【Pilgrim’s Song】
If you want to visit the world of Amitabha
Visit the temple of the western forest

History and origin of Sairinji

There is a stream in front of the temple, and clean water flows. In front of the gate is Shiki Masaoka’s stone-engraved haiku, which is carved with “Autumn wind, Takai’s sea bream with “teiregi””. (This is a lamentation of the poet as he laid sick in bed in Tokyo longing for the taste of home.) “Teregi” is a water herb used for sashimi), and this is a natural monument of Matsuyama City.
According to Engi, Emperor Shoumu (reign 724-49) in the 13th year of the Tenpyō era, gave an Imperial petition to Gyōgi Bosatsu who entered Iyo and built the temple as an Ichinomiya branch temple with provincial governor Ochi Tamazumi. The place is now known as “Tokui no Sato” around Ono Harimazuka, Matsuyama City. The eleven-faced Kannon Bodhisattva statue was sculpted and enshrined in the main hall. In 807, Kobo Daishi stayed at this temple when he was on pilgrimage through the sacred sites of Shikoku. Here, Daishi talked with the government priest, Mitsuhiko Ochi Sanekatsu, and moved the temple to its current place to redefined it as a Shikoku sacred place, and it became a temple to pray for national security.

Around this time, the village was suffering from a drought, and Kobo Daishi thrust his staff into the earth and found a water vein nearby, thus saving the villagers. The “Staff of Deep Water” is 300 meters southwest of the temple is said to be an archeological site, and the water has not dried up and still irrigates the land. It was also selected as one of the nation’s top 100 famous water sources in 1985, the 60th year of the Shōwa era.
During the Edo and Kanei years (1624-44), the tower was destroyed by fire. In 1700, (Genroku era, year 13) some of the reconstructed parts were rebuilt by various officials such as Ikimori Matsudaira, the elders, and the magistrates. And in 1707 (Hōei era, year 4), with resurgence and adherence to the law, prayers for rain were answered, and the main hall and bell tower were rebuilt, and at the end of Edo, the reconstructed Daishido and Niomon were realized. The current Daishido was rebuilt in 2008.

The highlights of Sairinji

Fukusa Jizo, Takayuki Bamboo, and Tera Treasure (“Shikoku Unbiased”. Precious as the oldest Shikoku pilgrimage picture, published in 1363. In addition, “Shikoku Reijo” (Meiji 24, 1891) Are also valuable materials.)

Temple 48 Fudasho: Seiryuuzan Anyouin Sairinji

Access

Location

Takaimachi 1007,Matsuyama, Ehime 791-1111

Tel

089-975-0319

Parking

Available (free)

Shukubo
(TempleLodging)

None

Website

None

From Matsuyama Interchange, take Route 33 towards Tobe. Turn left at the Morimatsu intersection, turn left at the Morimatsu bus terminal, and turn left at the intersection at the end of the Kanenokuma Park. Go straight and you will see your right hand.
⇒ Google map

【Pilgrim’s Song】
People who sing and see the flowers at Yasakaji
At the edge of the three Buddhas

History and origin of Yasakaji

Between Yasakaji, which is about 1 km north of Joruriji, there is a pilgrimage road “Shikoku no Michi” that follows the gentle curved roads of the countryside. It is closely related to the legend of Emon Saburo, the ancestor of the pilgrimage. It is an old temple with a history of 1,300 years, since the founder Kokaku of Shugendo is said to have established it. The temple is located in the middle of the mountain, and in the first year of the Asuka era, Emperor Bunbu (reign 697-707) petitioned for the construction of the pagoda. At this time, it was named as a temple after the 8 slopes, and it is also derived from the increasingly prosperous “Iyasaka” (meaning “prosperity”) “eight slopes”.

