Wakayama: Dojoji Temple and Japan’s Tragic Love Legend

Wakayama Prefecture, Japan
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Duration1h 30m
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesJapanese, English
Private tourOnly your group will participate

Overview

Discover the rich history of Dojoji Temple, a site of deep spiritual significance and home to the captivating legend of Anchin and Kiyohime. This 1.5-hour guided tour offers a unique insight into the temple’s ancient architecture and serene Buddha statues. Witness the traditional E-toki performance, where monks narrate the famous love story through beautifully illustrated scrolls. Experience a connection to Japan's cultural heritage and explore the tranquil grounds that have inspired countless artistic expressions.

- 1.5-hour guided tour of historic Dojoji Temple
- Learn about the legendary tale of Anchin and Kiyohime
- Enjoy a traditional E-toki performance with illustrated scrolls
- Explore the temple's serene surroundings and ancient architecture

Options

From Dojoji Station

From Dojoji Station
Starting point:
Dōjōji Station, Fujii Fujitacho, Gobō, Wakayama 649-1341, Japan

From Dojoji Temple

From Dojoji Temple
Starting point:
Ishidan, Kanemaki, Hidakagawa, Hidaka District, Wakayama 649-1331, Japan

What's included

  • Admiration of historic buildings
  • Viewing of Buddhist images
  • E-toki picture storytelling performance
  • 1.5-hour guided tour
  • Meals and drinks

What to expect

  1. Dojoji Temple
    40m · Admission ticket included
    Standing quietly on the banks of the Hidaka River in central Wakayama, Dojoji Temple is one of Japan’s oldest Buddhist temples, founded over 1,300 years ago—even predating Mount Koya. Revered for its long history and graceful temple architecture, Dojoji has been a spiritual center for generations of monks and pilgrims. The temple is most famous as the setting of the Legend of Anchin and Kiyohime, a tragic love story that gave birth to one of Japan’s most enduring cultural traditions. This tale of devotion, jealousy, and transformation has inspired countless works of Noh, Kabuki, and Bunraku theater. Visitors walking through the temple grounds can admire its ancient halls, serene Buddha statues, and the quiet beauty of a place where faith and legend intertwine. More than just a historic site, Dojoji is a living monument to the emotional depth and artistry of Japan’s spiritual heritage, continuing to captivate those who seek both peace and imagination.
  2. 50m · Admission ticket included
    Within the temple precincts stands the Dojoji Engi Hall, where visitors can experience an extraordinary tradition known as “E-toki”—the sacred art of picture storytelling. During an E-toki performance, temple monks narrate the legendary tale of Anchin and Kiyohime while gradually unrolling a long illustrated scroll filled with exquisitely painted scenes. Through voice, rhythm, and imagery, the story comes alive before your eyes, blending faith, art, and emotion in a single timeless performance. This unique storytelling ritual has been passed down at Dojoji for centuries, and today, it is the only temple in Japan that continues to preserve this ancient practice. The gentle cadence of the monk’s voice, the flicker of light upon the scroll, and the tragic beauty of the tale create a deeply moving experience that connects visitors to Japan’s medieval culture and its living spiritual artistry.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

If you choose the Dojoji Station departure option,
the meeting point is in front of Dojoji Station.
Your guide will be waiting for you with a yellow sign.
Please check the map for details.

Meeting point

Meeting point: At the base of the stone steps of Dojoji Temple.
Your guide will be waiting for you with a yellow sign.
Please check the map for details.

End point

If you choose the Dojoji Station departure option,
the meeting point is in front of Dojoji Station.
Your guide will be waiting for you with a yellow sign.
Please check the map for details.

End point

Meeting point: At the base of the stone steps of Dojoji Temple.
Your guide will be waiting for you with a yellow sign.
Please check the map for details.

Additional information

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
From
14,500.00 JPY per person
Check availability & book
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
  • Instant confirmation
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
Operated by DeepExperience · Booked through Viator
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