Sareizan Senkoin Senyuji

Temple 58

【Pilgrim’s Song】
While resting in the Sakurei hall
Chant the six characters and read the sutra

Sacred Ground of Sand

The main Buddhist statue of the great teacher of the 88 sacred sites in Shikoku, is sculptured with stone slabs buried in sand around the foot of the statue. If you keep your heart in mind, you will be able to receive great benefits. * Image 1

Shukubo

We have set up Shukubo so that the pilgrims can recover from their fatigue and continue their journey. Spend a quiet night in the mountains where the master has spoken. (All rooms Japanese-style room, reservation required) * Image 2

The history and origin of Senyuji

The precincts are located on a hill with an altitude of 300m near the summit of Sakureisan, which is the name of the mountain. Beyond that, the islands floating in the Seto Inland Sea, and the Shimanami Kaido, which opened in 1999, have a panoramic view.
The founding was made by the edict of Emperor Tenchi (reigning 668-671), and the lord of Iyo, Moriko Ochi founded the temple. The main statue of Senden Kannon Bodhisattva is a memorial Buddha of the emperor. It is said that a dragon-woman came up from the sea and engraved and enshrined it in the reverent manner of bowing three times for each carving put into the deity. For this reason, there is a legend that “Sakureizan” became the mountain name and was derived from from Ryūgū (the undersea palace of the Dragon King).
In addition, there is a legend at Senyuji where a monk named Abo Sennin stayed for 40 years and established a seven structure temple, but disappeared suddenly in the second year of the Yōrō era (718). The temple name comes from Abo Sennin.
When Kobo Daishi repaired this temple at the time of the opening of the Shikoku sacred sites, he dug a well to relieve people suffering from illnesses and restored the ruined seven structure temple. This well remains on the side of the old approach, and is believed to have saved many people from various illnesses.
In the Edo period, the temple was devastated and only the main hall and twelve Buddhist statues were found, but in the early Meiji period, the high monk, Yūren Shonin became the lord of the mountain and worked with many believers to revive it. Yūren Shonin is considered as the last imbued Buddha in Japan in the 4th year of the Meiji era. In the temple grounds, there is a five storied pagoda that is a memorial to him.

The highlights of Senyuji

Ryūgū Sakura Monument, Inuzuka Pond

Annual events at Senyuji

Revision meeting, first prayer meeting, new year prayer meeting
Date: Three days
Evil Flyer
Date: 2nd Sunday in January
General young society
Date: January 17
Setsubun
Date: February 3
Flower festival
Date: April 8
Kobo Daishi Mikage
Date: April 29
46,000-day large law society (summer festival)
Date: The last Sunday of August 9
New Year’s Eve
Date: December 31
Gomakai
Date: 21st of every month

Temple 58 Fudasho: Sareizan Senkouin Senyuuji

Denomination
Koyasan Shingon sect
Honzon
Senju Kanzeon
Pioneer
Moriko Ochi
Founding
Late 7th century
Mantra
On basara tarama kiriku

Access

Location
Tamagawacho Besshokou 483, Imabari, Ehime 794-0113
Tel
0898-55-2141
Parking
Yes * Regular car 400 yen as road maintenance fee
Shukubo
(TempleLodging)
Yes (50 people, reservation required)
Website
http://www.shikoku88-58senyuji.com/
Social Media
instagram

From Imabari Interchange, take National Routes 196 and 317 toward Tamagawacho. Turn left at the bus stop Osuki and follow the mountain road.
⇒ Google map

Futozan Muryojyuin Eifukuji

Temple 57

【Pilgrim’s Song】
Hachiman protects this world with bow and arrow
The next is saved by Amitabha

Ancient Nokyocho

In the middle of the Edo period in 1800, the twelfth year of the Kansei era, the name of a person who came to the pilgrimage from Kyushu, wrote his name as “Hachimangu Betsu Eifukuji Temple”. He traveled around the Shikoku sacred sites in about 3 months.

Boy’s Box Car

A physically disabled 15-year-old boy, who traveled the pilgrimage with dogs pulling his cart, had his legs healed at this temple in 1958 and dedicated his crutches to it.

