Complete Guide to Tairyuji Temple: A Thorough Explanation of the History, Highlights, and Access to the 21st Temple of the Shikoku Pilgrimage
Tairyuji Temple is a Shingon Buddhist temple of the Koyasan sect, located near the summit of Mt. Tairyuji, approximately 600 meters above sea level, in Kamo-cho, Anan City, Tokushima Prefecture. Its formal name is Shashinzan Jojuin, and it welcomes many pilgrims as the 21st temple of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage and the 10th temple of the Awa Chichibu Kannon Pilgrimage.
This ancient temple, sometimes called “Koya of the West,” is known as a sacred site where Kobo Daishi Kukai practiced the Kokuzo Gumonji ritual at the age of 19, and holds a particularly important position among the Shikoku pilgrimage sites. This article provides a detailed explanation of Tairyuji Temple’s history, highlights, access methods, and points to consider when visiting.
History and Origin of Tairyuji Temple
Founding Legend and Kobo Daishi Kukai’s Training
Tairyuji Temple is said to have been founded in Enryaku 11 (792). According to temple tradition, the origin of Tairyuji Temple lies in the rigorous training that Kobo Daishi Kukai underwent at this site when he was 19 years old.
Kukai performed 100 days of training in the Kokuzo Gumonji-ho (a Buddhist practice) on a rock called “Shashingatake,” located approximately 600 meters southwest of the temple grounds. This training was extremely rigorous, involving chanting the mantra of Kokuzo Bodhisattva one million times, and was an important experience that laid the foundation for Kukai’s Buddhist practice.
Origin of the Temple Name and the Legend of the Dragon
Several legends remain regarding the temple name, Tairyuji. The most famous legend tells of a great dragon (dragon god) appearing to protect Kukai during his ascetic training. It is said that Kukai successfully completed his training thanks to the dragon god’s protection, and the temple was named “Tairyuji” (大龍寺) in commemoration of this event.
Another legend states that a dragon has been believed to inhabit this mountain since ancient times, and because the mountain itself resembles the shape of a dragon, it was called Tairyuji-yama (太龍寺山), and the temple inherited this name.
Status as “Koyasan of the West”
Tairyuji is also known as “Koyasan of the West.” This indicates its status as a sacred site comparable to Koyasan, and it holds the high position of a semi-special head temple of the Shingon sect.
Located at the southeastern end of the Shikoku Mountains, Tairyuji is situated in a rugged mountainous area and was once one of the most difficult places for pilgrims, known as “henro-korogashi” (pilgrim’s downfall). This challenging location enhanced its value as a training ground, and it has developed into a sacred site visited by many ascetic monks.
Historical Changes and the Present
Since its founding, Tairyuji Temple has experienced several fires and wars, but has been rebuilt each time. During the Edo period, it received patronage from the lord of the Awa domain, who donated temple lands and repaired the temple buildings.
Although it was affected by the anti-Buddhist movement of the Meiji era, it has continued to preserve its traditions thanks to the support of devout local residents and pilgrims. In the Showa era, the opening of the Tairyuji Ropeway significantly improved access for visitors, allowing more people to visit.
The Principal Image and Beliefs of Tairyuji Temple
The Significance of Kokuzo Bodhisattva
The principal image of Tairyuji Temple is Kokuzo Bodhisattva. Kokuzo Bodhisattva is a bodhisattva said to possess boundless good fortune and wisdom, like the vast universe, and is believed to bring benefits such as improved memory, academic success, and improvement in skills.
The Kokuzo Gumonji-ho, a practice performed by Kobo Daishi Kukai, involves chanting the mantra of Kokuzo Bodhisattva. It is said that Kukai himself gained exceptional memory and wisdom through this practice. Therefore, the Kokuzo Bodhisattva at Tairyu-ji Temple has attracted the faith of many, especially those seeking learning and wisdom.
Positioning as the 21st Temple of the Shikoku Pilgrimage
Among the 88 temples of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, Tairyu-ji Temple holds a significant position as the 21st temple. Located in the first half of the pilgrimage, this temple has long been considered a place of spiritual trial for pilgrims.
