Nestled in the serene town of Hidakagawa in Wakayama Prefecture, Dōjōji Temple has once again captured the nation’s attention as the sacred setting for the film KOKUHO.
Within the story, the dance “Two Dōjōji” embodies the tragic yet eternal legend of Anchin and Kiyohime, revealing the Japanese spirit of love, devotion, and spiritual rebirth that transcends time.
- What is Dōjōji Temple — A Millennium of Faith and Memory
- What is “Two Dōjōji” — A Dance of Tradition and Innovation
- The Legend of Anchin and Kiyohime — Reflections of the Japanese Soul
- Dōjōji in the Film KOKUHO
- Cultural Treasures and the Beauty of the Seasons
- The “Kiyohime Festival” — A Living Tradition
- Access and Local Experience
- Dōjōji as a Symbol of Japanese Culture
- Conclusion
What is Dōjōji Temple — A Millennium of Faith and Memory
Dōjōji Temple, nestled along the Hidakagawa River, was established in the Nara period by the monk Dōjō under imperial decree from Emperor Monmu.
For centuries, it was revered as a sacred site of pilgrimage and known as a temple where women were once forbidden to enter.
The temple is most famous for the tragic legend of Anchin and Kiyohime.
During a pilgrimage to Kumano, the young monk Anchin was pursued by Kiyohime, a village maiden who had fallen in love with him.
When Anchin rejected her affection, Kiyohime’s sorrow turned to rage.
She transformed into a serpent and chased him to Dōjōji, where he hid inside a large temple bell.
In her anguish, Kiyohime coiled herself around the bell and set it aflame, burning them both in a final act of passion and despair.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Founded | Nara period (by imperial decree of Emperor Monmu) |
| Founder | Monk Dōjō |
| Main Deity | Senju Kannon (Thousand-Armed Avalokiteśvara) |
| Location | 1738 Kanemaki, Hidakagawa, Wakayama Prefecture |
| Distinction | Temple associated with the Legend of Anchin and Kiyohime |
Even today, the temple bell stands quietly within the grounds, a solemn reminder of that fiery love and the enduring spirit that binds the two souls forever.
What is “Two Dōjōji” — A Dance of Tradition and Innovation
At the heart of KOKUHO lies the performance “Two Dōjōji”, a masterpiece born from Japan’s classical arts.
Adapted from the Noh play “Dōjōji”, it later evolved within Kabuki and Japanese dance traditions.
Two shirabyōshi (female dancers) appear on stage, each expressing an aspect of Kiyohime’s tormented spirit.
At the center stands the great temple bell, symbolizing both love and obsession, enlightenment and sin.
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Title | Two Dōjōji |
| Origin | Based on the Noh drama Dōjōji |
| Theme | Love, resentment, and spiritual redemption |
| Structure | Two dancers performing in harmony and rivalry |
| Symbol | The bell — representing Kiyohime’s bound spirit |
Their movements are at once graceful and passionate, the flutter of their sleeves evoking Kiyohime’s anguish and devotion.
The film’s recreation of this performance revived the spiritual essence of Dōjōji, blending centuries-old tradition with cinematic expression.
The Legend of Anchin and Kiyohime — Reflections of the Japanese Soul
The legend of Anchin and Kiyohime is not merely a tale of doomed love; it is a profound meditation on human passion and Buddhist philosophy.
Kiyohime’s transformation into a serpent symbolizes the moment when pure love turns into attachment and suffering—a universal truth that transcends time.
In later retellings, Kiyohime’s soul is said to have attained peace after death, reunited with Anchin in paradise.
The story thus evolves from a tragedy into one of forgiveness and enlightenment, reflecting Japan’s belief in the cycle of sin, redemption, and rebirth.
| Stage of Emotion | Spiritual Meaning |
|---|---|
| Love | Innocence and devotion |
| Attachment | Human desire and suffering |
| Transformation (serpent) | Obsession, karmic entrapment |
| Enlightenment | Liberation, forgiveness, and reunion |
This is why the legend continues to resonate today—it is a mirror of the human heart, revealing both its pain and its capacity for compassion.
