【Pilgrim’s Song】
Buddhist healing from illness
People visit Okubo Temple

The history and origin of Okuboji

Okuboji Temple, a sacred site of eighty-eight places, and the fulfillment of pilgrim vows (kechigan). Located on the east side of Mt. Yahazu (altitude 788m) near the border of Tokushima Prefecture. According to Engi, when Gyoki Bodhisattva visited this land in the first year of the Yōrō era, he sensed a vision and built the hermitage where he trained. Koho Daishi, who returned from Tang Dynasty in the 6th year of the Kōnin era, established the temple in a rock cavern in the present Okunoin, trained in the Gumonjihō, and established the temple. A life-size seated Yakushi Nyorai sculpture was sculpted and made the principal deity. In addition, the name of Okuboji Temple was decided upon as a place of enshrining the priest staffs from the Three Kingdoms (Indonesia, Tang (China), Japan) which were received from the High Monk, Huiguo . On the west side of the main hall, there is the Okunoin at Mt. Nyotai. It is said that a spring came forth when the Daishi took a tokko (single-pronged vajra) to devote water to the principal deity. Many people benefit from drinking the water with medicine.

Women who entered the mountain were recognized from early age and prospered as female “Takano”. At one time, it boasted of having more than 100 temple buildings. However, the hardships of suffering were repeated on the temple’s vigorous activities due to Tensho attacks and arson, and the great fire of the 33rd year of the Meiji era. However, it was redeveloped by the protection of the lord Takamatsu and the efforts of successive resident priests. We continue to protect the holy light of Buddha of the sacred grounds. “Dougyou ni nin” (Two Walking Together: Daishi is always with me) The “kongo” pilgrim’s staff, etc. Oblations and offerings to the Hojodo next to the Daishido. These are offered every year at “Saitou Gomaku” in spring and summer.

The highlights of Okuboji

Honzon, Hondo, Daishido (located at the top of the stone steps. Inside there is a dojo where you can step on the sand. Eighty-eight small shrines are enshrined and it is said that you can get the same benefits as worship if you go around all of Shikoku)

Annual events at Okuboji

Hongo Makoto

Date: 12th of every month (except August)

Immobility

Date: 28th of every month

Goba Shiba

Date: March 21 (Spring Equinox), August 11 (Mountain Day)

Earth and sand holding law required

Date: September 23

Star Festival Act Summary

Date: December 22 (Winter Solstice)

Temple 88 Fudasho: Iozan Henjyokoin Okuboji

Access

Location

Tawa Kanewari 96, Sanuki, Kagawa 769-2306

Tel

0879-56-2278

Parking

Available (free)

Shukubo
(TempleLodging)

None

Website

None

From Takashido Shishi IC through Prefectural Road 141 and Prefectural Road 3, turn left at the Tawa intersection and follow National Road 377 along the road.
⇒ Google map

【Pilgrim’s Song】
Longing and lonely, as the pheasant’s tail, Nagaoji
Holy name chanting in the autumn night

History and origin of Nagaoji

Since the Meiji Restoration, Honbo is a temple that was provided support to public facilities such as schools, police and county offices. Locally known as “Kannon of Nagao” and “Chikara-mochi” / Shizukagozentodoku Temple”. There is a theory that the founder was Prince Shotoku, but the theory that it was Gyoki Bodhisattva is also believed to be in year 11 of the Tenpyō era. It is said that when Gyoki walked on this land, he saw a vision from a Yang willow on the roadside, and carved a statue of the Holy Kannon Bodhisattva from that tree to become the principle deity. After that, Kobo Daishi visited this temple, and over the first seven nights of the year, he practiced the Goma ritual and prayed for national security, abundant harvest of the five grains, and for the successful prosperity of the temple. The prayer is still passed down today, and every year on the 7th day of the New Year, the “Daieyou” is held.

Daishi, who returned from Tang Dynasty, visited this area again and wrote a copy of “Mahavairocana Sutra” one character at a time, establishing a memorial tower, and then converted the temple to the Shingon sect. It was a temple that had been attributed to many emperors for a long time. In the Edo period, Lord Yorishige Matsudaira maintained the temple tower. At that time, it was converted to the Tendai sect.