Kobo Daishi trained at this temple a little over a hundred years later, in 815 in the 6th year of the Kōnin era (815), rebuilt the ruined temple, and designated it as a sacred place. The main statue of Amida Nyorai is said to be the work of Genshin Miyamoto Nobu (942-1017), who laid the logical foundation of Jodo religion. Later, from Kishu, the spirits of Kumano Gongen (manifestation of Buddha in the form of a Shinto “kami”) and the twelve shrines of Gongen were worshiped and became the main dojo of Shugendo, also called “Kumano Yasakaji”. At this time, there were 12 monks in the precincts, and Sue-ji Temple had 48 temples, and it was thriving enough to hold monks.
In the basement of the main hall, approximately 8,000 Amida figures dedicated from believers throughout the country are enshrined.

The highlights of Yasakaji

Enma-do

Between the main hall and Daishido. There are two ways: “the way of paradise” and “the way of hell”. The beautiful paradise is drawn as such, and the hell is painted with devils, beasts, and evil spirits.

Helping Hand

The 10th step from the bottom of the stone stairs to the main hall. It is said to be the hand of “Salvation that removes nine troubles”, and a story that is effective for foot and eye diseases is conveyed.

Houinto Tower

A temple treasure in the garden in front of the warehouse, a stone tower in the Kamakura period.

Fudo Sanson

On April 29th every year, students are gathered from all over the country to conduct training on the Somaka Daigo Mao fireworks.

Annual events at Yasakaji

Shiba Ryu Daigo Fireworks Sanmai Fire Training Course

Date: April 29 every year

Mausoleum

Date: July (twice) and October (2 days and 1 night) every year
* Recruitment of general participants every year

Temple 47 Fudasho: Kumanozan Myokenin Yasakaji

Access

Location

Jorurimachi 773, Matsuyama, Ehime 791-1133

Tel

089-963-0271

Parking

Available (free)

Shukubo
(TempleLodging)

None

Website

None

From the Matsuyama Interchange, take Route 33 towards Kochi / Tobecho, turn left at the intersection in front of Ehime Children’s Castle, turn right at the next traffic light after passing the Otomoyama tunnel, and turn right at Yasakajimae bus stop in front of approximately 500 meters. ⇒ Google map
⇒ Google map

【Pilgrim’s Song】
The Joururi music of Amitabha’s Pure Land
Is yours to receive as reward for strife

The history and origin of Joruriji

Joruri Temple is the first sacred place of Yatsuga Temple in Matsuyama City. To the left of the stone steps at the entrance to the approach, there is a monument of Shiki Masaoka engraved with “Eternal Sun and Emon Saburo Joruriji” that welcomes you to the pilgrimage. This area is known as the hometown of Saburo Emon, an ancestor of the Henro pilgrimage.

Following the reports of Engi, Gyoki Bodhisattva visited Nara in the first year of the Wadō era before the opening of the Big Buddha in Nara, and built a temple as a suitable place to practice Buddhism. The statue of Yakushi Nyorai was carved out of sandalwood wood to make it the main deity. Nikko and Moonlight Bodhisattva were engraved as flanking deities in the triad, and the twelve gods were carved and enshrined. The name of the temple is “Joruriji” from Ruriko Jodo (Pure Lapis Lazuli Temple), where Yakushi Nyorai is located, and the mountain is also named after Io Nyorai.
About 100 years later, in 807, the second year of the Daidō era, Kobo Daishi, who returned from the Tang Dynasty, stayed at this temple, restored the ruined temple, and established the temple as a Shikoku sacred site. At the end of the Muromachi period, the Ashikaga shogunate warrior, Michiaki Hiraoka suffered from illness and prayed to the principle deity of the honzon, and he was thrilled with the benefits and helped revive the temple pagoda.
In 1715, in the Edo period, most of the temple treasures and temples were burnt down in wildfire except for the main shrine and the flanking deities, but 70 years later, in 1785, a monk who became a priest from a local village, Takaon worked hard for the temple’s recovery. Takaon went soliciting all over the country while begging to revive the current main hall and other various halls with clean materials. He is also known as a social entrepreneur, and has built eight bridges on the Tosa Kaido from Iwaya-ji Temple to Matsuyama City.A large tree Ibuki-byakshin (city natural monument) over 1,000 years old.