History and origin of Eifukuji

In the coastal waters of the Seto Inland Sea, there were constant maritime accidents. Eifukuji Temple has been worshiped since ancient times as a prayer temple as Kobo Daishi performed the memorial service called “Kaishin Kuyou”, for the gods of the sea.
According to Engi, it was during Kōnin era that the Daishi visited this place on the request of Emperor Saga (reign 809-823). He prayed for the ease of the inland sea winds and waves and the alleviation of marine accidents, and he repaired the temple at the summit of Futoyama. On the day of the supplication, the winds and waves subsided and the shadow of Amida Nyorai drifted on the sea. It was said that Amida Nyorai’s precious statue was built on the summit of Futoyama and enshrined as the principle deity.

Eifukuji also has a mixed history of Shinto and Buddha, and its origin dates back to the Heian period. In the first year of the Jōgan era (859), Yamato, Gyōkō Shōin of Daianji Temple, traveling to Usa, received the great oracle of the spirit of Hachiman and founded the branch temple as Oyama Hachiman (Ishikimizu Hachiman) in Yamashiro (Kyoto). During the voyage, he encountered a storm and drifted to this place. However, the mountain of Futoyama is similar to the man of Mt. Yamashiro, and the main shrine Amida Nyorai is also the native Buddha of Hachiman. This Hachimangu Shrine is also called “Iyo no Iwashimizu Hachimangū”, and there is a signpost of a stone tower engraved with the name of the temple and shrine named “Shikoku Fifty Seventh”.
The temple was relocated from its former location to its current one on the hillside by the Meiji New Government’s Shinto-Buddha Separation Ordinance. The current Daishido has a long history of relocating the hall on the summit. In addition, Efukuji’s collection of handwritten accounts of the middle Edo period has a handwritten “Betsuto Eifukuji” ink scroll, and the same stamps are stamped with Edo period woodblocks also have “Betsuto Eifukuji”. The name is seen, indicating that the visit was made not from the time of the Meiji Restoration but from ancient times.

The highlights of Eifukuji

Old account book, boy’s box cart, Jizo (Sando entrance, wearing a red hat), Daishido twelve zodiac sculptures

Temple 57 Fudasho: Futozan Muryojyuin Eifukuji

Denomination
Koyasan Shingon sect
Honzon
Amida Nyorai
Pioneer
Kobo Daishi
Founding
Kōnin era (810-824)
Mantra
On amirita teisei kara un

Access

Location
Tamagawacho Yawata-ko 200, Imabari, Ehime 794-0114
Tel
0898-55-2432
Parking
Yes
Shukubo
(TempleLodging)
None
Website
http://www.eifukuji.jp/
Social media
twitter

From Imabari Interchange, take National Route 196/317 toward Tamagawacho and turn left on Prefectural Road 155. Turn right after crossing the Sakai River, turn left about 1km ahead and look straight on your left.
⇒ Google map

Kinrinzan Chokuoin Taisanji

Temple 56

【Pilgrim’s Song】
Taizan-ji after all the people visit
Invocation for guidance to the afterlife

Main Hall

* Image 1

Unforgettable Pine

It is on the side of the Daishi hall. * Image 2

History and origin of Taishanji

Taizanji has a long-lasting legend that calms spirits who lose their lives due to floods. Kobo Daishi visited this place around the 6th year of the Kōnin era. The river, “Soshagawa” it is called, runs through this region. Every year in the rainy season, the river overflows, flows over fields and houses, and kills humans.Thus, the villagers are afraid and suffer, and it is believed to be the work of evil spirits. The Daishi who heard this situation built a levee with the villagers, and mastered the seven secrets of “Dosha Kaji”. Then, on the day of the full application, he sensed the presence of the Jizo Bodhisattva of Longevity in the air and the prayers for flood control were fulfilled.

The Daishi planted an “unforgettable pine” in the earth of this temple, carved the statue of the Jizo-Bodhisattva that he felt and enshrined it the main sanctuary, built the temple building and named it “Taishanji Temple”. The name of the temple is said to have been taken from the first of the ten major applications of “Enmei Jizoryo”. Taishan (sacred mountain in Shandong province of China) also has the meaning of soothing the dead and praying for the repose of the deceased, as if it were like Taishan where the dead spirits gathered.
The temple later became the imperial palace of Emperor Junna (reigning 823 to 33), and prospered as a giant monument with seven temples, including Jizoubo and Fudobo at the top of the tower. However, repeated fires have reduced the size of the temple, and it is reported that the grounds at the summit of Mt. Kanawa have moved to the current location at the foot of the temple, where the Daishi-hand-planted “Unforgettable Pine” was located.
About 300m to the right of Taizanji is the tower called “Tonomoto”. It is the birthplace of a school monk from the Kamakura period, (1240-1321) who wrote the “Hasshū-Kōyō”, “The Essential Analysis of Hasshū (The Essential Analysis of Eight Buddhist Sects)”.

