Kakurin-ji Temple, Buddhist temple in Kakogawa, Japan

Kakurin-ji is a Tendai sect temple at 424 Kitazaike, Kakogawa-chō, Kakogawa, Hyōgo Prefecture, founded by Prince Shōtoku's instruction in 589. Its Main Hall, rebuilt in 1397, is a National Treasure with a hip-and-gable roof of dark grey tiles, seven bays across the front, and white curtains with round crests hanging beneath the eaves. Two stone lanterns flank the shallow stone steps up to the veranda.

Tradition holds that in 589 Prince Shōtoku had a hall built for the monk Eben, who had fled persecution in Harima; the temple was later called Shitennō-ji. In 852 the Tendai monk Ennin repaired its halls, and in 1112 Emperor Toba granted the name Kakurin-ji. The Main Hall dates from 1397 and the Taishidō from 1112, both National Treasures.

The name Kakurin-ji means "crane forest temple"; it was granted by Emperor Toba in 1112 when he made the temple an imperial prayer site. The temple is the 27th stop on the New Saigoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage, and its principal image there is a bronze standing Kannon called "Aitata Kannon." On January 8 the temple holds a New Year rite, the Kakurin-ji Oni-oi, in which demons are driven out.

The approach to the temple grounds follows paved and sometimes steep paths, so sturdy footwear makes walking much easier. Those wanting to experience the site in quiet should choose early morning hours, when fewer people are around and light filters through the trees.

The temple's bronze standing Kannon, a Hakuho-period work, is nicknamed "Aitata Kannon". Legend says a thief who tried to melt it down struck its waist and heard it cry "aita"; the name may instead derive from "Aitashi Kannon". It was stolen in 1963 and later recovered, with part of its robe cut and since restored.