Otaki-ji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple located in Waki-cho, Mima City, Tokushima Prefecture. Belonging to the Omuro branch of Shingon Buddhism, it is also known by the names Fukudaisan and Jigen-in. The temple’s principal deity is Nishiteru Daigongen, a sacred figure deeply connected with the area’s mountain worship traditions.
Otaki-ji holds a special place in Japanese Buddhist pilgrimage culture. It is revered as the Grand Inner Sanctuary of the Shikoku 88-Temple Pilgrimage and serves as the 20th temple of the Shikoku 20-Temple Special Pilgrimage. Surrounded by forested mountains and steeped in centuries of religious history, it offers visitors a chance to experience the quiet atmosphere of a remote mountain sanctuary.
According to temple tradition, Otaki-ji was founded in 726, during the Nara period. The Buddhist priest Gyoki is said to have climbed Mount Otaki from the Sanuki side, in what is now Kagawa Prefecture, and built a small temple on the mountain. He enshrined a statue of Amida Buddha accompanied by two attendant bodhisattvas, establishing the site as a place of worship.
In 815, during the early Heian period, Kobo Daishi (Kukai), the founder of Shingon Buddhism, is believed to have visited the mountain and restored the temple. Tradition holds that he also enshrined an image of Nishiteru Daigongen, strengthening the site’s connection with both Buddhist practice and mountain worship.
In 858, the Buddhist priest Shobo, also known as Rigen Daishi, is said to have climbed the mountain and performed a major goma fire ritual to pray for protection from misfortune and disaster. In later centuries, Otaki-ji became an important place of prayer for both the Tokushima and Takamatsu domains. During the Edo period, it also served as a place of worship for the Inada family, senior retainers of the Tokushima domain.
Historical accounts describe a much larger temple complex than the one seen today, with halls dedicated to Nishiteru Daigongen, goma rituals, and Kannon worship. Eighteen torii gates once lined the approach to the sanctuary. Repeated fires destroyed many of the buildings, however, and the temple gradually changed in appearance.
During the early Meiji period, the government’s policy of separating Shinto and Buddhism led to the separation of Otaki-ji from nearby Nishiteru Shrine. The two institutions thereafter developed independently. The temple experienced a renewed period of prosperity during the Taisho period and became widely recognized as the Grand Inner Sanctuary of the Shikoku 88-Temple Pilgrimage. Today, pilgrims following the special Shikoku pilgrimage route and visitors prepared for a mountain journey continue to make their way here.
Otaki-ji stands near the summit of Mount Otaki, which rises to approximately 946 meters above sea level. It is the highest-altitude temple among the 20 temples on the Shikoku Special Pilgrimage route. The mountain setting reflects the long tradition of mountain worship and the blending of Buddhist and Shinto beliefs that shaped the area’s religious history.
An inner sanctuary once stood near the summit of the mountain. Visitors who explore the surrounding paths can sense the devotion of earlier pilgrims as they travel through the quiet, wooded landscape. The elevation also means that temperatures can be considerably cooler than in the lowlands.
The main hall has a distinctive two-part structure, consisting of a worship hall and an inner sanctuary. Nishiteru Daigongen is enshrined in the inner section, while statues of Amida Buddha and the traditional platform used for goma fire rituals reflect the temple’s long history of Buddhist worship.
The temple grounds also include a Daishi Hall, where visitors can pay their respects to Kobo Daishi, and a bell pavilion where worshippers may ring the temple bell. These quiet corners of the complex provide opportunities to pause, reflect, and appreciate the spiritual atmosphere of the mountain.
Remains of the former temple precincts can be found near the main sanctuary of Nishiteru Shrine. Farther up the mountain, numerous stone Buddhist statues and monuments stand among the trees. These weathered relics offer a glimpse into the area’s religious past and create a contemplative atmosphere for those who explore the mountain beyond the main temple buildings.
Along the approach to Otaki-ji is a site known as Hirotana Tsuedate-sho, traditionally associated with Kobo Daishi. According to local legend, he stopped here to rest his walking staff while traveling from Sanuki toward the mountain. A stone monument bearing the inscription “Nishiteru Daigongen Otsuedate-sho” stands beside four stone Buddhist statues. Local residents established the site as a place of worship in 1867, and it remains a quiet stopping point for pilgrims and visitors.
A short climb beyond Tsuedate-sho brings visitors to Hirotana Hana no Sato, a scenic flower-viewing area. In spring, carpets of pink moss phlox cover the landscape, creating a colorful contrast with the surrounding mountains. It is a rewarding place to enjoy the natural beauty of the region before or after visiting the temple.
Address: Otakiyama, Waki-cho, Mima City, Tokushima Prefecture.
Otaki-ji is most conveniently reached by car. From Waki-cho, follow the mountain road toward the temple, passing through the Hirotana Hana no Sato area along the way. The route climbs through mountainous terrain, so allow sufficient time for the drive and take care on narrow or winding sections. Some approach trails have been improved, and experienced walkers with good stamina may also reach the temple on foot.
Because the temple is located high in the mountains, weather conditions can change and temperatures may be low even when the lowlands are warm. Bring suitable outerwear, particularly from autumn through winter. Anyone planning to walk the mountain paths should wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for uneven terrain.
Otaki-ji Temple brings together ancient Buddhist traditions, mountain worship, and the natural beauty of Tokushima’s highlands. Its origins are traced to the Nara period, and its enduring role in the Shikoku pilgrimage makes it a meaningful destination for those interested in Japanese religious history. Whether exploring the historic halls, discovering stone statues along the mountain paths, or enjoying the spring flowers at Hirotana Hana no Sato, visitors can experience a quieter side of Shikoku far from the bustle of the cities.