The highlights of Joruriji

Buddhist hands, Buddha foot stone temple, Ichiban Bentendo, and preaching stones (“Please call me. The stone of Ryōjusen is embedded within.”)

Annual events at Joruriji

Peace Prayer Act

Date: August 15

Temple 46 Fudasho: Iouzan Youjyuin Jyoruriji

Access

Location

Jorurimachi 282, Matsuyama, Ehime 791-1133

Tel

089-963-0279

Parking

Available (free)

Shukubo
(TempleLodging)

None

Website

None

From Matsuyama Interchange, take National Route 33 towards Tobe. Turn left at the first crossing after Shigenobu Bridge. Run along prefectural road 23 and turn right at the bus stop Hirose. If you drive towards Kuya, you will find it on your right.
⇒ Google map

【Pilgrim’s Song】
The prayer of the great priest in the cave
There is paradise in the stone

The history and origin of Iwayaji

700m above sea level. It is a typical mountain sacred place where temple sits so that the ridge peaks towards the heavens and is embedded in the middle of a huge rock. The grounds of the temple and where the temple is located seem to have been used by trainees for a long time, and various traditions remain.
Kobo Daishi visited this sacred place in the sixth year of the Kōnin era. At that time, a woman from Tosa had already lived in the rock cave, fulfilled the Hokkesanmai (coming to a state of samadhi—intense concentration through meditation in the Lotus Sutra), and acquired the magical power of flying freely in the air. However, the hermit woman depended heavily on the master’s training and offered the whole mountain to be the temple itself. The Daishi carved wooden and stone statues of Fudou Myou, the wooden statue was enshrined in the main hall as the main statue, and the stone statue was enshrined in a rock cave as the secret Buddha of the Okunoin, and the entire mountain was subjected to be the Honzon as the main statue of the Fudou Myou.

It is recorded that Ippen Shounin, a priest (1239-89) participated and practiced in this burial mound in the middle of the Kamakura period and is also described as “Ippen Kiyoe”. By the end of the 13th century, statues of Fudou Myou, the Goma ritual hearth, Sennin (hermit) hall, 49 caverns, and 33 sacred caverns remained. It was thought to have been the foremost temple of the 44th Daiho-ji Temple for some time, determined in 1907 by the priest of the first generation Shinzan. However, in 1898, the entire mountain was burned down along with the Nio-mon Gate and the Kokuzo-do, as well as various historical materials. The Daishido, one size larger than the main hall, was rebuilt in 1926, and then reconstructed in 1933, the Sanmon in 1992, and the bell tower in 1927. It was erected in 1953, respectively. The Daishi-do is a nationally designated important cultural property, and the temple area is a national scenic spot and a prefectural natural park.

The highlights of Iwayaji

Anzen Zenjo, Michido Fudo, Owari Zenjo (following the mountain path behind the Okunoin and Daishido), Suzuno Otoyamakawa (a song that has the sensation of pilgrimage. Birds, Merciful Birds, Compassionate Birds, Drum Birds, Suzu Birds, Flute Birds, Drum Birds.) Plants discovered for the first time (including iyokujaku, iwayashida, iwayasuge etc.).

Temple 45 Fudasho: Kaiganzan Iwayaji

Access

Location

Kumakogen-cho Nanatori 1468, Kamiukena-gun, Ehime 791-1511

Tel

0892-57-0417

Parking

Available (charged)

Shukubo
(TempleLodging)

None

Website

http://shikoku88-iwayaji.com/

From Matsuyama Interchange, take National Route 33 towards Kuman. Turn left in front of Kuman Junior High School, run along prefectural road 12, and it is on the right hand side, about 3km past Kokuya-shuku Koiwayaso.

