Kannonji

Kannonji is Temple 16 on the Shikoku Pilgrimage, located in a residential area of Tokushima City. Though modest in size, it stands out for its striking Japanese‑style bell‑tower gate, which faces the pilgrim path and has retained its traditional character despite centuries of change. The temple compound includes a small courtyard with the main hall (hondō), Daishi hall, and nearby a statue of Jizō known locally as the Crying Jizō, believed to soothe colicky babies and aid restful sleep for the elderly. Pilgrims often leave bibs or tokens in gratitude as a tradition.

The principal image is Senjū Kannon, a thousand‑armed form of the Bodhisattva of Compassion, traditionally said to have been carved by Kōbō Daishi after emperor‑ordered founding of the temple in 741 (with reconstruction following 16th‑century conflict and restoration under the Hachisuka clan in 1659). Alongside the main image stand statues of Fudō Myōō, known for subduing demons, and Bishamonten, protector of the state – an arrangement reflecting the original temple’s spiritual mission and imperial patronage.

A locally told legend involves a Meiji‑era pilgrim who dried clothes by a fire in the temple grounds. As the tale goes, flames unexpectedly engulfed her clothing as divine punishment for past wrongs toward her mother. She repented and later donated a votive plaque depicting herself surrounded by flames; that fiery ema is still displayed inside the main hall today.

Kannonji’s compact layout and serene everyday atmosphere allow pilgrims to pause, reflect, and connect with local life before moving onward. While smaller in scale compared to mountain temples, its spiritual depth, thoughtful artistry, and small‑town character make it a meaningful stop on the pilgrimage route.