By climbing the steep mountain path (a ropeway is now available), pilgrims are believed to have an opportunity to cast aside worldly desires and purify their minds. The temple’s mountain name, “Shashin-zan,” also means “mountain where the mind is cast aside,” reflecting its character as a place of spiritual training to detach from worldly attachments.
Tairyuji Temple Grounds and Highlights
Main Hall and Daishi Hall
The main hall of Tairyuji Temple is the central building dedicated to Kokuzo Bodhisattva. Surrounded by centuries-old cedar trees, the main hall exudes the dignity of an ancient temple. Visitors offer their sutras and prayers to Kokuzo Bodhisattva here.
The Daishi Hall is a hall dedicated to Kobo Daishi and, along with the main hall, is an important place of worship. In the Shikoku Pilgrimage, visiting both the main hall and the Daishi Hall is considered fundamental, and many pilgrims at Tairyuji Temple visit both halls.
Shashingatake
Located approximately 600 meters southwest of the temple grounds, Shashingatake is a rocky area where Kobo Daishi Kukai practiced the Kokuzo Gumonji ritual at the age of 19. This place is considered the most important sacred site of Tairyuji Temple.
To reach Shashin-dake, you need to walk along a mountain path for about 15 minutes from the temple grounds. Although the path is challenging, visiting this sacred site where Kukai practiced asceticism is a special experience for many visitors. From the top of the rock, you can see the surrounding mountains and the flow of the Naka River, giving you a real sense of why Kukai chose this place for his training.
Tahōtō Pagoda and Temple Buildings
Within the grounds of Tairyū-ji Temple are several important buildings, including the Tahōtō Pagoda. These buildings have maintained their current appearance through repeated restorations and reconstructions throughout their long history.
Giant cedar trees, over several hundred years old, soar towards the sky within the temple grounds, evoking the spiritual atmosphere of an ancient temple. These giant trees can be considered living witnesses that have quietly watched over the long history of Tairyū-ji Temple.
Views from the Temple Grounds
Located near the summit of a mountain 600 meters above sea level, Tairyū-ji Temple offers magnificent views of the Kii Channel, the Naka River, and the Tsurugi Mountain Range on clear days. The changing seasons are beautiful, with fresh greenery in spring, deep green in summer, vibrant autumn leaves, and snowy winter landscapes, offering different views depending on the time of year you visit.
Tairyuji Ropeway: Western Japan’s Longest Aerial Walk
Ropeway Overview and Features
The Tairyuji Ropeway dramatically improved access to a difficult section of the pilgrimage route once known as “Henro Korogashi” (pilgrim’s tumble). At 2,775 meters long, it is known as the longest large ropeway in Western Japan.
The approximately 10-minute aerial walk from the base station to the summit station offers an exhilarating and thrilling experience of crossing a mountain 602 meters above sea level. The magnificent view of the Nakagawa River below, the Shikoku mountain range, and, on clear days, even the Kii Peninsula, offers a unique charm separate from the pilgrimage itself.
Views from the Ropeway
The Tairyuji Ropeway offers value beyond mere transportation. The scenery from the gondola changes with the seasons, offering beautiful views of cherry blossoms and fresh greenery in spring, deep green in summer, vibrant autumn leaves, and snow-covered mountains in winter.
Especially on clear days, you can see the meandering flow of the Nakagawa River, the vast Pacific Ocean in the distance, and the blue waters of the Kii Channel. This view is one of the major attractions of visiting Tairyuji Temple.
Operation Information and Usage
The Tairyuji Ropeway is operated by Shikoku Cable and usually operates daily. However, it may be suspended due to bad weather or maintenance, so it is recommended to check the operating status in advance.
The base station has a free parking lot with a capacity of approximately 200 cars, making it convenient to access by private car. Ropeway fares are set for round trips, but one-way trips are also possible for those who are physically fit (however, hiking requires considerable stamina).
How to Access Tairyuji Temple
Access by Car
The most common way to access Tairyuji Temple is by using the Tairyuji Ropeway. By car, take the Tokushima IC on the Tokushima Expressway, then head south on National Route 55. The ropeway base station is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes away.
If using a car navigation system, setting “Tairyuji Ropeway” or the address “76 Tano, Washokugo, Naka-cho, Naka-gun, Tokushima Prefecture” as your destination will provide a smoother journey. Free parking (approximately 200 spaces) is available at the base station.
