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Idoji Temple: The Well Temple
Discover Idoji Temple in Tokushima, a serene pilgrimage site with a legendary well and rich history on the Shikoku Pilgrimage route.
Idoji Temple, also known as Ido-ji, is the 17th temple on the Shikoku Pilgrimage. Founded in 673 by Emperor Tenmu, it's called the 'Well Temple' because Kobo Daishi is said to have dug a well here to help local farmers. The temple features a main hall, a Niō Gate, and a small Shinto shrine.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Idoji Temple
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
Kitayashiki-80-1 Kokufucho Ido, Tokushima, Kitayashiki Kokufucho Ido, Tokushima, 779-3118, JP
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Getting There
Public Transport
From Tokushima Station, take a Tokushima City bus towards Ido. The ride costs ¥210 and takes about 30 minutes. Check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information. A Tokushima Bus Pass, which provides unlimited rides on Tokushima Bus and Tokushima City Bus routes, may be a cost-effective option if you plan to use local buses extensively.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available from Tokushima Station. A taxi ride to Idoji Temple will take approximately 15-20 minutes and cost around ¥2,500 - ¥3,000. Taxi fares start at ¥560 for the first 1,500 meters.
Walking
While walking to Idoji Temple from Tokushima Station is possible, it is a considerable distance (approximately 8km) and will take around 2 hours. It is recommended to use public transport or a taxi to reach the temple. However, if you are already in the vicinity, such as at Temple 16 (Kannonji), Idoji Temple is only 3km away.
Local tips
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Visit the Omokage no Ido (the well) and try to see your reflection for good luck.
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Look for the seven Yakushi Nyorai statues in the main hall, believed to bring good fortune.
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Take a moment to appreciate the Niō Gate, relocated from the Hachisuka clan's villa.
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Combine your visit with a stop at the adjacent Hachiman Shrine.
Discover more about Idoji Temple
Idoji Temple, officially Rurizan Shinpukuin Idoji, is a significant stop on the Shikoku Pilgrimage, steeped in history and legend. Founded in 673 CE by Emperor Tenmu, the temple was initially named Myoshoji and was located next to the residence of the provincial governor. It grew into a large complex with twelve branch temples.
The temple's name changed to Idoji, meaning 'Well Temple', after Kobo Daishi, a revered Buddhist monk, visited the area in 815. Legend says he dug a well overnight with his staff to relieve the villagers' water shortage. The well, called Omokage no Ido, still exists today, and it's said that if you can see your reflection in the water, you'll have good fortune.
Idoji has been rebuilt several times due to fires and battles throughout history. The main hall houses seven statues of Yakushi Nyorai, the Medicine Buddha, which are rare in Japan and believed to bring good fortune and eliminate suffering. The Niō Gate, with its imposing statues, was moved from the Hachisuka clan's villa and adds to the temple's architectural significance. A Hachiman Shrine is located next to Idoji Temple.
A brief summary to Idoji Temple
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