Highlights of Choo-ji Temple

Tournament Yorikien / Hondo / Shizen-mae mounds

Annual events of Choo-ji

First tenjin

(Combination with a brush and cooking)

Date: January 25

Autumn Festival

(The day before Enomiya)

Date: 2nd Sunday in October

Temple 87 Fudasho: Fudarakusan Kanonin Nagaoji

Access

Location

653 Nagaonishi, Sanuki, Kagawa 769-2302

Tel

0879-52-2041

Parking

Yes

Shukubo
(TempleLodging)

None

Website

http://nagaoji.com/

From Shido Interchange to Nagao. About 6km.
⇒ Google map

【Pilgrim’s Song】
Farewell tonight at the Shido Temple
Listening to the voices of prayer

History and origin of Shidoji

Shidoji is erected in the eastern part of Kagawa Prefecture, facing Shido Bay. Far beyond the sea, you can see the ridges of Yajima and Gokenzan. Founded in ancient times, by Empress Suiko in the 33rd year, (625) it is one of Shikoku’s most famous ancient temples. It is said that “Marine Divers Group”, (Oshisonoko), carved a spirit tree. It is said that the beginning of the carving of the Kannon statue and the construction of a sculpture hall, followed by the son of Fujiwara Kamatari, Fuwara Fujiwara, and the establishment of his wife’s tomb, which was named the “Death Dōjō”. In the era before his son, Emperor Jitou. in the 7th year, (693), expanded the temple with Gyoki and it flourished as an academic hall.

During the Muromachi period, it flourished with the contribution of Lord Hosokawa from the Shikoku territory, but it was devastated during the Sengoku period. Later, with the support of Suehiro Fujiwara and Omasaki Ikoma (serving Nobunaga and Hideyoshi during the Azuchi Momoyama period), it was revived by donation by Yoneshige Matsudaira, the feudal lord of Takamatsu. Shido is the hometown of the genius Hiraga Gennai in the Edo period, and there is a memorial nearby.

Highlights of Shidoji

Niomon (National Important Cultural Property), Hondo, Honzon (National Important Cultural Property), Tomb of Ama (The stage of the tragic story of the Fujiwara family, which is also written in Noh, Fujima Fumasae is said to have been created for his mother. There are about 20 tombs. On July 16, the anniversary of the Ama, the “Shiroji Temple’s Sixteenth City” is held. We open the honzon of Kannon.

Kensui Style Garden, Muzentei

“Kensui-style garden” is a garden in the Muromachi period, and it has a strong stone structure that rises to the sky. The undyed garden built in front of the Shoin is a work of Sange Shigemori, which takes a typical Zen-style mountain landscape garden and makes it feel like Ryoanji of Kyoto. Free admission.

Annual events at Shidoji

Dontoyaki

Date: January 15

Daigo Shiba

Date: May 2nd Sunday

Sixteenth City of Shidoji

Date: July 16

Takashi Shimoto Kannon Opening Book

Date: July 16-17

Permanent earth sand holding law required

Date: December 2nd Sunday

Enmadou Opening Book

Date: 17th of every month

Temple 86 Fudasho: Fudarakusan Shidoji

Access

Location

1102 Shido, Sanuki, Kagawa 769-2101

Tel

087-894-0086

Parking

Available (free)

Shukubo
(TempleLodging)

None

Website

None

⇒ Google map

【Pilgrim’s Song】
Worldly desires burn in wisdom at Yakuri
Disciples of Buddha should know who they are

The history and origin of Yakuriji

On the east side of Yashima, there is Five Peak Mountain range with an altitude of 375m across the old battlefield of Genpei. A mysterious mountain like a sword pushed up from the ground. Yakuriji is at the 8th station, and many pilgrims ascend by cable car. In the 6th year of the Tenchō era, when Daishi climbed this mountain and mastered the Gomonjihō method, five swords came out and the mountain guardian Zao Gongen appeared. And he said to Daishi, “This mountain is a sacred place that is suitable for Buddhism”, so Daishi buried those swords in the mountains to protect them and carved a statue of Dainichi Nyorai and named this place Gokkenyama (The Mountain of Five Swords).

It was originally named Hokukokuji Temple, as from the top of Mt. Gokken, you could overlook the four sides of Shikoku, including Iki, Awa, and Bizen,. Throughout the calendar years, the teacher climbed the mountain again before studying in Tang. Eight roasted chestnuts were planted by Daishi to determine the success or failure of the Nitto Law. When he returned home safely and visited again, the baked chestnuts that would not sprout had sprouted. This is why the name was changed from Hokukokuji to Yakuriji. This temple was also burnt down by Chōsokabe’s solders. However, during the Edo era, Muhen Shounin rebuilt the main hall (Mima Shimen), and the Takamatsu feudal lord, Matsudaira Yorishige revived the current main hall, and enshrined Kobo Daishi’s sacred Bodhisattva as the principle deity, and came to call it Kanjiin. Gokenzan suffered a big earthquake in the 3rd year of the Hōei era, (1706), and one of the eastern ridges collapsed from the middle creating the present shape we see today.

