“I want to properly purify myself during my unlucky year.” “Where is a powerful spiritual spot in Hyogo Prefecture?”
If you are holding onto such worries or questions, you might be searching for information about “Tokoji Temple.”
Located in Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture, Tokoji is affectionately known as “Mondo Yakujin.” It is one of Japan’s three major “Yakujin” (deities of warding off evil) temples and is believed to drive away all kinds of disasters. Renowned as the strongest spot for warding off evil in the Kansai area, it bustles with many worshippers praying for safety in the home and academic success, in addition to traditional exorcisms.
In this article, we will thoroughly explain the charms of Tokoji (Mondo Yakujin).
We will introduce information you should know before visiting, from highlights of the temple grounds as a power spot and the meaning of the famous “Male and Female Yakuzaka (Unlucky Years Slopes)” to access methods that ensure you arrive without getting lost.
Please read through to the end as a guide to receiving the power of the historic Tokoji and spending a refreshing time with a clear heart.
- What is Tokoji (Mondo Yakujin) in Hyogo? Origin and History
- Tokoji’s Strongest Power Spots! Temple Grounds Highlights
- Benefits and Prayers at Tokoji (Mondo Yakujin)
- Proof of Worship! Amulets, Goshuin, and Souvenirs
- Annual Events and Tips to Avoid Crowds
- Access and Parking Information for Tokoji (Mondo Yakujin)
- Summary: Refresh Your Mind and Body by Dispelling Evil at Tokoji, Hyogo
- A Message from the Guide
What is Tokoji (Mondo Yakujin) in Hyogo? Origin and History
Tokoji is formally known as “Shotaisan Tokoji” and is a special head temple of the Koyasan Shingon sect of Buddhism. However, it is widely loved and known by the name “Mondo Yakujin.” Located in Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture, it gathers faith from all over the Kansai region as a temple for prayers to ward off evil. Let us unravel the history and legends of why this temple with a long history became so famous as a temple for expelling bad luck.
Origin as One of Japan’s Three Great Yakujin Temples
Tokoji is counted as one of “Japan’s Three Great Yakujin” alongside Iwashimizu Hachimangu in Kyoto and Amano Myojin (Niutsuhime Shrine) in Wakayama. Among these, the greatest feature of Tokoji is that it enshrines “Yakujin Myoo,” who is said to drive away all calamities. Yakujin Myoo has an appearance where Aizen Myoo (Wisdom King of Passion) and Fudo Myoo (Wisdom King of Fire) are united as one. It is considered a secret Buddha remaining only here at Tokoji in Japan. Therefore, it radiates a special presence as a place where people, especially those facing their “Yakudoshi” (critical unlucky years), can receive powerful protection.
Legends and History Related to Kukai (Kobo Daishi)
The history of Tokoji is deeply connected to Kukai (Kobo Daishi), a famous monk of the Heian period. According to legend, when Kukai was undergoing ascetic practices, he sensed a vision of Aizen Myoo and Fudo Myoo united as one. It is said that the figure was filled with the strength to strike down all disasters. Kukai immediately carved that figure into three wooden statues, and enshrining one of them at this location is considered the beginning of Tokoji. The weight of history, having removed people’s suffering and disasters for about 1,200 years, flows quietly through the temple grounds.
Tokoji’s Strongest Power Spots! Temple Grounds Highlights
Within the grounds of Tokoji, there are spots where you can receive blessings not just by praying, but by actually moving your body, seeing, and feeling. We will introduce points that cannot be missed for those who want to heighten the effects of warding off evil or those who want to improve their luck.
“Male & Female Yakuzaka” Steps to Drop Bad Luck
As you enter the grounds and head toward the main hall, stone steps known as “Male Yakuzaka” and “Female Yakuzaka” appear. The Male Yakuzaka has 42 steps, and the Female Yakuzaka has 33 steps, which correspond to the ages of the critical unlucky years for men and women respectively. It is said that by climbing these stairs one step at a time, you can drop the bad luck clinging to your body with each step. Many worshippers climb this slope slowly while reciting prayers in their hearts, heading toward the main hall with a refreshed feeling.