The highlights of Taizanji

Sediment-carrying, unforgettable pine, Jizou car (in front of the main hall. There is a round ring on the stone tower. Turning this turns the bond of the six roads around. )

Temple 56 Fudasho: Kinrinzan Chokuoin Taisanji

Denomination
Shingon Buddhism
Honzon
Jizo Azusa (Denkoho Daishi)
Pioneer
Kobo Daishi
Founding
Kōnin era 6th year (815)
Mantra
On kakakabi sanmaei sowaka

Access

所在地
Koizumi 1-9-18, Imabari, Ehime 794-0064
Tel
0898−22-5959
Parking
Yes
Shukubo
(TempleLodging)
None
Website
None

From Imabari Interchange, take National Route 196 straight to Toyo City. Turn right at the intersection about 500m ahead and go straight and you will see your right hand.
⇒ Google map

Bekkuzan Kongoin Nankobo

Temple 55

【Pilgrim’s Song】
If you haven’t dreamed of Mishima these days
Another shrine has the very same Suijaku (savior Buddha)

Daitsūchishō Nyorai

This Buddha who is described in the seventh of the holy metaphors of “Lotus Sutra” and was believed to be the home of the “Daiyamazumi Daimyoujin” form of Buddha and was followed by the Kono Navy. * Image 1

Sedge Hat of Kawamura Kizan

A calligrapher who received the Art Academy Prize for the first time in the calligraphy world. Responding to the wishes of the priests who were surprised by so much exquisite calligraphy. * Image 2

The history and origin of Nankobo

This is the only temple in the Shikoku sacred place where the “bo” is attached. Officially called “Kōmyōji Kongō-in Nankō bō”. It is located in the center of Imabari city, but its origin is old, and it has a history deeply related to the god of sea voyages, Oyama Gion Shrine of the Imperial Guard, Iyoichinomiya.
Established on Omishima Island by the Imperial Court Emperor Suiko (594). After that, Tadashi Ochi, Emperor Bunmu’s edict, in the third year of the Taihō era, enshrined the deity as the ritual would be neglected due to the wind and waves. It is a priestly ceremony called “Before Mishima, Japan’s National Guardian Island” It was thus called and consecrated. Kobo Daishi visited the annex at the time of journeying on the Shikoku pilgrimage, and was designated as the 55th Fifth Place of the Shikoku Sacred Sites.

Later, all the shrines and temples were destroyed by the “Tensho war of fire” which spread throughout Iyo, but only Nankobo was rebuilt as a separate temple at Bekkyu. In 1600, the Yakushido was reconstructed as a place of prayer for Takatora Todo, and in the Edo period, the lord Shigeru Hisamatsu also worshiped and dedicated rituals here.
As time passed, the first Buddhist Buddha in the Meiji Era was transferred to the Nankobo Yakushi-do, where Otsuchi Chikatsu Norai and Wakizuchi’s Maitreya and Kannon Buddhist statues, which were consecrated to the shrine as the main Buddha, were clearly separated from Betsunomiya Daisen Shrine.
Furthermore, during the era of the abolition of the Buddhism in the early Meiji era, the statue of Daitsūchishō Nyorai who was set in the main shrine as the principle deity and the image of the Maitreya Bodhisattva as flanking deity, and the Kannon Bodhisattva were transferred to the Nankobo Yakushido and clearly separated from Betsugu Oyama Gion Shrine.
In August 1945, Shōwa era year 20, at the end of the Pacific War, an air raid caused damage to the Daishi hall and Konpira hall. The current main hall was rebuilt in the fall of 1981, Yakushido was rebuilt in the spring of 1991, and the mountain gate was rebuilt in the same year.

