grounds from behind the Daishi Hall. Approx. 2.6 km / about 40 minutes.
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• By Car: Take the prefectural road. Approx. 3 km / about 5 minutes.
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• Public Transport: From the bus stop in front of Temple No. 2 (Gokuraku-ji), take a Naruto Bus bound for Itano Station-mae (Itano Station Front). Ride for approximately 8 minutes and get off at Itano Station South (Itano-eki Minami). From there, it is about a 15-minute walk to the temple.

A Striking Temple Complex with Vermilion Halls

Beside the parking lot stands a magnificent vermilion Niō Gate. From there, a straight path leads to a vermilion-railed bridge called Gokuraku Bridge. Cross the bridge to reach the Main Hall ahead, with the Daishi Hall on the right, and beside it, a vermilion multi-tiered pagoda.

The spacious grounds, with several vividly colored buildings, create a striking and memorable atmosphere.

The Spring Associated with Kōbō Daishi

Konsen-ji was founded during the Tempyo era (729–749) by the monk Gyōki, under imperial request from Emperor Shōmu. Originally named Kinkōmyō-ji (Golden Radiance Temple), it was later renamed Konsen-ji when Kōbō Daishi discovered a spring on the grounds.

That spring, known as the “Golden Spring,” was said to contain gold. For farmers suffering through drought, however, the water itself was as valuable as gold.

Today, the spring is preserved as a small well inside a hall next to the Enma Hall, between the Daishi Hall and the Kannon Hall. The small building is marked with “Golden Jizō.”

According to legend, if you look into the well and see your reflection, you will live a long life—possibly up to 92 years. The Jizō statue beside the well is also said to grant healing for illnesses above the neck.

The Legend of Benkei

According to legend, Minamoto no Yoshitsune stopped at Konsen-ji to pray for victory before the Battle of Yashima during the Genpei War in 1185.

It is said that his strong warrior Benkei lifted and displayed a massive rock, which still sits in the temple’s rear garden today. The stone is so large that even adults cannot wrap their arms around it, and it now rests quietly beneath the shade of trees, enclosed by bamboo fencing.

Temple Practices

At the Daishi Hall, visitors are allowed to enter the outer sanctuary (gejin) and recite sutras or offer prayers without removing their shoes. Inside the hall, a series of 12 large paintings depicting the life of Kōbō Daishi is displayed.
Please note that incense offerings and similar rituals are performed outside the hall.

DATA

Address: 66 Kameyamashita, Ōdera, Itano-chō, Itano-gun, Tokushima Prefecture
Phone: 088-672-1087
Access: 15-minute walk from JR Kōtoku Line, Itano Station
Parking: Available (Free)
Lodging: None

Your Pilgrimage, Your Art

Completing the Shikoku Pilgrimage is a once-in-a-lifetime journey—but what if you could preserve it in a form that lasts forever?

Many pilgrims collect red stamps and calligraphy from each temple on a special silk scroll called a nōkyōjiku.

This sacred record of your path can be transformed into a kakejiku—a traditional Japanese hanging scroll—not only preserving the memories, but turning them into a work of cultural and spiritual art.

It’s more than a souvenir—it’s a way to honor your journey, your prayers, and your growth.

To learn more about how a nōkyōjiku becomes a kakejiku, and what makes this transformation so meaningful, please refer the below link.

Your Shikoku Pilgrimage, Your Art: Make Your Journey a Kakejiku, Japanese Traditional Scroll Art