Dōjōji in the Film KOKUHO
The film KOKUHO tells the story of artists who dedicate their lives to preserving traditional performance.
Within it, “Two Dōjōji” becomes the emotional axis that connects faith, art, and human destiny.
Filming took place entirely on the temple grounds, where the ancient architecture and surrounding forest became part of the story itself.
The actors trained under master dancers to perfect every gesture and line of sight.
The director later remarked that “the air at Dōjōji itself became part of the performance.”
| Production Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Dōjōji Temple, Hidakagawa, Wakayama |
| Filming Method | On-location shooting using the actual temple space |
| Core Theme | Transmission of art and the spirit of prayer |
| Highlight Scene | The dance before the great bell |
| Visual Effect | Creates a sacred, ethereal atmosphere |
When the bell tolls in the film, the sound seems to blur the boundary between the visible and the unseen — the real and the eternal.
Cultural Treasures and the Beauty of the Seasons
Within Dōjōji lie national treasures that speak to Japan’s artistic heritage — from the Thousand-Armed Kannon statue to the legendary bronze bell.
| Highlight | Description |
|---|---|
| Senju Kannon | Late-Heian sculpture; the gentle smile symbolizes boundless mercy. |
| Temple Bell | Said to be the very bell entwined by Kiyohime. Its tone is deep and meditative. |
| Main Hall | Reconstructed in the Kamakura era, blending Japanese and Chinese architectural styles. |
| Treasure Hall | Houses sacred sutras and Buddhist icons of great scholarly value. |
Each season paints the temple in a different hue — cherry blossoms in spring, lush greens in summer, crimson leaves in autumn, and quiet snow in winter.
The harmony of nature and faith gives the temple an eternal rhythm, inviting reflection with every visit.
The “Kiyohime Festival” — A Living Tradition
Every summer, the town of Hidakagawa holds the Kiyohime Festival, celebrating the enduring legend through dance and procession.
A great serpent float winds through the streets as children, dressed as shirabyōshi, perform dances to pacify Kiyohime’s spirit.
| Festival Event | Feature |
|---|---|
| Parade | A large serpent-shaped float traverses the town |
| Dedication Dance | Local children perform in shirabyōshi costume |
| Purpose | To honor and soothe Kiyohime’s soul |
| Cultural Value | Strengthens community bonds and preserves tradition |
Since the release of KOKUHO, visitors from across Japan have flocked to the festival, giving new life to this ancient story and supporting local revitalization.
Access and Local Experience
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 1738 Kanemaki, Hidakagawa, Wakayama |
| Access | 15-minute bus ride from JR Gobō Station |
| Hours | 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Admission | Adults ¥500 / Children ¥300 |
After visiting the temple, travelers can relax at Hidakagawa Onsen, savor local cuisine made with Kishu ume and miso, and experience the hospitality of the region.
Visitors often seek out commemorative goshuin (temple stamps) featuring Anchin and Kiyohime, now among the most sought-after in Wakayama.
Dōjōji as a Symbol of Japanese Culture
Dōjōji is more than a historical site — it is a symbol of prayer, love, and rebirth.
Through KOKUHO and the timeless performance of “Two Dōjōji,” the temple embodies the luminous spirit of human expression.
Those who visit Dōjōji do not merely see an ancient temple; they encounter a reflection of their own heart.
The sound of its bell transcends time, resonating softly through the ages, reminding each listener of the impermanence and beauty of life.
Conclusion
As the stage for the film KOKUHO, Dōjōji Temple stands as a living testament to Japan’s fusion of legend, faith, and art.
The love and fury of Kiyohime, the sorrow of Anchin, and the compassion embodied in the tolling of the bell all merge into a single act of prayer.
Beneath the blue skies of Wakayama, the bell of Dōjōji continues to ring —
a sound that transcends centuries, carrying within it the enduring heart of Japan.
