大野寺

Overview

Onodera is a temple of the Koyasan Shingon school in Ono-nishi, Yamanoue, Ichiba-cho, Awa City, Tokushima Prefecture. Formally titled Tokudozan Kanjoin Onodera and read either Onodera or Onoji, it is an ancient temple said to have been founded by imperial decree of Emperor Tenji. Surrounded by farmland in the middle reaches of the Yoshino River, it has quietly marked a long history in the countryside of Awa.

Highlights

• ●Heritage as an ancient temple said to be founded by Emperor Tenji
• ●The stately title Tokudozan Kanjoin Onodera
• ●A quiet appearance as a Koyasan Shingon temple
• ●A setting amid the farmland of Awa on the middle Yoshino River

History

According to temple tradition, Onodera was founded by the imperial vow of Emperor Tenji, and it still preserves the stately temple title Tokudozan Kanjoin. Belonging to the Koyasan Shingon school and grounded in its heritage as an ancient imperial-vow temple, it has kept the faith at Yamanoue in Ichiba-cho. For its detailed history since its founding and its principal image, it is best to check the official information.

Map

34.0863, 134.3014 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Note the Tokudozan tablet and pass through the temple gate
2. 2Pray at the main hall and reflect on the Emperor Tenji tradition
3. 3Walk the grounds and savor the stillness of the Shingon school
4. 4Afterward stroll the peaceful farmland of Ichiba-cho, Awa

Did you know?

💡 The name Onodera can be read as either Onodera or Onoji, and it bears the weighty title Tokudozan Kanjoin. The tradition of its founding by Emperor Tenji tells of a history reaching back to ancient times, making it a temple not to be missed on a tour of the old temples of Awa.

Nearby spots