Access by Public Transportation
If using public transportation, you will need to take a bus or taxi from either Kuwano Station or Anan Station on the JR Mugi Line. However, bus services are limited, so it is important to check the timetable in advance.
If you are participating in a pilgrimage tour, you will be taken to the ropeway base station by bus, making it a recommended option for those who are unsure about accessing the temple independently.
Visiting on Foot (Pilgrimage Route)
It is also possible to visit Tairyuji Temple by walking the traditional pilgrimage route. The distance from Kakurinji Temple (Temple No. 20) to Tairyuji Temple is approximately 13 kilometers, a journey of about 4-5 hours on foot.
As it includes steep mountain paths, sufficient physical fitness and equipment are necessary, but it will be a meaningful journey for those who wish to experience the traditional pilgrimage. Especially if you include a visit to Shashin-dake, it will require even more time and physical stamina.
Etiquette and Manners for Visiting
Basic Etiquette for Visiting the Shikoku Pilgrimage
When visiting Tairyuji Temple, follow the etiquette common to all Shikoku pilgrimage sites. First, bow at the main gate (Nio-mon), and purify your hands and mouth at the water basin. Afterward, it is common to visit the main hall and then the Daishi Hall.
At each hall, offer a candle and incense, place your votive slip, offer a monetary donation, and bow with clasped hands. Afterward, you will chant sutras (including the Heart Sutra, the main deity’s mantra, the Mantra of Light, and the sacred name). Receiving a stamp in your pilgrimage book at the temple office is also an important part of the pilgrimage.
Unique Points of Visiting Tairyuji Temple
At Tairyuji Temple, in addition to visiting the main hall and the Daishi Hall, we recommend extending your visit to Shashin-dake if possible. Visiting the sacred site where Kobo Daishi practiced is one of the great significances of visiting Tairyuji Temple.
However, the path to Shashin-dake is steep, so please consider your physical condition, time, and the weather, and only visit if it is within your capabilities. Safety first is paramount.
Clothing and Belongings
As Tairyuji Temple is a mountain temple, comfortable clothing and walking shoes are essential. Even if you use the ropeway, the temple grounds are hilly, so choose comfortable walking shoes such as sneakers.
Clothing appropriate for the season is also important. The mountaintop is cooler than the lowlands, so it’s recommended to bring a jacket in spring and autumn. Even in summer, bring insect repellent, a hat, and drinking water. Warm clothing is necessary in winter.
Annual Events at Tairyuji Temple
Major Ceremonies and Events
Tairyuji Temple holds various ceremonies and events throughout the year. Particularly important is the Miei-ku ceremony on the 21st of each month, the anniversary of Kobo Daishi’s death. A special ceremony is held on this day, attracting many worshippers.
Special ceremonies are also held during the spring and autumn equinoxes and the Obon period. Additionally, a ceremony is held on the 13th of each month, the auspicious day of Kokuzo Bosatsu.
Seasonal Highlights
Tairyuji Temple is a temple where you can enjoy the natural beauty of each season. Each season offers a different charm: spring (late March to April) brings cherry blossoms and fresh greenery, summer (July to August) offers deep green and cool mountain air, autumn (November) showcases vibrant autumn leaves, and winter (December to February) presents a snowy landscape (when covered in snow).
The autumn foliage season, in particular, beautifully colors the temple grounds, and the view from the ropeway is exceptional. However, it can get crowded during this time, so it’s recommended to visit with plenty of time to spare.
Tourist Spots Around Tairyuji Temple
Other Shikoku Pilgrimage Temples
The temples before and after Tairyuji are also worth visiting. Kakurinji Temple, the 20th temple, is a mountain pilgrimage site comparable to Tairyuji, and is considered a difficult section for pilgrims, often described as “First, Yakiyama; second, Otsuru; third, Tairyuji.” Byodoji Temple, the 22nd temple, is known as a “temple for warding off evil.”
Nature and Tourism in Naka Town
Naka Town, where Tairyuji Temple is located, is blessed with abundant nature. There are plenty of tourist attractions to enjoy in conjunction with a visit to Tairyuji Temple, including the clear waters of the Naka River, hiking in the surrounding mountains, and local hot spring facilities.
