Jizoji

The fifth temple of the Shikoku Ohenro pilgrimage, is also know as the Earthbearer's Temple. Kōbō Daishi founded the temple on the order of Emperor Saga in 811. Of the five temples that have Jizo Bosatsu as a main diety, this is the only one with Enmei Jizo Bosatsu. The inner sanctum contains 500 statues of Rakan (Arhats: enlightened disciples of Buddha), each with a different facial expression. The statues were carved by two priests in the 18th Century and then collected here at a later date. To get there catch a Kajiyahara bound bus from Itano or Tokushima station and get off at Rakan bus stop. From there it is a 5 minute walk.