The first time that we visited Kokawadera (粉河寺) was during the 14th day of our 2014-2015 Japan Trip which was actually during the 1st of January. Our main reason when we visited the temple was to accompany our Japanese family on their religious obligations during the Japanese New Year. This is called hatsumode.
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| Kokawadera Revisited 2023 |
Hatsumode is the Japanese tradition of visiting a shrine or temple for the first time in the New Year. This visit typically occurs during the first three days of January, although some might go within the first week.
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| Kokawadera - Kinokawa City, Wakayama Prefecture |
During hatsumode, people pray for good fortune, health, and happiness in the coming year. They also often draw omikuji (fortune-telling paper strips) and purchase new omamori (protective charms). Popular shrines and temples can become quite crowded as many people participate in this important cultural and religious event.
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| The map of Kokawadera grounds |
Photos from Kokawadera grounds
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| Amida Nyorai Statue |
.jpg "We washed our hands at the chozuya as part of the purification ritual before entering the temple grounds") |
| We washed our hands at the chozuya as part of the purification ritual before entering the temple grounds |
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| Migawari Jizo-son Buddha |
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| Kokeshi dolls at the foot of the Migawari Jizo-son Buddha |
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| Tatsunori Ano Portrait |
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| Kokawadera's copper octagonal lantern |
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| The statue of Amida Nyorai inside Jorokudo |
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| One of Kokawadera's historic lanterns |
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| the pathway leading up to Kokawa Ubusuna Shrine |
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| 童子行者出現の地 |
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| A small gorinto pyramid |
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| There were some food stalls on the temple grounds. This only happens during special occasions |
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| Mr. Toshi and his wife gave us the Traffic Safety Guard amulet as a gift |
My family and I revisited Kokawadera after nearly a decade, during our Winter Vacation in 2023. Similar to our first visit, we went with our Japanese family. Once again, we visited Kokawadera for hatsumode, but this time on January 2, 2023. This marked my 427th day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. For those who haven't read my initial article about Kokawadera, here is its history...
Kokawadera History
Located at 2787 Kokawa in Kinokawa City, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, Kokawadera is the third temple on the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage of Western Japan. The original structure of Kokawadera was established in 770 AD under the supervision of Otomo no Kujiko of the Tendai sect, although the temple as it stands today was largely built during the mid-Edo period in the 18th century.
Notable structures in Kokawadera grounds
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| Kokawadera Daimon |
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| Kokawadera Donan-do |
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| Buddha footstone |
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| Nenbutsu-do Hall |
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| Taishi-do Hall |
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| Kokawadera Chumon |
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| Kokawadera Jorokudo |
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| Senjudo |
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| Kokawadera Ubusuna Shrine |
Kokawadera is renowned as one of the largest temples in both Wakayama Prefecture and the Saigoku Pilgrimage Circuit. Its extensive complex features smaller temples, shrines, gardens, and halls dedicated to Buddhist monks.
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| Kokawadera Daimon |
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| Kokawadera Chumon |
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| Kokawadera Hondo |
Kokawadera Hondo
Team Nicerio revisits Kokawadera
Notable structures include the Daimon (front gate) and a beautiful large gate near the Hondo known as the Chumon (central gate). Many of these impressive buildings, constructed in the 18th century, were crafted from Zelkova wood, a favored material for wooden structures during the Edo period.
Kokawadera Admission Fee:
It's FREE to enter and explore Kokawadera's grounds.
Kokawadera Opening Hours:
Kokawadera grounds are open 24/7 but the temple office is open from 8 AM to 5 PM.
Why visit Kokawadera?
Kokawadera is the third temple on the Saigoku Pilgrimage, a renowned route encompassing 33 temples in Western Japan. If you're considering undertaking this pilgrimage, Kokawadera is an essential stop on your journey. Even if you can't complete the entire pilgrimage but are planning a visit to Kinokawa City, make sure to explore Kokawadera to experience the city's rich religious heritage. Aside from that, if you collect goshuin, then you might not want to miss out on this historic temple.
Getting to Kokawadera
Ride a JR train going to JR Kokawa Station. From the station, Kokawadera is just a 15-minute walk away.
Ratings
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.jpg "We washed our hands at the chozuya as part of the purification ritual before entering the temple grounds")
What is Hatsumode?
ReplyDeleteIt's a Japanese tradition when people visit shrines or temples after the New Year.
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