Tenonzan Dōjōji Temple is the oldest temple in Wakayama Prefecture, founded in 701.
There are important cultural properties such as the Main Hall and other buildings, and Buddhist statues designated as national treasures and cultural properties enshrined in the complex.
Early Heian Period (782-850)
Wooden and lacquered
3.20 m high
Early Heian Period (782-850)
Wooden and lacquered
2.52 m high
Early Heian Period (782-850)
Wooden and lacquered
2.42 m high
Early Heian Period (782-900)
Wooden and lacquered
1.32 m high
Early Heian Period (782-900)
Wooden and colored
1.86 m high
Early Heian Period (782-900)
Wooden and colored
2.46 m high
Early Heian Period (782-900)
Wooden and colored
2.35 m high
Kamakura Period (1185-1333)
Wooden and lacquered
2.26 m high
Early Heian Period (782-900)
Wooden and colored
1.86 m high
Edo Period (1603–1868)
Wooden and lacquered
1.20 m high
Late Nara Period (710–794)
Wood-core dry lacquer
2.40 m high
The story of Anchin and Kiyohime became the subject of Nohgaku and Kabuki plays, giving rise to plays called “Dojoji Mono”. The number is well over 100.
The origin of the Dōjōji works is the Noh play Kanemaki and Dōjōji.It is one of the most important plays in Noh as well as a gateway to success for young Noh actors.
Among the Dōjōji works, Kyōganoko Musume Dōjōji is the most popular.Ninin Dōjōji, Yakko Dōjōji, and Keisei Dōjōji, are among the others.
Compared to the Noh play Dōjōji and the Kabuki play Kyōganoko Musume Dōjōji, which were created as sequels to the legend of Anchin and Kiyohime, the Bunraku play Hidakagawa Iriaizakura is closer to the original story, with the appearance of Kiyohime in the play.It is a grand play called Tōshi Kyōgen, where all acts are performed just as in the original. Nowadays, Hidakagawa Watashiba no Dan is often played when it is performed as a one-act play.
The legend of Anchin and Kiyohime was cinematized with Anchin to Kiyohime (Anchin and Kiyohime), starring Raizō Ichikawa and Ayako Wakao in 1960 and Musume Dōjōji - Jaen no Koi (Love of the Snake Demon), starring Fukusuke Nakamura and Riho Makise in 2004.
The legend behind the foundation of Dōjōji Temple and the story of Kaminagahime, the Long-haired Princess (Fujiwara no Miyako).
This is another tale that has been passed down together with the story of Anchin and Kiyohime.
Anchin and Kiyohime’s tragic love story dates back to the year 928, 230 years after the temple’s foundation.Kiyohime falls in love at first sight with Anchin, a monk who stayed one night at her family’s house on his pilgrimage.When she realizes that Anchin has broken his promise of stopping by on his way back, a furious Kiyohime turns into a giant snake and chases after him.
“The Story of Anchin and Kiyohime,” the tragic love story with the epilogue that Kiyohime burns Anchin to death after he escaped and hid in Dōjōji’s temple bell, was compiled into Hokke Genki in the 11th century, and is well known as the Dōjōji works in the Noh play, Ningyojōruri (Japanese puppet theater), and Kabuki.
At the Engidō Hall, the story of Anchin and Kiyohime is narrated with a manuscript of the picture scroll Dōjōji Engi unfolded before the audience.
It has been offered over 2,000 times a year and for even just one person to 150 people almost every hour every day.
No booking is required for individuals, but is for travel agencies and groups of 20 people or more.
For more information, learn here.
The Lecture with the Picture Scroll Narrative (Approx. 20 min.)
Upon request and without booking, the abbot or a staff member will give a commentary about the story of Anchin and Kiyohime with the unfolded picture scroll between 9 am and 4 pm every day, all year round.
Head north from the exit of JR Dōjōji Station.
Turn left at the end of the road and go straight on Prefectural Route 191.
120 m ahead, turn left onto Prefectural Route 12.
Go along the road for 250 m.
Go through the rotary in front of the station and turn left.
Keep going straight for 1.4 km.
Turn left onto Prefectural Route 191.
Go straight on Prefectural Route 27 for 400 m.
Since the nearest station, JR Dōjōji, is unmanned and a difficult place to catch a taxi, we recommend coming from Gobō Station.
