Konsenji

Konsenji, the third temple of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, sits in the city of Itano in Tokushima Prefecture. Its name means “Golden Spring Temple,” a reference to the well on its grounds, which is said to have sprung forth when Kōbō Daishi struck the earth with his staff. According to tradition, the waters turned gold after curing an illness. Many pilgrims pause to view the well near the temple gate.

The temple is believed to date back to the early Heian period. It was originally established as a place of prayer for the protection of Emperor Shōmu’s realm, though it has been rebuilt and restored over the centuries due to fires and wartime damage. The current main hall houses a statue of Shaka Nyorai (the historical Buddha), the temple’s principal image, which is said to have been carved by Gyōki.

A well-loved legend tells of a local man who was gravely ill and sought the blessing of Kōbō Daishi. The Daishi struck the ground with his staff, and a spring gushed forth. After the man drank from it, his health returned, and the waters shimmered as if filled with gold, giving the temple both its name and its enduring reputation for healing.

The grounds are compact but atmospheric, framed by a distinctive vermilion gate and flanked by a two-story pagoda. In addition to the golden spring, there is a Jizō statue and various stone monuments reflecting the temple’s long history as a stop for both religious practice and local community gatherings.

Many pilgrims visit Konsenji early in their journey, as it lies close to the starting point at Temple 1. It serves as a gentle introduction to the mix of legend, history, and local life that shapes the rest of the pilgrimage route.