Kakurinji

Resting on a mountaintop in Katsuura town, Tokushima, Kakurinji is known as one of the toughest stops on the Shikoku pilgrimage, ranked alongside Shosanji and Tairyuji. It is said that when the great teacher Kobo Daishi was training on this mountain, two white cranes, male and female, alighted on the branches of an old cedar, and from this the temple took its name. Within the grounds wrapped in deep cedars, a three storied pagoda built in the year 1823 rises quietly, enfolding visitors in a solemn air of prayer.

Highlights

- The legend that gives the temple its name, of male and female white cranes alighting here - The dignified three storied pagoda built in the early nineteenth century - The deep and solemn cedar groves enfolding the mountaintop grounds - The sense of achievement on the climb, known as one of the toughest stops on the pilgrimage

Enjoying the Seasons

In spring fresh greenery colors the approach and the climb can be enjoyed in crisp air. In summer the shade of the cedars is cool and stillness spreads. In autumn the surrounding mountains turn color and the views from the climbing path are beautiful. In winter the bracing air deepens the charm of this mountaintop sacred place.

Access and Basic Information

- Location: Washigao, Ina, Katsuura town, Katsuura district, Tokushima - Access: It is convenient to drive from the direction of JR Tokushima Station - Because it sits on a mountaintop, comfortable shoes are recommended for the climb - Drive the mountain road carefully and visit with a reasonable plan

A Quick Tip

The climb is by no means easy, but the freshness on arriving is all the more special for it. Standing before the pagoda wrapped in deep cedars, you may feel your heart grow clear along with a quiet sense of achievement.