【Pilgrim’s Song】
Fudakuya here is the cape ship
Mountain of stumbles for smoother law

History and origin of Kongofukuji

Located on the hillside overlooking Cape Ashizuri in the national park, the southernmost tip of Shikoku, the grounds has a large temple boasting 120,000 square meters. Kobo Daishi sensed the ideal sacred place of the Kanzeon Bodhisattva, the world of Fudaraku that opens to the Pacific Ocean at the tip of the cape. It was reported that the Emperor Saga (reign 809-23) raised and founded the temple in response to an imperial request. It is said that this took place in the 13th year of the Kōnin era, when Daishi was 49 years old.。
The cape is reminiscent of the dark green sea of trees, the white lighthouse, the rippling waves of the cliffs, and the pure soil of Kanzeon. 80km from the previous 37th fudasho, now about 2 hours by car, about 30 hours on foot, 3 nights and 4 days, it is the longest distance between the Shikoku sacred site fudasho, and aptly named as the “training dojo”.

Looking at the details of Engi, Daishi sculpted and enshrined the three-faced Senju Kanzeon image when he built the temple, and named it “Kongōfukuji”. “Kongo” is said to have thrown a goblin towards Japan when Daishi came back from Tang Dynasty. “Fuku” is derived from “Fukujukai Mugen” in the “Kannon Sutra”. It became a petition of the successive emperors and was revered by military commanders. Genmitsu’s devotion is particularly strong, Genmitsu Naka built the Treasure Pagoda, and his child, Yoritsumu, contributed to the restoration of the various halls.
Since the Sengoku period, there was a prosperity of the “everlasting country beyond the sea”, and people worshiped through Pure Land Buddhism and yearned for Mount Potalaka (the Pure Land of Kannon). The ruins said to be the “Ashizuri Nanafushigi” (Foot Stomping Seven Wonders) mysteriously dotted with indentations are scattered around the tip of the cape.

The highlights of Kongofukuji

Honzon, Sanzen Senju Kanzeon Statue, Tosa Goshiki Garden, Shinenen, and a wooden frame engraved with the Emperor Sakai Emperor. One of the three scrolls.)

Annual events at Kongofukuji

Ashizuri Onehan Festival

Date: February 15 of the lunar calendar

Temple 38 Fudasho: Sadazan Fudarakuin Kongohukuji

Access

Location

214-1 Ashizurimisaki, Tosashimizu, Kochi 787-0315

Tel

088-088-0038

Parking

40 normal cars, 5 microbuses (free)

Shukubo
(TempleLodging)

Yes

Website

None

From Tosa Kuroshio Railway Nakamura Station, drive on Route 56 and Route 321 in the direction of Cape Ashizuri, and turn left on Prefectural Road 27 in Tosashimizu City. Go straight to Ashizuri and Nakahama and you will find it on your left.
⇒ Google map

【Pilgrim’s Song】
Six of earth and five gods
Incubating Niita the pleasure of deities

History and origin of Iwamotoji

The Iwamoto-ji Temple is built in Shimanto-cho, where the clear stream Shimanto River flows and the Konan Plateau with an altitude of about 300m spreads. History goes back to the Tenpyo era. According to Buddhist legend, Gyoki Bodhisattva, who served as the vassal of Emperor Shouma, he erected the temple near Niida Myojin, about 3 km northwest of the present location, praying for the eradication of the seven great difficulties and for the seven great fortunes of life. Fukutomanji Temple, which has the Sueji Shichigaji Temple, is the predecessor. It was also called Niida-ji because it was Nitta Myojin’s branch temple (Betsutoji). Kobo Daishi visited this temple during the Kōnin era. Daishi divided the gods of Niida Myojin, who had been enshrined as one, into five deities, and in the one, Fudou Myo statue, Kannon statue, Amida Nyorai statue, Yakushi Nyorai statue, and Jizo statue were enshrined as the main deities. . Daishi also built Sueji Gokanji. For this reason, Fukutomanji and other temples were called Twelve Fukuji Temple together with Shichika-ji, and Niida Myojin was called Niida Gosha.

