Shoukoku-ji Temple

Overview

Shoukoku-ji is a temple of the Koyasan Shingon school, tucked into the mountain hamlet of Hoshinodani in Katsuura Town, Tokushima Prefecture. Its principal image is the Eleven-Faced Kannon, and because the sanctuary embraces a rock cave, it is also known by the poetic name 「Hoshi no Iwaya」, the Cave of the Stars. It serves as the inner sanctuary (okunoin) of Tatsue-ji, the 19th temple of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, and is also the 7th stop of the Awa Chichibu Kannon pilgrimage. Its charm lies not in grandeur but in the quiet of a temple cradled by cliffs and ravine.

Highlights

• ●The mystical rock cave 「Cave of the Stars」 enshrining the Eleven-Faced Kannon
• ●Its rank as the inner sanctuary of Tatsue-ji, 19th temple of the Shikoku Pilgrimage
• ●A place of faith welcoming pilgrims as the 7th stop of the Awa Chichibu Kannon circuit
• ●The ravine and cliff scenery of Higashiyamakei Prefectural Natural Park

History

Temple tradition places its founding in the 11th year of the Enryaku era (792), giving it a history that spans more than a thousand years. As its alternate name 「Cave of the Stars」 suggests, faith here grew intertwined with the rock cave, and within Shikoku's pilgrimage culture it came to be regarded as the inner sanctuary of Tatsue-ji. As a stop on the Awa Chichibu Kannon circuit it has long welcomed pilgrims, keeping its lamp of the Dharma alight in the hills of Katsuura.

Map

33.9384, 134.5188 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Drive from central Katsuura along the ravine to the approach path
2. 2Pray before the Eleven-Faced Kannon inside the 「Cave of the Stars」
3. 3Take in the gorge and cliff views from the temple grounds
4. 4On the return, extend the trip to Tatsue-ji and other Shikoku sites

Did you know?

💡 The grounds lie within Higashiyamakei Prefectural Natural Park and are counted among the 「Eight Views of Awa Katsuura」. The alternate name 「Cave of the Stars」 reflects how this temple venerates its rock cave almost as a sacred object.

Nearby spots