The highlights of Nankobo

Odachi Chikatsu Nyorai, Kawamura Kashiyama’s Kashiwagasa, Konpira-do (the hall that enshrines the Konpira Dagengen that has been solicited from Konpira Shrine in Iki)

Annual events at Nankobo

Revision meeting
Date: January 1-3
Open your mouth
Date: January 9
Old Masakage
Date: March 21 of the lunar calendar
Kim Jin Dao Gongen General Young Reading
Date: June 10 of the lunar calendar
Shimotsuki Daishi Mikage
Date: December 21

Temple 55 Fudasho: Bekkuzan Kongouin Nankoubou

Denomination
Shingon Buddhism Omuro
Honzon
Otsuchi Chikatsu Nyorai
Pioneer
Gyoki
Founding
3 years of Taiho (703)
Mantra
Namu daitsū chishō butsu

Access

Location
Bekku-cho 3 -1 Imabari, Ehime 794-0026
Tel
0898-22-2916
Parking
Available (free)
Shukubo
(TempleLodging)
None
Website
None

From Imabari Interchange, turn left at Katayama Intersection on National Route 196 and go straight toward Imabari City. Turn left in front of Imabari Daimaru and it is about 500m on your left.
⇒ Google map

Chikamizan Houshouin Enmeiji

Temple 54

【Pilgrim’s Song】
If at the edge of a cloudless mirror
I wonder if it will cast shadows

Mountain gate

Originally one of the gates of Imabari Castle, it is made entirely of zelkova. Handed over when Imabari Castle was demolished in the early Meiji era. * Image 1

Guardian from fire Fudo Myō

Honzon. This is a rare statue of Fudo Myō, wearing a crown, and has escaped from repeated fires. * Image 2

History and origin of Enmeiji

There is a mountain with an altitude of 244m, which is the mountain of Enmeiji, which is also the name of Enmeiji Temple, about 6km northwest of Imabari city. It is said that Enmei-ji was the one that had 100 temples in the valleys, with a seven temple structure on the mountaintop.
According to Engi, in the fourth year of the Yōrō era, following the imperial request of Emperor Shoumu (reigned 724 to 749), Gyoki Bodhisattva carved a statue of King Fudo Myo, who was the incarnation of Dainichi Nyorai, and built it as a main temple. During the Kōnin era (810-24), Kobo Daishi received the edict of Emperor Saga (reigned 809-823), revived the temple as a central dojo for religion and learning, and named it “Fudoin-Enmyoji”. And the name of this “Enmyoji Temple” continued until the Meiji Restoration, but there were many mistakes with the same temple name, 53rd Enmyoji Temple (Matsuyama City), and so it has been changed to “Enmeiji Temple” which has been popularly called since the Edo period.
Afterwards, the temple suffered repeated fires and the temple burned down. However, it was revived again and moved to the foot of Enmeiji in his current location with the temple that escaped difficulties in 1727. During this period, in 1268, during the Kamakura period (1268), a scholar of the Kegon sect (1240-1321) was nestled in the temple’s Nishiya monk’s quarters, and wrote the “Hasshū-kōyō”, an introductory book for beginners of Buddhism. “Hasshuu” refers to the newly-built sect and the newly established Jodo sect of Kusha-shū, Satyasiddhi, Ritsu, Hosso, Sanron, Tendai, and Kegon. The Kegon sect and the newly-developed Jodo sect, which are written in two volumes.
The temple also has the second oldest signpost in Shikoku, with a Japanese andromeda (Pieris japonica) tree on the grounds and pretty white flowers bloom for about a month from the spring equinox.

Highlights of Enmeiji

Tomb of Sanmon, Hibuke Fudoson, Son of Ochi Son (Ogata Sonoya saved the farmers’ poverty and is said to have not been killed by the great famine of the Kyoho Year)

Annual events at Enmeiji

First immobility
Date: January 28
Setsubun festival
Date: February 3
Flower Festival
Date: April 8
Ochi Sonbei, memorial festival
Date: August 7
The demon demon
Date: August 23
Unpaid
Date: December 28
Nightlight bell
Date: December 31

Tenple 54 Fudasho: Chikamizan Houshouin Enmeiji

Denomination
Shingon Buddhist Toyoyama School
Honzon
Fudo Myoo
Pioneer
Gyoki
Founding
Yōrō 4th year (720)
Mantra
Nōmaku sanmanda basaradan senda makaroshyada sowataya untarata kanman

Access

Location
Agata, 636, Imabari, Ehime, 794-0081
Tel
0898-22-5696
Parking
Yes * There is a surcharge
Shukubo
(TempleLodging)
None
Website
https://enmeiji.info/

