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Ashizuri-Uwakai NP, Kochi
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Kongofukuji’s 1.6-metre, three-faced Thousand-Armed Kannon normally stays hidden in a fireproof chamber behind the main hall. During 2004–06 conservation, an inscription inside revealed its date: 1342.
At Kongofukuji’s cucumber-sealing rite, worshippers attach a paper human to a cucumber and mark the afflicted body part. After prayers, it stays by the bed for a week, then is sent to sea to carry illness away.
The temple describes the walk from pilgrimage temple 37 to Kongofukuji as about 80 kilometres—the longest leg—and a three-night, four-day trek. It’s a remarkable stretch of the pilgrimage’s “discipline-training ground,” Tosa.
Kongofukuji’s 19-metre pagoda was rebuilt in 1873 with local donations. At the top, a crystal five-element stupa holds 5 grains of Buddha relics; the pagoda’s original 6-metre finial now stands nearby.
In the temple’s origin story, Kukai throws a five-pronged vajra from Tang-dynasty China toward Japan, then senses it has reached Ashizuri. “Fuku” recalls a Kannon scripture’s phrase about an immeasurable ocean of blessings.
Ashizuri’s “Seven Mysteries” appear as 9 entries on the city’s list. The explanation is charming: “seven” here means many, not a strict count. The cape’s legends are linked to Kongofukuji and Kukai.
On the 15th day of the old lunar calendar’s 6th month, Kongofukuji’s Gion-e opens the main hall and Kannon’s sanctuary to the full moon. Hymns and performances are offered in the moonlight.
On the nearby Cape Ashizuri path, a natural stone turtle faces Kame-yobiba, or “Turtle Calling Place.” Legend says Kukai called a turtle there, rode it to offshore Fudo Rock, and prayed.
A temple legend set around 1000 tells of a young monk who sailed toward Kannon’s distant realm while his older teacher stayed behind. The teacher’s tears were said to form water that “neither increases nor decreases.”
Kongofukuji’s Kannon is flanked by a full set of 28 guardian statues, each about 64–75 centimetres tall. Conservation from 2014 to 2017 restored their fine carved details; Wind and Thunder gods belong to their retinue.
The temple’s Aizen Myōō is shown in deep red, backed by a red sun and wearing a lion crown topped with a five-pronged vajra. Its style dates it to the late Heian period, roughly the 12th century.
In the medieval memoir Tawazu-gatari, Nijo describes a hall on Ashizuri with Kannon as its principal image—a literary trace of worship at this remote cape centuries ago.
Historical records report that Kongofukuji burned in 1256, 1289, and 1310. Each time, the head priest and devotees raised support to rebuild the temple—a striking record of the community’s persistence.
Kongofukuji’s Nirvana observance was counted among Tosa’s 3 great festivals during the Edo period. Still cherished as a spring-welcoming celebration, it includes an unveiling of the normally hidden Kannon.
The Nio gate was built in 1664 with a donation from Yamauchi Tadatoshi, the second lord of Tosa. Its guardian statues are said to be the work of Kugen, a sculptor from Miyajima in Aki.
Kongofukuji’s founding is traditionally placed in 822 or 823, depending on the account. The earliest surviving document to name the temple is dated 1161—more than 3 centuries later.
