The fifteenth temple is Awa Kokubun-ji (阿波国分寺), the first of the historic provincial temples to appear on the pilgrimage.
It stands about 1.7 km from the sixteenth temple, close enough that the two almost feel like neighbours.
This is the entrance to Awa Kokubun-ji. Founded under an imperial edict in the 8th century, it carries a sense of long history from the moment you arrive.
Today it is, unusually for the route, a Sōtō Zen temple rather than a Shingon one.
There is a bell in the precincts. It was early in the morning, and I held back from ringing it, not wanting to disturb the quiet of the neighbourhood at such an hour.
Some small courtesies feel especially important in a place like this.
This is the main hall, where Yakushi Nyorai is enshrined. The building is solid and imposing — honestly, it looks more like a castle than a temple.
That sturdiness suits a temple first raised, centuries ago, to pray for the peace of the whole province.
Next I chanted the sutra at the Daishi-dō. The weather was poor, and grey skies have a way of darkening the mood.
Even so, I did my best to wish for peace in the world with as bright a heart as I could manage.
Inside one of the buildings, pilgrims’ name-slips had been pasted across the wall with hardly a gap between them — a dense patchwork left by countless visitors. I rather wished I had one of my own to add.
It is a vivid reminder of just how many people have made this same journey.
NFT – Crypto Ohenro #74 Goshuin of Awa Kokubun-ji（阿波国分寺） –
This is the goshuin of the fifteenth temple, Awa Kokubun-ji, brushed at this ancient provincial temple.
Fourteen temples still remained on my journey, each seal a small step onward.
The distance to the next temple was about 0.8 km — the next gate almost within sight.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the honzon (principal image) of Awa Kokubun-ji (Temple 15)?
The honzon (principal image) of Awa Kokubun-ji（阿波国分寺）, Temple 15 of the Shikoku 88 pilgrimage, is Yakushi Nyorai（薬師如来）. 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 Awa Kokubun-ji located?
Awa Kokubun-ji stands in Tokushima, Tokushima Prefecture, in the old province of Awa, on the island of Shikoku, Japan. It is the fifteenth 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 Awa Kokubun-ji belong to?
Awa Kokubun-ji belongs to the Sōtō school of Zen Buddhism. Its mountain name (sangō), the traditional honorific title by which the temple is also known, is Yakuōzan Konjiki-in（薬王山 金色院）.
When was Awa Kokubun-ji founded?
Awa Kokubun-ji was founded by Gyōki under Emperor Shōmu’s 741 edict (provincial temple). Its history is closely tied to the early growth of the Shikoku pilgrimage.
Which temple comes after Awa Kokubun-ji, and how far is it?
The next temple on the route is Temple 16, Kannon-ji (about 1.7 km). Walking in numerical order, pilgrims continue from Awa Kokubun-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.