The highlights of Yakuriji

Seitendo, Nakashobodo, Taoshido beside Taho Tower and Belfry Hall (established in 1791 in Kansei 3) There is an art lantern with the name: “For Watanabe, there is a place for hikers”

Annual events at Yakuriji

Revision meeting (New Year Special Prayer)

Date: New Year’s Day to 7th

General Young Law Association (Seitenson New Year’s Day)

Date: January 16, 1pm

Flower Festival (Buddha Association)

Date: April 8

General Young Law Association (Seitenson Spring Festival)

Date: May 16th, 1pm

Aoba Festival (Soso Nativity Party)

Date: June 15

General Young Law Association (Seitenson Autumn Festival)

Date: September 16th, 11:00 pm

Hoshi no Goma (Star Festival)

Date: Winter solstice to Setsubun

Prayer

Date: Accepted every day

Seiten Goma Recreation

Date: 15th of every month and 7pm at the end of the month

Visit all day

* Excluding 1.2.7.8.9 months

Date: 10:00 a day

Temple 85 Fudasho: Gokenzan Kanjizaiin Yakuriji

Access

Location

3416 Murecho Mure, Takamatsu, Kagawa 761-0121

Tel

087-845-9603

Parking

Available (free)

Shukubo
(TempleLodging)

None

Website

http://yakuriji.jp/

From Shido Interchange, take National Route 11 to Sakai Town. Turn left in front of Kotoden Yakuri Station and follow Prefectural Road 36. Turn right at the T-junction with the sign and arrive at Cable Mountain Station.
⇒ Google map

【Pilgrim’s Song】
While on pilgrimage to Yashima Shrine
Warriors pray for bravery

History and origin of Yashimaji

Yashima is a peninsula in the east of Takamatsu City, a volcanic plateau at an altitude of 293 meters. It is known for the historic site of the ancient battlefield of the Genpei battle, famous for the folding fan of Nasu Yoichi and the archery of Yoshitsune. Yashimaji is at the southern foot. It is said that Yashimaji was founded by Ganjin, who was a Tang school monk, sailed five times at the request of the Imperial Court. However, he lost his bearings due to storms and became shipwrecked, and he was landed in Kagoshima in 753, the fifth year of the Tenpyō-Shōhō era. The following year, on the way to Todaiji by boat, he felt some incredible light of good omen rising from the top of the mountain off Yashima and climbed to the north ridge. It is said that it was built with a Buddhist temple and a statue of the Fugen Bodhisattva that he brought with him. Later, a disciple of the summit, The priest, Keiun, of Todaiji Kaidan-in Temple built a tower and set up the temple, called the “Yashima Temple” and became its first priest.

In 815, the 6th year of the Kōnin era, Kobo Daishi visited Yashimaji at the behest of Emperor Saga (reign 809-23), moved the temple from the northern peak to the southern peak of the current location, carved the 11-faced, thousand-armed Kannon, and enshrined it within the temple. Since then, Daishi is revered as the founder of the revived Yashima Temple. Yashima Temple also flourished as a sacred place for mountain Buddhism, and during the Tenryaku era, (947-57), The Priest Meitatsu visited and dedicated the statue of the the Four Heavenly Kings (Dhrtarastra, Virudhaka, Virupaksa, and Vaisravana). The present Honzon, the eleven-faced thousand-armed Kannon sculpture was built around this time and has become a nationally designated important cultural property. The nationally designated important cultural property, the main hall, was built during the Kamakura period, but temple luck declined due to the war. However, it was rebuilt repeatedly by the lords of the country, Lord Ikoma, and the with the assistance of successive lords, conveys the personality of the Kamakura / Edo period to the present day.

The highlights of Yajimaji

Samurai Bell, Treasure Museum, Hiyama Daimyojin (right of the main hall. A god of the land called the general “Tazaburo Pass” of Shikoku Pass.

