ABOUT
About this spot
Jizo-ji is a Shingon Omuro-school temple in Itano, Tokushima, and Temple 5 of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage. Its principal image is Enmei Jizo Bosatsu. Tradition says it was founded by Kukai at the request of Emperor Saga. Emperors, warriors such as Minamoto no Yoshitsune and the Hachisuka lords of Awa are said to have worshipped here. In its heyday it had 26 sub-temples and about 300 branch temples across Awa, Sanuki and Iyo. Inside the principal image is said to be a small Shogun Jizo carved by Kukai himself. The temple is known for its 500 Arhats, life-size statues lined along a corridor and set up in 1775 by two brothers. Many were lost in a fire in 1915 and later replaced. A huge ginkgo in the precinct is said to have been planted by Kukai. The main hall, Fudo Hall, Daishi Hall, sutra repository and Arhat Hall are Registered Tangible Cultural Properties. The Arhat Hall has a Shaka Hall at its center, with the Daishi Hall and Miroku Hall facing each other in a U-shape joined by a corridor. Phone: 088-672-4111.
Last updated October 25, 2026