⇒ Google map

【Pilgrim’s Song】
The world of sorrow’s grace is Mt. Sugou
Finally the oath of Amitabha is sworn

History and origin of Daigoji

The road from 43rd Sacred Site, Meisekiji, is about 80km long, followed by the difficult part of overpasses. Just half of the 88 sites in the Shikoku sacred sites, it is said to be a “middle fudasho”. Located at an altitude of 579m, surrounded by the Shikoku Mountains, old trees stand in the grounds and there is an atmosphere of solitude.
Engi dates this temple back to the time of the Yamato Imperial Court. A priest who arrived in the morning from Baekje laid the eleven-faced Kannon statue in the mountains. In the first year of the Taihō era, Myojin Ukyo from Aki (Hiroshima), a hunter of a brother named Hayato, found the eleven-faced Kannon image in the grass and worshiped it in a thatched hut. When Emperor Bunbu (reign 697-707) heard of this, he immediately gave his order and built the temple, “Daihoji”. Kobo Daishi visited this place about 120 years later, in the 13th year of the Kōnin era. After esoteric training was completed it was designated as the Shikoku Pilgrimage Mid-Point Fudasho, and was changed from the Tendai sect to the Shingon sect.

In the Ninpei era, year 2 (1152), the whole mountain was burned down. However, Emperor Goshirakawa (reigned 1155-58) prayed for healing the illness in the Hōgen era (1156-59), and the temple was rebuilt here. It was made to be an Imperial Temple. At this time, he was given the royal sum to “Sugoyama” and had a monastery with a seven structure temple built, and at the peak of activity there were about 48 monks in Yamauchi.
After that, it was burned down again in the Tensho War but revived with the donation of the Matsuyama feudal lord. In the middle of the Edo period, it became a place of prayer for the Matsudaira family.

The highlights of Daigoji

Kumayama Farmer Ichijo, Ling Gongen, Sasazuka (Established when operating the 33rd deceased law)

Temple 44 Fudasho: Sugozan Daikakuin Daihoji

Access

Location

Kumakogen-cho Sugou 2-1173, Kamiukena-gun Ehime 791-1205

Tel

0892-21-0044

Parking

Available (free)

Shukubo
(TempleLodging)

Yes (150 people, reservation required)

Website

None

From the Matsuyama Interchange, take National Route 33 towards Kuman. At the next traffic light after passing the Kuman Police Station, turn left and follow prefectural road 12. Turn right in front of Kuman Park and turn left after passing the Kuman Art Museum.
⇒ Google map

【Pilgrim’s Song】
If you listen to the thousand mysterious vows of Senjukannon
Massive stones can be lifted

History and origin of Meisekiji

In Uwa-cho, Seiyo City, where Meisekiji is located, in addition to the Ehime Prefectural Museum of History and Culture, the Kaimei School of Uwa Culture Village, the Shrine, and the ancient remains of Koya Choei’s retreat and many ancient tombs It is a town of history and culture. Meisekiji also has a mysterious history.
First of all, this land has been revered since ancient times as a spiritual place where the Senju Kannon Bodhisattva is incarnated as a maiden. In the first half of the 6th century, by the request of Emperor Kinmei (reign 532-71), a shrine named Enshuin Masasumi built a seven-structured temple in this place to enshrine the statue of Senju Kannon, a Buddha from the Tang Dynasty. It is said that the origin was. Later, in the year 734 (Tenpyō era, year 6), a party named Kotobuki (5th generation from the executive officer Kosaku) solicited 12 concessions from Kishu Kumano, built 12 monk’s dwellings and handed down the light of Buddhism as the central dojo of the Shugendo (Japanese mountain asceticism incorporating both Shinto and Buddhist philosophies.

Kobo Daishi visited this area in the 13th year of the Kōnin era, 882. After seeing the ruined temple, Daishi beseeched the Emperor Saga (reign 809-23) and received a mandate. After that, it was Minamoto Yoritomo that restored the ruined temple after the Kamakura period. In 1194, Yoritomo dedicated the statue of Amitabha Nyorai , the lifesaver, enshrined the statue of Amida Nyorai, and changed the name to the present Meisekiji.
Since then, the temple’s reputation has been increasing, and during the Muromachi period, it became a place of prayer for the lord of the Saionji family, and in the Edo period, it became a place of prayer for the Uwajima feudal lord, the Date family.

