The nineteenth temple is Tatsue-ji (立江寺), dedicated to Enmei Jizō, the Jizō of long life.
It stands about 13.7 km from the twentieth temple, and is long revered as one of the pilgrimage’s great barrier temples.
This is the entrance to Tatsue-ji. The gate stands just across a small bridge, and the view of it from the front, framed by the water, is genuinely wonderful.
Crossing over felt like a fitting way to arrive at a temple known as a barrier on the road.
This is the main hall, its roof a colourful green, where Enmei Jizō is enshrined.
I offered incense and recited the sutra before this Jizō, who is honoured here for granting long life and protection.
Next, at the Daishi-dō, I recited the Heart Sutra before the statue of Kōbō Daishi.
I prayed for the health of my family, my friends and all those around me, and for peace in the world.
The statue of Kōbō Daishi here seems forever to be watching over the pilgrims who pass through.
As one of the four great barrier temples of the route, Tatsue-ji is said to be a place where one’s heart is quietly tested, which gives that watchful gaze an added weight.
NFT – Crypto Ohenro #70 Goshuin of Tatsue-ji（立江寺） –
This is the goshuin of the nineteenth temple, Tatsue-ji, received at one of the route’s great barrier temples.
Eighteen temples still remained on my journey, and I walked on with a clear conscience.
The distance to the next temple was about 4.0 km, an easy walk to follow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the honzon (principal image) of Tatsue-ji (Temple 19)?
The honzon (principal image) of Tatsue-ji（立江寺）, Temple 19 of the Shikoku 88 pilgrimage, is Enmei Jizō Bosatsu（延命地蔵菩薩）. It is enshrined in the temple's main hall (hondō), where pilgrims offer incense, recite the Heart Sutra, and receive the temple's goshuin (hand-brushed seal).
Where is Tatsue-ji located?
Tatsue-ji stands in Komatsushima, Tokushima Prefecture, in the old province of Awa, on the island of Shikoku, Japan. It is the nineteenth of the eighty-eight temples of the Shikoku Henro, the circular Buddhist pilgrimage walked in the path of Kōbō Daishi (Kūkai).
Which Buddhist sect does Tatsue-ji belong to?
Tatsue-ji belongs to the Kōyasan school of Shingon Buddhism. Its mountain name (sangō), the traditional honorific title by which the temple is also known, is Kyōchizan Mani-in（橋池山 摩尼院）.
When was Tatsue-ji founded?
Tatsue-ji was established 815 around an Enmei Jizō image. Its history is closely tied to the early growth of the Shikoku pilgrimage.
Which temple comes after Tatsue-ji, and how far is it?
The next temple on the route is Temple 20, Kakurin-ji (about 13.7 km). Walking in numerical order, pilgrims continue from Tatsue-ji to keep visiting each of the 88 temples and collecting their goshuin.
📖 See the full list of all 88 Shikoku temples →
Can’t make the pilgrimage yourself?Ohenro Gift can walk the 88 temples on your behalf (daisan) and deliver the completed nokyocho.