Temple 84 bill Fudasho: Nanmenzan Senkoin Yashimaji

Access

Location

1808 Yashima Higashimachi, Takamatsu, Kagawa 761-0111

Tel

087-841-9418

Parking

Yes

Shukubo
(TempleLodging)

None

Website

None

From Takamatsu Nishi Interchange, take National Route 11 South Bypass / National Route 11 to the east. Turn left at the McDonald’s intersection to the driveway gate.
⇒ Google map

【Pilgrim’s Song】
Come to the front of Sanuki Ichinomiya
Someone speaks God’s heart

History and origin of Ichinomiyaji

Founded about 160 years after Buddhism was introduced to Japan. Kaiki was the founding monk of Yoshibuchi, who laid the foundation for the rise of Nara Buddhism. At that time, it was called the Daiho-in Temple. During the same year, when Ichinomiya was built in various countries, Gyoki Bosatsu restored the temple and was renamed it Shingōsan Ichinomiya. In the same year, Kobo Daishi visited and sculpted an approximately 106cm tall “Sacred Kannon” Seishinon Bodhisattva, and converted it to the Shingon sect at the time of the revival of the temple.

The temple was turned to ashes because of the Tensho War , but was revived by Yoseki Daitoku, the founder of the restoration. Also, during the Edo period, the feudal lord of Takamatsu lifted the authority of the Tamura Shrine. 200 years before the separation of Shinto and Buddha.
On the left side of the main hall of this temple is a small shrine dedicated to Yakushi Nyorai. This is called “Hell’s Cauldron” and there is a legend that if you put your head in the shrine, the border between worlds will open. On the other hand, it is said that if you do bad things, you will lose your head. In the old days, a mean-hearted old woman who lived in the neighborhood claimed “It’s nothing. Let’s try it” put her head within, and the door closed, and the voice of the hellish cauldron said, “Go” and her head could not be removed. The lady who was terribly scared apologized for the bad things she had done so far. Then her head slid out. Then the woman changed her mind, became kind, and lived well.

The highlights of Ichinomiyaji

Hondo, Ichinomiya Giryo, Hell’s Cauldron (The legendary cauldron is said to have been made by Kobo Daishi to keep commandments.)

Annual events at Ichinomiyaji

Goma

Date: 28th of every month 10: 00 ~

First New Year

Date: January 1, 13: 00 ~

First Daishi general training

Date: January 20, 13: 00 ~

Star training

Date: February Settlement 14: 00 ~

Perpetual earth and sand training

Date: May 20

Cucumber Incantations

The date and time: Jade for July (all day)

Sennicai

Date: August 10

With night bell

Date: December 31, around 23: 50 ~

Temple 83 Fudasho: Shingouzan Daihouin Ichinomiyaji

Location

607 Ichinomiyacho, Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture 761-8084

Tel

087-885-2301

Parking

Available (free)

Shukubo
(TempleLodging)

None

Website

http://www.sanuki-ichinomiyaji.or.jp/

公式SNS

⇒ Google map

【Pilgrim’s Song】
If the frost that falls during the eve does not disappear
Later the voice of the handbell for liturgy

History and origin of Negoroji

A former giant monument standing on Mt. Aomine, the main peak of Goshikidai. Kobo Daishi, who felt the Goji Nyorai of the Kongokai Mandala on the five mountains, established “Hanazo-in” in Aomine as a place for esoteric training. Later, when Daishi’s nephew, Chisho Daishi, visited, he met Ichinose Myojin, the guardian of the mountain, who said, “Make a dojo in Bishamonen valley, Renge valley and Goya valley in this area, and a Kannon statue from the lotus valley tree.” Chisho Daishi carved a statue of Senju Kannon in the lotus valley tree, and built and established Sente-in. It is said that “Hanazo-in” and “Senden-in” were collectively named “Negoroji” because they continued to emit fragrance from the sacred tree stump. Later, it was rebuilt by the Takamatsu feudal lords, and it was converted to Tendai sect at that time.

The temple has the following legends: A long time ago, Aomineyama had a horrible monster that eats humans, “Ushioni”. The villagers asked bow master Yamada Kuroudo Takakiyo to get rid of him. However, as Takayoshi entered the mountain, the bull devil did not appear easily. So Kogyo made a request to the main deity of Negoroji. Then, on the 21st day, the bull devil appeared and was struck by an arrow in his mouth. After chasing the fleeing creature, he found it dead about 2 km to the west of Sadagabuchi. Takayoshi cut off the horn of the bull devil and dedicated it to the temple. The corner is still preserved in the temple. Ushioni’s image is popular as a talisman.

