Dojoji

Dojoji in Hidakagawa Town, Wakayama, is said to have been founded in 701 and is the oldest temple in the prefecture. It is famous as the stage of a tragic love tale widely known through Noh and Kabuki, in which a woman named Kiyohime, pining for the monk Anchin, turns into a great serpent and burns him along with the temple bell. The treasure hall houses many Buddhist statues, including a nationally treasured principal image of the thousand-armed Kannon, and the temple lets visitors feel both its long history and the lingering mood of its story.

Highlights

- The dignified temple buildings spread out beyond a long flight of stone steps - Many Buddhist statues, including the nationally treasured thousand-armed Kannon - The temples own picture-storytelling that recounts the tragic love legend - Grounds with the bell and old sites that recall the legend

Enjoying the Seasons

In spring the cherry blossoms along the approach are festive, followed by fresh green in early summer and foliage in autumn, coloring the grounds through the seasons. In the clear air of winter, the calm presence of the historic halls stands out all the more. You can savor the changing seasons while walking the stage of the story.

Access and Basic Information

- Location: Kanemaki, Hidakagawa Town, Hidaka District, Wakayama Prefecture - Access: About 10 minutes on foot from Dojoji Station on the Kinokuni Line - By car, reachable via the Hanwa Expressway area - Parking available; check the times for the picture-storytelling in advance

A Quick Tip

When you visit, be sure to listen to the temples picture-storytelling. Touring the grounds after hearing the tale of Anchin and Kiyohime makes the charm of this ancient temple feel all the deeper.