Dainichi-ji: A Tranquil Temple Embraced by Mountains

• Name: Kokugan-zan Henjō-in Dainichi-ji
• Main Deity: Dainichi Nyorai (Mahāvairocana Buddha)
• Goeika (Pilgrimage Song):
• Gazing upon Dainichi Nyorai, the white moonlight of the night is truly mysterious—the sleeves dyed in black ink in the black valley.

Access From Temple No. 3 (Konsen-ji):

• On Foot: From Temple No. 3, walk through the surrounding hamlets and along the peaceful rural landscape. After passing Aizen-in (an oku-no-in associated with Temple No. 3), continue on a gently sloping path for about 5 km. Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
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• By Car: Take Prefectural Route 12 westward. Turn right at the Rakan intersection near the Itano West Fire Department and pass by Temple No. 5 Jizō-ji to reach Temple No. 4 Dainichi-ji. Approx. 6 km, about 10 minutes.
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• Public Transport: From JR Itano Station South Exit, take a Tokushima Bus bound for Kanaya-bara (via Asutamuland). About 16 minutes. Get off at the “Dainichiji-guchi” stop and walk 15 minutes.

Surrounded by Mountains

In spring, lotus flowers bloom; in autumn, the rice fields sway in the breeze.
As you walk through such a serene rural setting, you’ll eventually come upon the vivid red gate of Dainichi-ji, nestled in the embrace of the mountains.

The temple is known as “Kurodani” (Black Valley), and this is the origin of its mountain name, Kokugan-zan (Black Rock Mountain).
The main gate, a bell tower gate with a bell on its upper level, is impressive in structure. The top is surrounded by a balcony and railing, giving a stately impression.

Also a Site of the Saigoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage

A stone-paved path leads from the gate to the main hall.
On the right side stands a traditional earthen wall, exuding atmosphere, and in early summer hydrangeas beautifully color the temple grounds.
Beyond the wall lies the temple’s residential quarters.

To the left of the main hall is the Yakushi Hall (Hall of the Medicine Buddha). Climbing the stone steps in front of the Yakushi Hall brings you to the Main Hall, which houses a statue of Dainichi Nyorai forming the Chiken-in mudra (seal of wisdom).

A covered corridor extends in an L-shape from the main hall to the Daishi Hall.

In the corridor stand 33 statues of Kannon, representing the Saigoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage. These were donated by a devotee from Osaka in 1790 (Kansei 2) and were restored in 2019 (Reiwa 1).

Principal Image: Dainichi Nyorai

The exact founding date of the temple is unknown, but a legend says that Kōbō Daishi (Kūkai) carved an image of Dainichi Nyorai here after receiving a divine vision.

The principal image is a hidden Buddha (hibutsu), and the temple name is said to derive from this statue.
It is said that Kōbō Daishi performed the ritual of “Ittō Sanrei” (three bows per single chisel strike) when carving the image—an act of utmost reverence.

“Ittō Sanrei” is a form of devotion where one bows three times for each strike of the chisel, incorporating not just physical effort but also deep spiritual intent, including the chanting of sutras.

Dainichi Nyorai is the central deity of the Shingon sect and the highest Buddha in the cosmic realm. He illuminates the universe with the light of wisdom and leads sentient beings from darkness to the world of enlightenment.

Temple Structures from the Genroku Era

The current temple buildings were largely established or restored during the Genroku era (1688–1704) by the Hachisuka clan, feudal lords of Tokushima, who held deep faith in Dainichi Nyorai as the temple’s principal deity.

DATA

Address: 28 Kurotani, Itano-cho, Itano-gun, Tokushima Prefecture
Phone: 088-672-1225
Access: 10 min by car from JR Itano Station (Kōtoku Line)
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