Konsen-ji Temple

Konsen-ji is a Koyasan Shingon temple in Odera, Itano Town, Tokushima. Its mountain name is Kikozan and its sub-temple name is Shakain. The principal image is Shaka Nyorai, said to be the work of the monk Gyoki. It is Temple 3 of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, No. 23 of the Awa Saigoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage (eastern part) and No. 9 of the Awa Hokurei Yakushi Pilgrimage.

According to temple tradition, the temple began during the Tenpyo era (729-749) when Gyoki carved the principal image at the request of Emperor Shomu, and it was called Konkomyo-ji. Between 810 and 824, Kukai (Kobo Daishi) is said to have dug a well to relieve a water shortage, and spring water of sacred quality welled up, so the temple was renamed Konsen-ji, meaning Golden Spring Temple. In 1582 most buildings except the Daishi Hall burned in the fighting of Chosokabe Motochika, but they were rebuilt, and Nanzan Kokushi is said to have revived the temple in 1674. Roof tiles from the Nara period have been excavated on the grounds, suggesting the temple dates back to that era. It is a designated historic site of Itano Town.

You enter through a vermilion gate (Niomon), and just inside is a small bridge called Gokuraku-bashi, with the main hall ahead and the Daishi Hall on the right (rebuilt in 2008). The grounds also hold a Goma hall, Kannon hall, Enma hall, bell tower, treasure pagoda and the mausoleum of Emperor Chokei. The octagonal Kannon hall enshrines a Sho Kannon that Minamoto no Yoshitsune is said to have prayed to for victory on his way to the Battle of Yashima, and a Benkei strength stone sits in the garden in front of the stamp office.

The main attraction is the Golden Well, said to have been dug by Kobo Daishi and known as a source of longevity; the temple takes its name from it. On the pilgrimage it comes third after Temple 1, Ryozenji, and Temple 4, Dainichi-ji, is about 5 km away, roughly an hour on foot or 8 minutes by car. Allow 30 to 60 minutes for the grounds. Ryozenji, Dainichi-ji and Temple 5, Jizo-ji, are within about 3 to 4 km in a straight line. There is no temple lodging. Free parking is available for 14 standard cars.