The highlights of Negoroji

The five great statues, Ushioni statues, and all-round Kannon (In the concave corridor in front of the main hall, about thirty-three thousand Kannon statues dedicated by believers from all over the country are lined up.)

Temple 82 Fudasho: Aominesan Senjuin Negoroji

Access

Location

Nakayamacho 1506, Takamatsu, Kagawa 761-8004

Tel

087-881-3329

Prking

Available (free)

Shukubo
(TempleLodging)

None

Website

None

From Takamatsu Nishi Interchange to Goshikidai area, follow the road along the prefectural road No. 180, and you will come to Yamamon.
⇒ Google map

【Pilgrim’s Song】
Out of the temple’s hoarfrost
The voices of the law honors the holy name

History and origin of Shiromineji

Shiromineji is located in the middle of Kagawa Prefecture, where the five peaks of the sacred peaks of Aomine (Blue Peak), Kyomine (Yellow Peak), Akamine (Red Peak), Shiromine (White Peak), and Kurohine (Black Peak) are located, and Shiromine Moutain is the furthest west. A quiet old temple with a magnificent view of the Seto Inland Sea from the approach to the temple, where Kobo Daishi and Chisho Daishi, the child of Daishi’s sister, first founded it. In the 6th year of the Kōnin era, Kobo Daishi dug a water well using his “Nyoi” sceptre (used by monks when chanting sutras) with a Cintamani stone (a wish fulfilling jewel) at the summit of Mt. Shiromine. He prayed for the alleviation of suffering for all living things. Later, Chishiro Daishi was led by Jinushigami (a Shinto folk deity) and climbed Mt. Shiromine to receive the oracle of the white-haired old woman, the god of the mountain, and carved a thousand-handed Kannon statue with a spiritual tree that was fragrant and shimmered in the Seto Inland Sea. It is reported that the temple was built with this as the principle deity.

This temple, which has a mellow sound called Shiromine, has two famous stories.

Emperor Sotoku, who was destroyed by the revolt of the Hōgen era, and by Imperial decree diverted to Sanuki, died lonely and desolate, unable to return to the capital, and is entombed in a mausoleum. However, because there were a series of incidents in the city, generations emperors, lords, and warlords also worshiped the Bodhisattva, and development of urban locales, became further devoted to music, poetry, and various spiritual treasures. In particular, after the 100th generation, Emperor Komatsu, dedicated the royal treasure of “Toshonji”, and devoted himself to the Hokke-do where the spirit of the Emperor is enshrined and expressed his reverence. In the first year of the Nin’an era, the story of Saikou Daishi who had a friendship with the Emperor, who sang and exchanged songs with the Emperor’s spirit when visiting the shrine for memorial service, is also famous in the legend of Akinari Ueda’s “Ametsuki Monogatari”. In addition, there is also a (Tamazusaki) “Tree of Precious Letters” that tells the tragic story of the Emperor in the grounds.

In addition, it is said that Mt. Shirakaba lives in a tempura called Monk Sagami, a kind heart of Japan. Suddenly, there was a sudden unexpected visitor, a high priest of Pure Land Buddhism, so the monk went out to buy tofu and suddenly someone pushed on his back and he had a sense of flying in the sky. At at the next moment, he received some fine silk tofu, the kind you would never find in the countryside, and suddenly found himself standing at the place he was before. The story is still handed down that Monk Sagami Tengu helped a youngster who suddenly went shopping.

At the time of residence within the grounds, the number of towers was at 21 and it was very prosperous, but due to times of thunderstorms and soldiers burning the temples, the only way it was able to survive is due to the reconstruction efforts of Lord Ikoma’s family and the Matsudaira family.

The highlights of Shiromineji

For buildings, the Thirteen Stone Pagodas, Yamamon (Seven Buildings Gate), Onarimon, Imperial Gate, Guest House, Tekkamon, Tonsho-ji Temple, Yakushido, Gyodo, Amida-do, Hondo, Daishi-do, and Art The temple amount is an important cultural property of the country, and has many other designated cultural properties.

In the precincts is the Shirakaba Mausoleum, the only emperor’s graveyard in Shikoku, and the guardian deity of all zodiac signs is enshrined in each hall.
Many flowers can be enjoyed throughout the year, including big fir trees designated as protected trees in Kagawa Prefecture, especially cherry blossoms in spring, hydrangea in summer, and autumn leaves in autumn.

