Jizoji and Anraku-ji Temples
Jizoji Temple is the fifth temple in the Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage. It was founded by Kobo Daishi in 821, under the instruction of Emperor Saga (who ruled from 809-823). According to legend Kobo Daishi carved a 5.5 cm statue of Shogun Jizo Bosatsu (Winning Army Earth Treasury) and enshrined it as the principal image of the temple.
Three generations of emperors, Emperor Saga (reigned 809-823), Emperor Junna (reigned 823-833), and Emperor Nimei carved a statue of Enmei Jizo Bosatsu (Earth Treasury of Long Life) from a sacred tree.
The ginkgo tree on the temple grounds is more than 800 years old and is believed to hold the history of the temple. Another highlight are the Arhat statues with varying expressions of emotion displayed in Rakando, a short walk away.
Anraku-ji is the sixth temple on the pilgrimage, and is also known as Onsenzan or Rurikōin. It’s situated in the town of Kamiita, in the Itano District of Tokushima Prefecture. The temple was initially established at a different location by Kukai (also known as Kobo Daishi) and later moved to its current site. It was also destroyed during the Sengoku period (1576-1586) and rebuilt.
Anraku-ji is known for its two-story pagoda, a Japanese garden surrounding a pond, and a bell tower that can be used for lodging. The temple hosts events like the Kechien Kanjo (Ceremony for connecting with the Buddha) and Kyogaku Koshukai (study session).