Practical Information for Visiting Tairyuji Temple
Basic Information
- Official Name: Shashinzan Jojuin Tairyuji Temple
- Sect: Koyasan Shingon Buddhism
- Principal Image: Kokuzo Bosatsu (Akasagarbha Bodhisattva)
- Address: 2 Ryuzan, Kamo-cho, Anan City, Tokushima Prefecture
- Phone: 0884-62-2021
- Temple Hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM (may vary seasonally)
- Parking: Free parking available at the ropeway base station (approximately 200 spaces)
Estimated Time Required for Visit
If using the ropeway, the round trip from the base station to the temple grounds and the visit itself will take approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours. If visiting Shashin-dake, you will need to allow an additional hour or so.
If you plan to stroll leisurely through the temple grounds or enjoy the views from the ropeway, we recommend allowing 2-3 hours.
Temple Office and Goshuin (Stamp)
The temple office offers goshuin (stamps) and omie (images of the deity) in your pilgrimage notebook. The fee is 300 yen. They also sell amulets, talismans, and prayer beads.
Temple Lodging and Rest Facilities
While Tairyuji Temple does not have its own temple lodging, there are pilgrim lodgings and guesthouses in the surrounding area. There is a rest area on the temple grounds that visitors can use freely.
Cultural Properties and Historical Value of Tairyuji Temple
Component of the Japan Heritage “Shikoku Pilgrimage”
Tairyuji Temple is an important component of the Japan Heritage “Shikoku Pilgrimage – A Circular Pilgrimage Route and Unique Pilgrimage Culture,” which was certified in 2015. As one of the 88 sacred sites of Shikoku, it is a valuable cultural heritage site that conveys Japan’s unique pilgrimage culture to the present day.
Buildings and Temple Treasures
Tairyuji Temple possesses buildings and temple treasures that have been preserved and passed down through a long history. Some of these are protected as cultural properties of Tokushima Prefecture and Anan City, and are important resources for understanding the region’s history.
Mindset for Visiting Tairyuji Temple
Experiencing the Spiritual Aura of “The Koyasan of the West”
When visiting Tairyuji Temple, it is important to keep in mind its significance not merely as a tourist destination, but as a sacred site where Kobo Daishi Kukai practiced asceticism. The temple grounds, surrounded by centuries-old cedar trees, exude a serene atmosphere characteristic of ancient temples.
Tairyuji Temple as a Place of Training
The fact that 19-year-old Kukai underwent 100 days of rigorous training here demonstrates that Tairyuji Temple was not merely a place of worship, but a place of serious spiritual practice. Modern visitors can also take time to reflect on themselves while being mindful of this history.
Summary: The Significance of Visiting Tairyuji Temple
Tairyuji Temple holds a special place among the 88 temples of the Shikoku Pilgrimage. As its alternative name, “Koya of the West,” suggests, it possesses a status comparable to Mount Koya and holds profound historical significance as a training ground for Kobo Daishi Kukai.
Its location near the summit of a mountain at an altitude of 600 meters was once a difficult section known as “the pilgrim’s tumble,” but now, thanks to the Tairyuji Ropeway, it has become easily accessible to many people. The view from the ropeway, the longest in western Japan, offers a different kind of appeal than the pilgrimage itself.
Tairyuji Temple, with Kokuzo Bodhisattva as its principal deity, has attracted the faith of people seeking learning and wisdom. Shashin-dake, located about 600 meters from the temple grounds, is a sacred site where Kukai practiced the Kokuzo Gumonji ritual, and is one of the most important points of interest when visiting Tairyuji Temple.
As the 21st temple on the Shikoku Pilgrimage and a component of the “Shikoku Pilgrimage” Japan Heritage site, Tairyuji Temple is a precious place that preserves Japan’s pilgrimage culture. By climbing the steep mountain path (or crossing the mountain by ropeway), pilgrims have the opportunity to cast aside worldly desires and purify their hearts.
When visiting Tairyuji Temple, keep its profound history and spiritual significance in mind, and feel the atmosphere of this sacred place where Kobo Daishi practiced asceticism. The centuries-old cedar groves, the tranquil temple grounds, and the magnificent views will offer visitors a truly special experience.