The approach to the shrine has the largest drop in the prefecture, and there is the infantile waterfall, also called the phantom waterfall, and the Shiramine observatory where you can see the Seto Inland Sea.

Also, since ancient times, Honzon Senju Kanzeon-an has been revered as a substitute for Kannon, the sanctuary of Shirakaba Daigongen (Sagamibo) as a god of good luck, prosperity of business, and battle, and Emperor Sotoku has been worshiped as a god of mischief, entertainment, and academics.

Annual events at Shiromineji

New Year’s Day Amendment (New Year Prayer)

Date: January 1-3

Venue: Gomado, Tonji Temple

New Year’s Day Mamoru Hosho (Kaitetsu Fire Training)

Date: Last Sunday in January around noon

Place: Tonji Temple

Star ritual

Setsubun February 3 15:00

Place: Gomado

Eiji’s earth and sand holdings Higashi law summary

date and time: Last Sunday in April at 13:00

Place: Gomado

Senninkai (Honzon Senju Kannon Festival)

Date and time: July 10th, 10:00 pm

Place: Main Hall

Emperor Seotoku Emperor’s ceremonial

date and time: September 21 at 9 o’clock

場所：白峯陵

General Journey to the Young People’s Career

Date: 1st Sunday of November 13:00

Place: Tonjoji Temple

Star ritual

date: Winter solstice December 22, 15:00 * However, the year of December is December 21

Place: Gomado

The night of the lanterns

Date: New Year’s Eve Around 23:45

Place: Belfry Hall * We will distribute the clay bells of the zodiac on a first-come, first-served basis.

Monthly goma prayer and recreation (Fudomyō-Ohri)

Date and time: 10:00 on the 28th of every month * Except for January and April because they overlap with legal requirements

The 81st Fudasho Ryoshozan Dorinin Shiromineji

Temple 81 Fudasho Ryoshozan Dorinin Shiromineji

Access

Location

Omicho 2635, Sakaide, Kagawa 762-0016

Tel

0877-47-0305

parking

Available (free, about 200 cars)

Shukubo
(TempleLodging)

Available (only in spring / autumn, groups only, irregular holidays, reservation required)

Website

http://www.shiromineji.com/

Social Media

⇒ Google map

【Pilgrim’s Song】
Help the people who travel to Kokubunji
They come by rough paths through mountains and fields

History and origin of Kokubunji

A temple that well preserved the ruins of the Nara period at the time of its foundation, and the entire area within the former precincts is the only national special historic site in Shikoku. The main hall was reconstructed in the middle of the Kamakura era with panelled wooded doors on the front and back. In the center of the grounds, 33 cornerstones of the main hall at the time of its construction were arranged, and the scale is comparable to that of the main hall of Toshodaiji Temple. In addition, the cornerstone of the seven-storied pagoda remains on the right hand side after entering the gate, and if it had survived, it is presumed that it was a large pagoda exceeding the size of the five-storied pagoda in Toji, Kyoto. The temple was built during the Emperor’s time. This is the Kokubunji of Sanuki country, which was founded by Gyoki Bosatsu who received the mandate. Later, during the Kōnin era (810-823), Kobo Daishi repaired the statue of Senju Honzon and set it as a sacred place. Most of the pagoda was destroyed by the Tensho War. In the Kamakura period, there was a record that it was the last temple of the Saidaiji. The current main hall was built, and after that, remained under the protection of Takamatsu feudal lords Ikoma and Matsudaira. And from that day until now stands as it was.

In addition, there is the following true story along with the legend that this temple is famous for the Shikoku’s oldest bell (bonshou). The early Edo lord, Kazumasa Ikoma, bought this bell in exchange for a “taichi-cho” (9900 square meters of rice fields) to use it as a bell for Takamatsu Castle. However, he needed a lot of people and horses to move it, much more than expected, and to bring it to the castle. Moreover, as soon as they arrived, a strange sickness befell the people there. Then the bell appeared every night at the bedside of Kazumasa who fell ill and it cried, “I want to go home”. So eventually, the bell was returned to Kokubunji. Unlike when it was transported to the castle, there was a second legend that this time, that even if a small number of people were able to carry it lightly. The bad illness was cured as soon as the bell returned to Kokubunji, and its beautiful tone was heard again.

The highlights of Kokubunji

The cornerstone of the Nara period remains. (Kondo ruins / seven-storied pagoda) A large black pine tree stands on the large grounds.

