Awakokubun-ji

Awakokubun-ji is a Buddhist temple in Tokushima with a main hall built in the early 19th century that displays traditional Japanese Buddhist architectural style. The building features characteristic elements like curved roofs and wooden beams that reflect Japanese craftsmanship and design principles.

The temple was founded in 741 under Emperor Shomu as part of a network of 68 provincial temples across Japan. This imperial program aimed to create a unified state system modeled after Chinese governance.

This site marks the 15th station along the 88-temple Shikoku Pilgrimage route, where pilgrims stop to pay respects as part of their spiritual journey. You can see the simple altars and prayer practices that pilgrims leave behind during their visits.

You can reach this site by taking a bus from Tokushima Station to the Kokubunji-mae stop, then walking about five minutes to the entrance. The grounds are best visited in the early morning to avoid crowds and enjoy a quieter atmosphere.

The temple houses a statue of Yakushi Nyorai that was carved by the monk Gyoki in 741 and remains the principal object of worship today. This ancient wooden figure is one of the oldest surviving works from the early period of Japanese Buddhism.

Location: Tokushima

Part of: Shikoku Pilgrimage

GPS coordinates: 34.05561,134.47361

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:40