Hoshinoiwaya and Hoshidaniji, a Star Legend Sanctuary with a Behind the Falls View in Kamiyama

In the mountains of Katsuura town, Tokushima, Hoshinoiwaya is a mystical sanctuary where a star legend of Kobo Daishi sleeps. It is said that Kobo Daishi drew down to the ground, by the power of his prayer, an evil star that had brought misfortune to people, and sealed it within this cave, whereupon the evil star turned to stone, and that stone was then enshrined. The temple resting at the cave is Hoshidaniji of the Koyasan Shingon school, which serves as the inner sanctuary of Tateiji, the nineteenth temple of the Shikoku pilgrimage. Deep inside the cave one can view the Fudo Falls, with a drop of about fifteen meters, from behind, so it is also called the falls seen from behind, a hidden treasure of Katsuura known to a discerning few.

Highlights

• The cave of star legend, where the evil star sealed by Kobo Daishi is said to have turned to stone
• The rare view of the falls from behind, the Fudo Falls with a drop of about fifteen meters
• The cool and mystical air woven by the spray of the falls and the cave
• The deep history of faith as the inner sanctuary of Tateiji

Access and Basic Information

• Location: Hoshitani, Katsuura town, Katsuura district, Tokushima
• By car: About twenty five kilometers from the Tokushima interchange of the Tokushima expressway. Allow extra time as it lies in mountainous country
• By bus: Take the Katsuura line of the Tokushima Bus from the direction of JR Tokushima Station, then walking or a car is needed after alighting
• The temple stamp is received at Kakurinji, the twentieth pilgrimage temple
• The footing inside the cave and near the falls can be slippery and wet, so take care

Practical Travel Notes

• Best season: Fresh greenery from spring into early summer and autumn leaves around November are especially beautiful, while in summer the inside of the cave feels cool
• Time of day: As it is dim within the mountains, a visit in bright daylight is reassuring. Water volume swells and the falls grow more powerful after rain
• Time needed: Allow about thirty minutes to one hour for the cave and falls, or roughly half a day when combined with nearby Kakurinji
• Nearby real spots: Kakurinji the twentieth pilgrimage temple, and central Katsuura known for its doll festival along the Katsuura River, are close and easy to tour together
• Budget: The visit itself involves little cost, but a stamp fee at Kakurinji applies if you wish to receive the temple stamp. Confirm details through official sources

A Quick Tip

The experience of viewing the Fudo Falls from behind deep inside the cave is a mystery found only here. Gazing at the light streaming through the falling water, you can feel on your skin the special air of this sanctuary wrapped in star legend. The footing gets wet easily, so visit in clothing you do not mind soiling and in non slip shoes.

📚 Sources

This article draws mainly on the history and star legend published on site by Hoshinoiwaya, also called Hoshidaniji, and the materials of Katsuura town and Tokushima Prefecture on the Shikoku pilgrimage, the inner sanctuary of Tateiji, and the Fudo Falls. It also reflects the interpretive signs around the cave and falls. Stamp and worship information and path conditions may change, so please confirm with the official information of the relevant bodies or Katsuura town before you set out.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: About thirty minutes to one hour for the cave and falls, or roughly half a day when combined with nearby Kakurinji.
• What to bring: Non slip shoes and clothing you do not mind soiling, as the cave interior and the area near the falls can be slippery and wet.
• How to get around: Coming by car is basic; the temple stamp is received at Kakurinji, the twentieth pilgrimage temple.
• Time of day: As it is dim within the mountains, a visit in bright daylight is reassuring; water volume swells after rain.
• Note: Deep inside the cave you can view the falls from behind, but take great care as the footing gets wet easily.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Location: 126 Nodao, Hoshidani, Katsuura Town, Katsuura District, Tokushima Prefecture
• Telephone: 0885-42-3805
• Pilgrimage status: The inner sanctuary (okunoin) of Temple 19 of the Shikoku pilgrimage (Tatsueji Temple)
• Key figures for the highlights: Fudo Falls has a drop of 15 metres. Because you can view the falling water from behind, it is also known as the "Urami no Taki" (falls seen from behind)
• In the precincts: There is the "Ikifudo no Kusu," a camphor tree roughly 450 years old into which an image of Fudo Myoo has been carved
• Access (public transport): About 60 minutes from JR Tokushima Station on the Tokushima Bus Katsuura line, getting off at the "Ningyo Bunka Koryukan" bus stop. From there it is about a 60-minute walk, or about 15 minutes by car

* Worship hours, admission fees and the number of parking spaces are not officially published.

(Sources: Katsuura Town official website "Hoshi no Iwaya and Fudo Falls," Katsuura Town tourism information site "Awa Katsuura," Hoshidaniji Temple (Hoshi no Iwaya) page)