After leaving Enmyoji, head northeast on Route 196 running along the sea. After passing JR Onishi Station, after a while, it branches to a narrow road leading to prefectural road 38. Enter Route 38 and drive 1.4km. There is a sign at the entrance of Enmeiji along the road. Turn left, and after about 300m you will reach Enmei-ji Temple.
⇒ Google map

Sugazan Shochiin Enmyoji

Temple 53

【Pilgrim’s Song】
Himeji Temple Light of Maitreya
Lustrous shade every night of the moon

Christian stone monument

A monument with a height of about 40cm on the left side of Daishido. It seems that there were many Christians in this region during the time of the prohibition of Christianity, and the temple was acquiescing to the worship of cloistered believers.

Dragon by Sakuro Goro

Located in the upper right corner of the main hall, by the lintel (grooves for sliding doors). The eyes will shine when a bad person looks upon it.

History and origin of Enmyoji

Enmyoji preserves the oldest Shikoku sanctuary copper plate ticket that was discovered by an American pilgrim.
In March 1913, Dr. Stahl of the University of Chicago found his way to Shikoku pilgrimage, visiting the temple’s Honson and Amida Nyorai statues. The inscription was made in 1650 in the early Edo period, and it is 24cm long, 9.7cm wide, about 1mm thick, and is the oldest and unprecedented copper plate.

The devotee Hirato Higuchi is known for reviving the temple of Gochiyama Renge Temple in Kyoto and building the Gochi Nyorai Stone Buddha (Five Dhyani Buddhas – the five qualities of Buddha’s wisdom). Of a particular note of interest is that this is also the first time that the word “henro” is written.
According to Engi, in the first year of the Tenpyō-Shōhō era, Emperor Seibu (reigned 724-49), Gyoki Bosatsu sculpted a statue of Amida Nyorai of Wonson, a statue of Kanzeon, and a solstice sculpture. It is said that it was built as a large temple with seven temples. At that time, it was located on the shore of Nishiyama in Wakehama and was called “Kaizan / Reimei-ji Temple”.
Later, Kobo Daishi maintained the ruined temples and revived it as a sacred place. However, it declined due to repeated fires during the Kamakura period, and was moved to the current location by the local royal family of Shigehisa Suga, during the Genwa period of 1615-24. Furthermore, it was rebuilt as the immediate end of Ninna-ji Temple in 1636, the 13th year of the Kan’ei era, by the order of royal decree by Kakushin Ido of Kyoto (Emperor Goyosei’s first prince and high priest of the Edo period), of the Omuro sect of Buddhism, and the temple name was also revised as it is now. Enmyoji Temple is also known for its Christian monument with embossed Virgin Mary images.

The highlights of Enmyoji

Kirishitan stone pagoda, dragon and Kannon-do by Sakuro Goro (Eleven Kannon statues are enshrined.

Temple 53 Fudasho: Sugazan Shouchiin Enmyouji

Denomination
Shingon Sochiyama School
Honzon
Amida Nyorai
Pioneer
Gyoki
Founding
Tenpyō-Shōhō era 1st year (749)
Mantra
On amirita teisei kara un

Access

Location
Wakemachi 1-182, Matsuyama, Ehime 799-2656
Tel
089-978-1129
Parking
Available (free)
Shukubo
(TempleLodging)
None
Website
None

From Matsuyama Interchange, take Route 33 to Matsuyama city. Run along the South Ring Route / National Route 196 and turn left at Uchinomiya Intersection. Go straight ahead and look to the right.
⇒ Google map

Ryuunzan Gojiin Taisanji

Temple 52

【Pilgrim’s Song】
If you go up to Taisan, you may sweat
No suffering shall later come the next life

Main hall

Donated by Matsuyama Castle lord and the Kono clan in 1305. The main house-building tile roofing between the column row 7 and the beam interval 9 is a national treasure. * Image 1

Niomon

Like the main hall, it was rebuilt in the Kamakura period.
3 floors and 8 gates, with timber-built tile roofing. National important cultural property. * Image 2

The history and origin of Taisanji

It is interesting to note that the founder, Chief Mano, built the Mido overnight.
The elder was burning charcoal of bellows in Bungo (Oita), but was married to the daughter of Minister Kuga, Princess Ozu, receiving the indication from God, and became a millionaire with good fortune. In 587, the 2nd year of the Youmei era, when he went to Osaka for business, he was beset by a heavy storm and prayed to Kannon for his safety. After having been rescued at Takahama, he set about the establishment of Ichiu, He made a long-awaited request for the construction of Ichiyu, and gathered Bungo’s artisans to prepare a timber frame to build a main hall with a width of 66 feet and a depth of 81 feet. Arriving in Takahama in a smooth wind, building it up all night, the main hall was built when the morning sun rose and shone brilliantly. It is said that it is a “Mido built overnight”.