The highlights of Meisekiji

God Buddha Xuangu / Hondo / Happy Kannon (Kannon with a benevolent face on the back of the guest hall, wearing a kimono with a length of over 2m, and a water cistern on the left)

Temple 43 Fudasho: Genkouzan Enshuin Meisekiji

Access

Location

Uwacho Ageishi 205, Seiyo Ehime 797-0007

Tel

0894-62-0032

Parking

vailable (free of charge) * Large bus / medium-sized bus 1000 yen, microbus 500 yen

Shukubo
(TempleLodging)

None

Website

None

Proceed on Route 56 from JR Ashinomachi Station and turn left at Shingo in front of the Uwa Police Station. Then turn left at the next Shingo and turn left before Iwase River.
⇒ Google map

【Pilgrim’s Song】
Butsumokuji where both grass and trees can become Buddha
Yet reliable devils from heaven

History and origin of Butsumokuji

Butsumokuji, where the legend of Kobo Daishi rode on the back of the cow is handed down, has a small hall called a “livestock hall” on the grounds. Miniature cattle and horse grass, as well as ceramic cattle and horses and plains are dedicated. A nearby farmer went to worship at the end of rice planting, went home after receiving a cow talisman card, and stuck it on the pillar of the barn. In the past, he prayed for the safety of livestock, but recently, he has been making offerings for the spirits of animals in general, including pets, and is also spreading religion to bullfight breeders.
In the second year of the Daidō era, Kobo Daishi met an old man who pulled cows here. When he rode on the back of the cow after being invited to do so, he saw a jewel on the treetop of a large hōshu (mani jewel) and light shining from it. When he looked closely, he realized this was a jewel that he had thrown toward the east together with the trident vajra (mystical weapon used in Hinduism and Buddhism, and symbol of the indestructible truth) so that when Daishi came home from Tang, he knew that this was the chosen land. Daishi realized that this place was a spiritual place, and decided to build the temple. The Daishi himself carved a statue of Dainichi Nyorai of camphorwood with a spear and buried the jewel in his forehead to make it a “byakugou” (a whorl of white hair on the forehead of the Buddha). This is enshrined as the main treasure, named “Ikkazan Buddhist Temple”, and it is said that he has dedicated the first volume of “The Heart Sutra” and “Avatamsaka Sutra” (The Flower Garland Sutra), written in cursive form.

Afterwards, the temple became a Buddha of Ushima Safety, and gathered faith as Daisama. In the Kamakura period, it became a prayer for the Uwajima lord and the Saionji family, and the Bodanji Temple. During the Sengoku period, it was forced to go through hardships, such as being struck by war, but it was revived by rebuilding its face and is now full of vitality.
Later, the temple grew and people gathered to worship the guardian Buddha and Dainichi, the guardians of livestock safety, and during the Kamakura period, became a place of prayer for the Saionji family of the Uwajima clan, and became a prosperous temple. During the Sengoku period, it struggled with difficulties, such as being afflicted by the war, but later worked hard to become rebuilt and form a renewed disposition.

Highlights of Butsumokuji

Honson, Dainichi Nyorai Statue, Livestock Hall, Belfry Hall (roof is rare in Shikoku Sacred Sites. Rebuilt in Genroku Period (1688-1704))

Annual events at Butsumokuji

Revision meeting

Date: January 1

Star Festival

Date: February 3

Dainichi Nyorai Festival

Date: April 19

Flower Festival

Date: May 5

Kiuri Seal Prayer Meeting

Date: July Day

Temple 42 Fudasho: Ikkazan Birushanain Butsumokuji

Access

Location

Mikuma-cho Sunawachi 1683, Uwajima, Ehime 798-1102

Tel

0895-58-2216

Parking

Available (free)