The Solemn “Yakujin-do (Main Hall)”
Sitting at the top of the stairs is the “Yakujin-do (Main Hall),” which is the center of Tokoji. The secret Buddha, Yakujin Myoo, is enshrined here, and people are always putting their hands together in prayer. The interior of the hall is wrapped in the scent of incense and a tranquil atmosphere, and you will feel a sensation as if your heart is being washed just by stepping inside. It is the perfect place to forget the hustle and bustle of daily life, face yourself, and pray for the dispersal of disasters and the safety of your family.
“Enmei-kon (Rooted Cedar)” for Longevity
Deep in the temple grounds, a giant cedar root called “Enmei-kon” (Soul of Longevity) is enshrined. This is a part of a sacred tree over 800 years old that once towered over the grounds. Legend remains that it grew from a piece of wood left over when Kobo Daishi carved the Yakujin Myoo. Even now, it is cherished as a symbol of vitality, and it is believed that touching this Enmei-kon brings blessings of longevity and recovery from illness. It is a power spot visited especially by those who have anxieties about their health, seeking to receive its power.
“Dragon King Wall” and Garden for Rising Fortune
Another highlight of the grounds is the “Dragon King Wall.” This is a magnificent mural extending about 30 meters in width, depicting a powerful dragon. Dragons have been symbols of rising fortune since ancient times, and praying before this wall is expected to bring blessings of career advancement and good luck. Furthermore, the scenery integrated with the well-maintained garden is beautiful and suitable for a stroll after worship. Please stop by as a place to take in new good fortune after dropping your bad luck.
Benefits and Prayers at Tokoji (Mondo Yakujin)
The purpose for many people visiting Tokoji is, after all, “Yakuyoke” (warding off evil) and “Kito” (prayers). We will explain specifically what kind of benefits there are and what the procedure is when receiving formal prayers.
“Yakuyoke” (Warding Off Evil) for All Disasters
The greatest benefit of Tokoji is undoubtedly “Yakuyoke” and “Yakubarai” (exorcism of bad luck). Prayers are conducted to protect against all calamities, not only for those in their unlucky years but also for those who feel their luck has been bad lately or those prone to illness. Tokoji’s warding off evil is said to have the power to dispel disasters not just for individuals but for the entire family, so visits by families are frequently seen. Additionally, the broad capacity to accept wishes related to general life, such as academic success and traffic safety, is also a charm.
How to Apply for Special Prayers (Goma)
“Special Prayer,” receiving sutra chanting by monks in the main hall, is recommended for those seeking stronger blessings. Reception is held at the reception office within the grounds, and it is possible to apply on the day without a reservation. When you fill in your wish and name on the application form and pay the prayer fee, you will be guided to the main hall. The Goma fire ritual performed in a solemn atmosphere is impactful, and by praying before the flames, you can taste a sensation as if worldly desires and disasters are being burned away. After the prayer, you are granted a wooden talisman and amulet, which you can take home to enshrine.
Doll Memorial Service and Other Prayers
Tokoji also accepts memorial services for dolls and stuffed animals that have finished their roles. It is said that souls dwell in dolls used for many years, and many people are resistant to throwing them away as trash. If you bring them to Tokoji, the monks will carefully perform a memorial service and ritually burn them. Additionally, ceremonies marking milestones in life, such as the first shrine visit for newborns and Shichi-go-san, are also conducted, functioning as a place of prayer close to the lives of local people.
Proof of Worship! Amulets, Goshuin, and Souvenirs
Amulets and Goshuin (temple seals/stamps) are things you want to obtain as a commemoration of your visit or for daily protection. We will introduce items unique to Tokoji.
Popular Amulets and Goods
A wide variety of amulets are lined up at the awarding office. Among them, amulets specialized for warding off evil are popular. There are types to wear on the body or strap types to attach to bags, so you can choose according to your lifestyle. Also, unique items like the “Migawari Mamori” (Scapegoat Amulet) at Tokoji are said to take the place of the owner in receiving disasters and are appreciated as gifts. Besides these, there is a full range of items tailored to purposes, such as amulets related to the zodiac and amulets for academic success.