After that, at the end of Tenpyō era, year 11, (739), under the edict of Emperor Shoumu (reigned 724 to 49), Gyoki Bosatsu carved an eleven-faced Kannon statue. It is said that he made it the principal deity. The temple prospered around the time of Emperor Koken (reigned 749-58), and was spectacular enough to include a seven structured temple and 66 monks. Kobo Daishi visited during the late Tencho era (824-34), and was trained to practice the Goma ritual, converting the temple from the Hoso sect to the Shingon sect.
Later, Emperor Go-Reize (reign 1045-68), Gosanjo, Horikawa, Toba, Sotoku, Konoe, each of the six generations of Emperors were devoted to the eleven-faced Kannon statue. Both statues have an image height of around 150cm and are important cultural properties of the country along with the eleven-faced Kannon statue principle deity. It is enshrined in the main hall. Although the present main hall is the third reconstruction since the establishment of the original, it is the largest national treasure in Shingon Buddhism.

The highlights of Taisanji

Main Hall, Niomon, Prince Shotoku (The Prince who visited Iyo tied this temple. The same Prince statue as Horyu-ji Yumeden)

Temple 52 Fudasho: Ryuuunzan Gojiin Taisanji

Denomination
Shingon Sochiyama School
Honzon
Eleven-faced Kannon
Pioneer
Nagano Mano
Founding
Late 6th century
Mantra
On maka kyaronikya sowaka

Access

Location
Taisanjicho 1730, Matsuyama, Ehime 799-2662
Tel
089-978-0329
Parking
Available (free)
Shukubo
(TempleLodging)
None
Website
None

From Matsuyama Interchange, take Route 33 to Matsuyama city. Run along the South Ring Route / National Route 196 and turn left at Uchinomiya Intersection. You can see it straight ahead.
⇒ Google map

Kumanozan Kokuzoin Ishiteji

Temple 51

【Pilgrim’s Song】
Looking for the West, you can see Annyōji
Worship and receive the ten great pleasures

“Fall down seven, get up eight” power stones

“Kariateimo Tendo” is an important prayer spot believed to bless people with safe childbirth and fertility. Around the temple, stones returned by worshipers are piled up. These stones are engraved with names and words of gratitude, stacked by many as a testament to their blessings of fertility.
*Image1

Everyone together in Buddha

The name of Ishite-ji Temple originates from the legend of Emon Saburo Saikai, the forefather of the Shikoku pilgrimage. Emon Saburo, a wealthy farmer, began the Shikoku pilgrimage in pursuit of Kobo Daishi. During the pilgrimage, he fell ill and died holding a stone inscribed with “Emon Saburo Saikai.” He was reborn into the Kono family, and the stone was enshrined at the temple, which was then named Ishite-ji.
*Image2

History and origin of Ishiteji

Near Dogo Onsen, the oldest in Japan. The approach to the shrine becomes a corridor, and there are souvenir shops in Nakamise. The precinct is a sacred place where there are more local Daishi followers and tourists than pilgrims.
Another factor is that most of the shrines in the precincts are spectacular, designated as a national treasure and an important cultural property of the country, and have a treasure hall that constantly displays temple treasures. These are temples of great cultural property and value. First, let’s touch one part briefly. The national treasure is Niomon, 7m high, the front is 3m, 4m wide, In the second year of the Bunpō era (1318), a two-layered main building with a tiled room. Important cultural properties include the main hall, the three-storied pagoda, the bell tower, the five-story tower, the “Kariteimoten” Temple, the Gomado, and the oldest copper in Ehime Prefecture, which is marked with the name “Kenchō era 3rd year” (1251). There is an ancient copper gong.

