The temple is traditionally associated with the legend that Kobo Daishi carved a stone statue of Miroku Bosatsu here during his travels.
It is part of the 'Tokushima's 14-17' group of temples, often visited sequentially by pilgrims on foot.
The temple grounds contain a well-preserved stone monument that marks the border of the historical site's ancient estate.
A relief carving of the Senju Kannon (Thousand-Armed Kannon) is built into the stone masonry of the temple wall, a rare feature for this region.
Jōrakuji Temple is the 14th stop on the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, located in the Kokufucho district of Tokushima. The temple is dedicated to Miroku Bosatsu, the Future Buddha, whose statue is enshrined in the main hall. It is situated on the site of a former residence belonging to the local lord during the Muromachi period. The grounds feature a distinctive stone garden and a relief carving of the Thousand-Armed Kannon. It is historically linked to the Kobo Daishi pilgrimage route, drawing devoted henro pilgrims year-round. The temple architecture reflects traditional Shingon Buddhist aesthetics, focusing on simplicity and historical preservation.
The stone relief carving of the Thousand-Armed Kannon set into the temple garden wall.
Check your pilgrimage booklet for the correct temple seal placement before approaching the Nokyo office.
Visit during the morning to coincide with the chanting of sutras by resident monks.
Wear comfortable, slip-on footwear as you will need to remove shoes to enter the inner temple halls.
Do not take photographs inside the main hall where deities are enshrined or during ongoing religious ceremonies.
Maintain a quiet tone, remove shoes before stepping onto wooden temple floors, and bow once at the entrance gate.