Shukubo
(TempleLodging)

None

Website

None

⇒ Google map

【Pilgrim’s Song】
The Mikkyō guarding god of Mikuni
Listens to the vows you keep

History and origin of Ryukoji

Uwajima is a castle town of the Date family with 100,000 stone stones, and about 10 km northeast of the city is Mima Plain. Locally called “Mima Inari-san”, Ryuko-ji is a popular sacred place that gives a deep impression of the Shinto and Buddha practices of the past. The symbol of that is that the gate is a torii gate. If you pass through this gate, you will be greeted by a guardian, a guardian dog, instead of the Nio statues. On the grounds, stone statues of a fox and Jizo-san line up side by side, and Buddha and Shinto God live together.
According to Engi, when Kobo Daishi visited this place in the second year of the Daidō era, a white-haired old man carrying a sheaf of rice appeared, saying, “I live in this place, protect the law, and bring benefit to the people”. And disappeared suddenly. The Daishi realizing that this old man was the incarnation of the Five Grains of Myojin, felt encouraged by the Myojin to carve a statue of Inari Myojin, and built and enshrined the hall. At this time, the eleven-faced Buddhist temple Buddha, the main Buddha, and the immovable Mio King and Bishamon Ten were also enshrined and placed together.

Ryukoji Temple, which was a temple of Shinto and Buddhism since its foundation, has been worshiped and maintained as Inari-ji Temple, but the old main hall has been renamed Inari-sha due to the abolition order of Buddhism by the Meiji Government. A new main hall was erected, and the eleven-faced Kanzeon Bodhisattva statue, which was the main Buddha of Inari, is enshrined here as the main statue, and the statue of Inari Myojin of Kobo Daishi is enshrined next to it.

The highlights of Ryukoji

The Sanma Plain has beautiful seasonal flowers, and the Cosmos Festival is held every November.

The 41st Fudasho: Inarizan Gokokuin Ryukoji

Access

Location

Mimacho Togari 173, Uwajima, Ehime 798-1115

Tel

0895-58-2186

Parking

Yes

Shukubo
(TempleLodging)

None

Website

None

Aim for No.42 Buddhist temple from JR Ashinomachi Station. After that, turn left at the intersection in front of Tochiike, and then turn left twice before you can see it on your left.
⇒ Google map

【Pilgrim’s Song】
Flowers freely bloom in the spring of my desire
Yet a burned out thing lives in the transient world

The history and origin of Kanjizaiji

Ehime Prefecture is a “Dojo of Bodhi” (Dojo of Enlightenment). It is the first sacred place, farthest from the sacred mountain temple, and is also called a “Shikoku Sacred Site”. The town where the temple is located is in the southernmost end facing the Uwa Sea on the beautiful Rias coast, and you can fully enjoy the scenery of Ashizuri Uwakai National Park, also known as a base for marine leisure and pearl production.
After fortunes became unravelled, Kobo Daishi visited this place under the order of Emperor Heijo (reign 806-09) in the second year of the Daidō era, and from one sacred tree, carved images of Yakushi Nyorai and Amida Nyorai, along with the eleven-faced Kannon, and they were enshrined. At that time, the remaining wood from sacred tree was used to engrave the six-character phrase, “Namu Amida Buddha,” and he made a boat-shaped treasure and prayed to remove the roots of trouble of the common people.

Emperor Heijo also gave a monetary contribution of “Heijozan” and was became close friends with the next Emperor Saga (reign 809-23), declaring with his red seal, and dedicating the “Complete Buddhist Scriptures” and the “Great Perfection of Wisdom Sutra”. Every year he sent a royal royal envoy to study the secret rituals of Goma. For this reason, this region is called “Miso” and is also called “Hirajo” after the hillside mountain.
In 1638, the fifteenth year of the Kan’ei era in Daikaku-ji, Kyoto, Kuushouhoushinnou stayed during the Shikoku pilgrimage and was granted the name of Yakushi-in. Around this time, the seven structured temple grounds towered, and it was said that it was the pride of the prosperity of the 48 temples at Sueji and two hundred hundred temples. However, all the pagodas were destroyed by fire, and after that, as a prayer place for the Uwajima lords and the Date family, the old grounds were restored to protect the sacred place and the light of Buddhism.