According to Engi, in the 5th year of the Jinki era (728), an Iyo nobleman, Jun Ochi, saw the advent of Twenty-Fiveth Century in Reimu, and realized that this place was a sacred place, and enshrined the 12 gods of Kumano. In the meantime, the national dojo was erected as made from a petition of Emperor Shoumu (reign 724-49). The next year, the first year of the Tenpyō era, Gyoki Bodhisattva carved a statue of Yakushi Nyorai, enshrined at the main god, and placed it in the Honzon. It was the Hosso sect of Buddhism’s temple, named “Annyōji”.
The name was changed to “Ishiteji” according to the narrative of the return of Saburo Emon in 892, the fourth year of the Kanpyō era.
It has a personality of the Kamakura period, and is a famous name that conveys the modern arrangement of three-dimensional mandala styles. There is evidence that the predecessor of Ishiteji was built on the basis of a manor of the Nara and Horyuji temples around 680 (Hakuho period) as evidenced in the tiles excavated from the grounds.

Ishiteji highlights

Emperor Marin Tenryo, Graffiti Hall, Sariishi (aka “The Bridge Not Crossed” in front of the gate. A text is engraved on the back.) Amida Hall (left side after entering the Niomon Gate) Many prayers to prevent dementia.)

Temple 51 Fudasho: Kumanozan Kokuzoin Ishiteji

Denomination
Shingon Buddhist Toyoyama School
Honzon
Yakushi Nyorai
Pioneer
Gyoki
Founding
Tenpyō era, year 1 (729)
Mantra
On korokoro sendari matōgi sowaka

Access

Location
Ishite 2-9-21 Matsuyama, Ehime 790-0852
Tel
089-977-0870
Parking
Yes
Shukubo
(TempleLodging)
None
Website
http://nehan.net/

From Matsuyama Interchange, take Route 33 to Matsuyama city. Turn right at Tianshan intersection and enter the loop line. Enter National Route 317. Turn left at the first intersection and you will see it in front.
⇒ Google map

Higashiyama Rurikoin Hantaji

Temple 50

【Pilgrim’s Song】
However busy we need to pray
Pray and hope to heal all diseases

Statue of Nandikesvara

It is enshrined on the left side of the main hall. It is said that if you pray, you will be rewarded with richness, good luck, marital harmony, and prosperous business. * Image 1

Twenty-four Bell Tower ceiling paintings

Important Note: (TEXT IS SAME AS ABOVE) * Image 2

The history and origin of Hantaji

The temple is located on a hill with a panoramic view of Matsuyama Castle, the city of Matsuyama, and the Seto Inland Sea.
According to Engi, the Imperial Court of Emperor Koken (reign 749-58) Gyoki Bodhisattva carved a statue of Yakushi Nyorai and placed it there during the Tenpyō-Shōhō era. There is a theory that this became the temple name because its was given as a gift. During the Kōnin era
(810 ~ 24), Kobo Daishi traveled to the area and was settled in this temple.
After that, the temple declined, but it was revived with the help of the provincial governor, Minamoto Yoriyoshi, and the monk, Takaren. In the second year of the Kōan era (1279) under the edict of Emperor Gouda (reign from 1274 to 87), the monk prayed at this temple to repel the Mongolian army. In addition, when the founder of Tokisune, Ippen Shōnin (1239-89) returned to Iyo from Dazaifu in his youth, he attended an associated temple and trained. Shōnin dedicated the temple in the late 1st year of the Shōō era (1288), the “Jodo Sanbukyou” (Three major sutras of Pure Land Buddhism) , which was held by his late father and Buddha.

Furthermore, there is a deep connection with the Emperor’s family temple in Kyoto, and Sengyo-ji Temple. in 1395, the 2nd year of the Ōei era, Emperor Gokomatsu (reign 1382 to 1412) sent Sengakuji 26th and Kaohao Kazuo into prominent positions. He became the seventh priest of Hantaji. From the edge, the temple has tiles bearing coats of arms with 16 emblems. Some remain to this day.
Also, in the Edo period, following the Tokugawa family’s religion, the 4th shogun and family line enshrined the three Buddhas of Nandikesvara. The temple flourished.

The highlights of Sanji Temple

Tenjinjin, delightful celestial statue, 10,000 stone pillars (on the back side of the temple’s stone pillar in front of the mountain gate. A monument that fulfilled 10,000 pilgrimages.)