Types of Goshuin Available at Tokoji
For those collecting Goshuin, the stamp from Tokoji is one you cannot miss. The Goshuin, with the characters “Yakujin Myoo” written in powerful brushstrokes and stamped with a vermilion seal, makes you feel power just by looking at it. Basically, they will write it directly into your book, but during crowded times, it may be a pre-written paper. Dedicated Goshuin books are also sold, and those with Tokoji’s original designs will become a good memento of your visit.
Annual Events and Tips to Avoid Crowds
Tokoji is visited by many worshippers throughout the year, but it gets extremely crowded during specific periods. To worship comfortably, let’s learn about major events and points to avoid congestion.
The Grand Festival “Yakujin Taisai” on Jan 18th & 19th
The time when Tokoji is most bustling is the “Yakujin Taisai” (Grand Festival of the God of Evil) held on January 18th and 19th every year. On these two days, the grounds are filled with hundreds of thousands of worshippers wishing to ward off evil. Many food stalls line the approach, wrapping the area in a lively festival atmosphere. Special Buddhist services are held on this day, and it is said that the blessings are at their maximum, but it is not rare to wait several hours to enter the hall. Those who want to experience this excitement should definitely visit, but if you want to worship quietly, it is safer to avoid these dates.
Peak Times for Yakuyoke and Recommended Times
Besides the Yakujin Taisai, the New Year period (first three days) and the Setsubun period are peaks for warding off evil and become very crowded. Especially during the daytime on weekends and holidays, traffic jams to enter the parking lot may occur. If you want to avoid crowds and worship slowly, aiming for weekday mornings or the time just before the gates close is recommended. Also, even if receiving prayers for warding off evil, if it is a regular schedule avoiding the Grand Festival and Setsubun, you can often be guided smoothly with relatively little waiting time.
Access and Parking Information for Tokoji (Mondo Yakujin)
Finally, let’s check how to get to Tokoji. Access is possible by both train and car, but caution is necessary depending on the season.
Access by Train (Route from Hankyu Mondo-Yakujin Station)
When using public transportation, the nearest station is “Mondo-Yakujin Station” on the Hankyu Imazu Line. The distance from the station is about a 10 to 15-minute walk. Since there are signboards after leaving the station, there is little chance of getting lost. However, the path to the temple is a gentle uphill slope, so visiting in comfortable walking shoes is recommended. Walking while feeling the atmosphere of the approach will gradually heighten your feelings toward worship.
Access by Car and Parking Availability/Notes
If visiting by car, access using Route 171 or the Yamate Kansen road. Tokoji provides free parking for worshippers, but the capacity is limited. Especially during the aforementioned Yakujin Taisai and New Year periods, heavy congestion occurs on surrounding roads, and the parking lot is almost always full. Therefore, during times when congestion is expected, measures such as using public transportation or using nearby coin parking and walking from there are necessary. During normal weekdays, you can usually park relatively smoothly.
Summary: Refresh Your Mind and Body by Dispelling Evil at Tokoji, Hyogo
Tokoji (Mondo Yakujin) in Hyogo Prefecture has been a spiritual anchor for many people for a long time as one of Japan’s three major Yakujin temples. By climbing the Male and Female Yakuzaka slopes and placing your hands together before Yakujin Myoo, you will be able to drop bad luck and gain new vitality.
The grounds are full of highlights, such as the solemn Main Hall, the Enmei-kon where you feel the life force, and the powerful Dragon King Wall. We invite not only those in their unlucky years but also those who feel tired from daily life to visit Tokoji to refresh both mind and body. An experience at this historic power spot will surely push you forward gently.
A Message from the Guide
I’m really interested in the Yakujin Taisai, but I hear it’s extremely crowded even on weekdays, so it’s hard for me to go.
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