Kokawa-dera Temple

Overview

Kokawa-dera is a Buddhist temple in the Kokawa neighborhood of Kinokawa, Wakayama Prefecture, and the 3rd stop on the 33-temple Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage. Its full name is Kazaragi-san Kokawa-dera, and its principal image is a Senju Kannon Bosatsu. By tradition it was founded in 770 by Otomo no Kujiko.

Highlights

• ●The 3rd temple on the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage route
• ●A principal image of Senju Kannon kept as an absolute hidden Buddha
• ●Temple treasures and grounds with cultural-property and scenic designations
• ●Component sites including Kokawa Ubusuna Shrine and the temple garden

History

According to tradition, the temple was founded in 770 by Otomo no Kujiko. Its principal image is an absolute hibutsu (hidden Buddha) that has never been shown to the public and is said to be buried in a container beneath the main hall to protect it from fire. Even the substitute "omaetachi" statue is a hidden image, opened only once a year, on December 31, for cleaning by monks connected with the temple. The temple has long drawn pilgrims as the 3rd stop on the Saigoku Kannon route.

Map

34.2810, 135.4059 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Pass through the main gate into the temple grounds
2. 2Pay respects at the main hall and learn of its role as a pilgrimage stop
3. 3View the Kokawa-dera Temple Garden, designated a Place of Scenic Beauty
4. 4Walk the grounds, including Kokawa Ubusuna Shrine and other component sites

Did you know?

💡 The principal image is an absolute hidden Buddha, and even its substitute "omaetachi" statue is kept hidden from public view.

Nearby spots