Annual events at Sanji Temple

Flower Festival (Amacha entertainment)
Date: April 8
Jizo Bon (Children’s Sumo Tournament)
Date: August 24
Delight
Date: 16th of every month
Delightful general youth prayer meeting
Date: January 16th, August 16th

Temple 50 Fudasho: Higashiyama Rurikoin Hantaji

Denomination
Shingon Buddhist Toyoyama School
Honzon
Yakushi Nyorai
Pioneer
Gyoki
Founding
Tenpira Katsuho Year (749-757)
Mantra
On korokoro sendari matōgi sowaka

Access

Location
Hataderamachi 32, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-0912
Tel
089-975-0910
Parking
Available (free)
Shukubo
(TempleLodging)
None
Website
None

From Matsuyama Interchange, take Route 33 to Matsuyama city. Turn right at Tianshan intersection and enter the loop line. Turn right at the first intersection beyond the Edamatsu intersection and run for about 1 km. Go further 600m beyond the bus stop Hataji and you will see it in front.
⇒ Google map

Sairinzan Sanzoin Jyodoji

Temple 49

【Pilgrim’s Song】
Leave the ten evil mystery as it is
Go to the Jodo temple

Statue of Kūya Shōnin

Nationally designated important cultural property. Image height 121.5cm, wooden, jade. Six Amida miniaturized Buddhas came from his mouth. * Image 1

Temple Graffiti

There is graffiti from the Muromachi era to the Edo era in miniature double doored shrine in the Hondo, a valuable historical historical material. * Image 2

The history and origin of Jodoji

At the entrance of the grounds is Masaoka Shiki’s phrase “Shimotsuki no Kūya wa hone ni iki ni keru” (Kūya of Shimotuski can survive on bones). (The poem suggests that even should Kūya be gone, his teachings remain with us). Jodo-ji is a temple where the figure of Kūya Shōnin (903-72) remains. Thin and with a bent back, wearing deer skin, striking a gong with his staff, the words “Namu Amida Buddha” that he speaks appears as small Buddhas that come out of his mouth. It is the incarnation of Buddha who repaired the road, built the bridge, dug the well and saved the people, cremated the abandoned dead in Hirono, he is the monk that chanted for Amida Buddha.
Jodo-ji Temple, which enshrines this statue of Kūya Shōnin in the main hall, According to Engi, Empress of Tenpyo Shoho years this is the imperial temple for the emperor Koken Emperor (represented 749-58) Buddha statue carved by Gyoki Bosatsu (668-749) It was a pioneering work and it was a temple of the Hoso sect. Later, Kobo Daishi visited this temple, revived the ruined cathedral, and converted it to Shingon sect. At that time, the temple luck prospered, and the area of the temple spread eight cho in all directions, with about 66 Buddhist temples.

Kūya Shōnin traveled around Shikoku and stayed at Jodo-ji Temple in the middle of the Heian period. During the three years of the Tentoku era period (957-61), he worked to educate villagers and became familiar with them. In the 3rd year of construction in the Kamakura period (1192), Yoritomo Minamoto prayed for the prosperity of the family and restored the temple tower. However, it was burned down in the 23rd year of the Ōei era (1416), and was rebuilt by the lord, Kounou Dousen in the Bunmei era (1469-87).
The main hall and the inner sanctum were built at the time, and they were dismantled and repaired in 1965, but the simple and majestic building that is a mixture of Japanese and Tang is designated as an important cultural property of the country.

The highlights of Jyodoji

Statue of Sayaya, Graffiti, Sanzoin (The founder of the Jodo Buddhism, Hojin Senjo, I, Seiko Kyojin, II, Ryotada Shojin) It is burnt down at the temple where it is opened and closed.)

Temple 49 Fudasho: Sairinzan Sanzouin Jyodoji

Denomination
Shingon Buddhist Toyoyama School
Honzon
Shakyaku Nyorai
Pioneer
Keimei
Founding
Tenpyō-shōhō era (749-757)
Mantra
Nōmaku sanmanda bodanan baku

Access

Location
Takanokomachi 1198, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-0925
Tel
089-975-1730
Parking
Available * Normal 20 cars, 4 buses Paid
Shukubo
(TempleLodging)
None
Website
None

From Matsuyama Interchange, take Route 33 to Matsuyama city. Turn right at Tianshan intersection and enter the loop line. Turn right at Edamatsu Intersection and follow Route 40 towards Kawauchi. After about 3km, turn left and you will see the front.
⇒ Google map