Main hall, temple bell, cornerstone (Kondo ruins, Shichitou ruins), Daishido (the Daishi statue can be seen directly), Benzaiten (Kokubunji is enshrined with the red Bentoten in the Sanuki Shichifukujin.)

Annual events at Kokubunji

Training for the Mizuko General School

Date: From 14:00 on the first Sunday of June

Temple 80 Fudasho: Hakugyzan Senjuin Kokubunji

Access

Location

Kokubunjicho Kokubu 2065, Takamatsu, Kagawa 769-0102

Tel

087-874-0033

Parking

Available (free, about 20 cars)

Shukubo
(TempleLodging)

None

Website

http://sanukikokubunji.jp/

Social Media

• On foot: 4 minutes on foot from JR Kokubu Station (14 minutes on foot from Kokubu Station JR Takamatsu / Sakaide Station)
• By car: 9 minutes from Fuchuko IC / 12 minutes from Takamatsu Danshi IC
• In the case of highway bus: There is highway bus (foot bus) for the Kansai area (12 minutes on foot from the stop)highway bus
• Airplane: 30 minutes by car from Takamatsu Airport
• Shinkansen: Transfer to Seto Ohashi in Okayama, about 14 minutes from Sakaide Station

⇒ Google map

【Pilgrim’s Song】
In the floating world of Ten Eternal Pleasures
Even the emperor wanders.

The history and origin of Tennoji

Gyoki, who visited the area for the Shikoku pilgrimage during the Tenpyō era, named this mountain where a lot of ore is produced as the mountain “Kanayabime” and “Kanayamahiko”. In the middle of Kanayama, Kanayama Maju-in temple was built with Yakushi Nyorai as the principle deity, showing that this area was the land of both Shinto and Buddhist practice.

Kukai visited later in the Kōnin era and moved the decayed Kanayama Mayaju-in to the location of the current No. 79 fudasho where it became restored as “Kinkasan Myoujoujuuji, Majuin”. It was with the thoughts of preservation that Kukai moved the temple. It was here where Kukai also encountered the Kanayama Gongen (manifestation of the Buddha as a Shinto kami), who protects the god mountain Kanayama. And it was also here where he caused the sacred water to come gushing from the heart of Kanayama. Kukai, who is convinced that all sorts of restoration is possible, placed the eleven-faced Kannon Bodhisattva, the Amida Nyorai, and Aizen Myou in this new area and enshrined them in the temple.

At the time when Emperor Sutoku who was later banished to Sanuki due to the rebellion in Hōgen era, and when Kukai met and carved the image of Amida Nyorai, Kukai also performed the restoration of “Kinkasan Myoujoujuuji, Majuin”which led to further directions of Emperor Sutoku. After the demise of Emperor Sotoku, the temple was built on the temple grounds, Emperor Saga gave the edict of another permanent work to be created. And that was to create the memorial temple for Emperor Sutoku, and it was called, “Sutoku-Tennoji”. Due to the abolition of Buddhism during the Meiji era this was changed. But thanks to the efforts of the chief temples of Kikazan Buddhist Temple Koushouin, it was decided to create the “Kinkazan Koushoin Tennoji”

The highlights of Tennoji

Miwa Torii

The vermilion torii towering over the precincts of the Emperor Temple is a Miwa Torii that is similar to the Oara Shrine in Nara Prefecture.

On the left side of the torii gate is a lower stone from Minamoto no Yoritomo, and in front of Tennoji Temple is the Sotoku Emperor Shrine (currently Shiramine Palace).

Main hall

Learning to worship both the front of the main hall (Kongo world preaching) and the back of the main hall (prenatal world preaching) from the Amida Nyorai stamp on the Kannon pier.

Daishido

The Kanji mountain Buddhist temple Kosho-in Gohonson Yakushi-san’s character is dedicated to the front of the temple.

Temple 79 Fudasho: Kinkazan Koushouin Tennouji

Access

Location

Nishinoshocho Tennno 1713-2, Sakaide, Kagawa 762-0021

Tel

0877-46-3508

Parking

Yes * Only ordinary cars are available in the precincts. For microbuses and large buses, use Route 33.

Shukubo
(TempleLodging)

None

Website

None

From the Sakaide Kita interchange, head east on Route 33. After passing JR Yasoba Station, turn right at the sign at Nishishocho intersection and go to the approach.
　　⇒ Google map