The highlights of Kanjizaiji

Honson and Wakizuchi, the famous treasure of “Nanu Amida Buddha”, Hondo (Reconstructed only with the cleanup of the faithful of the whole country in 1964), Daishido (in 1993, made with a treasure of the total shrine, Shikoku in the corridor (You can walk in 88 places)

Annual events at Kanjizaiji

Daishi Fair

Date: March 21

Flower Festival

Date: April 8

Daishi birthday party

Date: June 15

Daishi Festival

Date: August 21

Daishi Fair

Date: October 21

Temple 40 Fudasho: Heijyozan Yakushiin Kanjizaiji

Access

Location

2253-1 Mishohirajo, Ainan-cho, Minamiuwa-gun, Ehime 798-4110

Tel

0895-72-0416

Parking

Yes * Under the Yamamon: 15 ordinary cars, in front of elementary school: 5 ordinary cars

Shukubo
(TempleLodging)

Yes (20 people, reservation required)

Website

http://www.kanjizaiji.com/

From JR Uwajima Station, take Route 56 towards Shimanto in Kochi Prefecture. Enter Ainancho and turn left at the first traffic light (in front of Hachimano Shrine).
⇒ Google map

【Pilgrim’s Song】
Minami-Yakushi with prayer to eradicate disease
Help us as we come to the temple

History and origin of Enkoji

It is the last sacred place of the “training dojo” at the southwest end of the Tosa temples. Let’s unravel the string of luck of Ryugu Castle, which links to the origin of the current mountain and temple names. It is said that during the Heian period, around 911, the red turtle in Ryugu was carrying a copper bell on its back. The monks immediately devoted it to the temple and changed the name and name of the mountain to “Akameyama Enkoji”. This bell was engraved with the name “New Year of Enoki 11…” and was struck by the opening and closing signals of the Kochi Prefectural Assembly at the beginning of the Meiji Era with the small bell of 33.6mm in height and 23mm in diameter. It is also said that it has been designated as a national important cultural property.

Let’s go back with Engi to the origin of the temple. In the first year of Kamikame, Gyoki Bosatsu received an edict by Emperor Shoumu (reign 724-49), prayed for safe delivery and the eradication of evil, and carved a statue of Yakushi Nyorai. It is said that it was thus founded. At that time, it was named Kamezuruyama after the name of Yakushi Nyorai’s Zuisou. The Buddhist relic was then placed within the honzon.
Kobo Daishi visited this temple during the Enryaku era (782 to 805), and revived it as a place for Emperor Kanmu (reign 781 to 806). He also enshrined the statues of the illuminating and moonlight bodhisattvas and established a seven structure temple grounds. At this time, Daish struck out of the ground with his priest cane the “eye wash well” and this spring still exists today.

Highlights of Enkoji

Eyewash well, stone monument built in 1680, large red turtle stone statue (a symbol of the legend of Ryugu Castle, a red turtle with a bell on its back. On the right.)

Annual events at Enkoji

Setsubun

Date: February 3

Exorcism prayer meeting

Date: early February

Fair festival

Date: August 21

Temple 39 Fudasho: Shakkizan Jisanin Enkoji

Access

Location

Hirata-cho Nakayama 390, Sukumo, Kochi 788-0782

Tel

0880-66-0225

Parking

50 normal cars, 10 microbuses, 5 large cars (free)

Shukubo
(TempleLodging)

None

Website

None

From Tosa Kuroshio Railway Sukumo Station, take National Route 56 in the direction of Nakamura City and turn left at the bus stop Temple Yamaguchi. Continue straight for about 1km and it is in front.
⇒ Google map