During the Tensho period, both temples and shrines declined temporarily due to fire. At the time of reconstruction, the temple’s teachings and other duties were transferred to Iwamotoji Temple (then Iwamotobo), which was under the control of all the shrines in the area. During the Sengoku / Edo period, the temple received donations by warlords, lords, etc., and was proud of its prosperity as a place for temples and shrines. In the Meiji era, it was separated from Niida Gosha by the policy of separation of Shinto and Buddhism, and the main Buddha and Fudasho of Goson were unified in Iwamotoji. The road of hardship continued well into reconstruction, but the temples have been improved little by little until the present day.

The highlights of Iwamotoji

Great ceiling painting of the main hall and main hall

Annual events at Iwamotoji

New Year Special Prayer

Date: January 2

Setsubunkai (Star Recreation Society)

Date: February 3

Kobo Daishi Festival

Date: March 20-21

Flower Festival (Buddha Association)

Date: April 8

Shikoku Henro

Date: Early June

Lanlanbon

Date: August 13-16

Shikoku Henro

Date: early November

Holy celestial festival

Date: December 18

Night festival

Date: December 31

Temple 37 Fudasho: Fujiizan Gochiin Iwamotoji

Access

Location

Shimanto-cho, Shigekushi-machi 3-13, Takaoka-gun, Kochi 786-0004

Tel

088-022-0376

Parking

20 normal, 4 large

Shukubo
(TempleLodging)

Yes (reservation required)

Website

None

From Route 36, take Route 56 towards Shimanto City. Go through Kubokawa tunnel and turn right at Furuichicho intersection. Go straight and turn left at the second traffic light. Turn right at the end. It is about 120m on the left side.
⇒ Google map

【Pilgrim’s Song】
The little fountain of the green dragon.
A pledge of the protection of Buddhismく

History and origin of Shoryuji

When you go on pilgrimage through Shoryuji, you cross “Usano Ohashi”. Until the opening of the bridge in 1973, pilgrims crossed the bay entrance of Uranouchi Bay of about 400m by boat. Kobo Daishi also crossed this bay by boat when he built Shoryuji Temple. There were 8 people of that region left. It is reported that their descendants have been protecting this ferry, the “Dragon Pass”, for generations until today.
Kobo Daishi went to the Tang Dynasty and studied Buddhism at Shoryuji Temple in Chang’an, and was given the secret of Shingon by Kazuhisa Eika and became the eighth holder of the tradition. In 806, the first year of the Daidō era, he returned home. According to Engi, Daishi prayed that he would be able to choose a victorious spot by throwing a vajra (tokko) toward the eastern sky in order to build a temple in Japan and grant him favor. The vajra (tokko) was wrapped in purple clouds and flew away high in the sky.

After returning home, when Daishi was traveling on pilgrimage in this area, he felt that the “tokko” was in an old pine on the mountain by the inner shrine, and at the behest of the Emperor Tatsumi (reigned 809-23) Daishi built a temple in this area in the 6th year of the Kōnin era, enshrined a stone Fudo Myo statue, and named the temple Shoryuji . The the mountain number was named “Tokko” from the vajra released from a certain foreign country.
Until the Meiji period, it was said to be Tosa 7 Dai-ji Temple, and it was a famous temple with Sueji Yotsuji Temple and Wakibo Rokubo. It is also said that the statue of the priest’s immovable (waveless) Fudo Myoo was founded by the Daishi in order to calm down the storm when he entered the country, and is still deeply believed to be able to calm down tempests, provide voyage safety, grant fertility, and protect those on rough seas.

The highlights of Shoryuji

Aizen Myoza, Okunoin, Yokonami Prefectural Natural Park (Uranouchi Bay on the north side and magnificent Pacific Ocean view on the south side)

Temple 36 Fudasho: Tokkozan Ishanain Shoryuji

Access

Location

Usamachi Ryu 163, Tosa, Kochi 781-1165

Tel

088-856-3010

Parking

20 cars (free)

Shukubo
(TempleLodging)

None

Website

None

From Tosa Interchange, take Route 56 and Prefectural Road 39 to Usa-cho, Tosa City. Run along prefectural road 23 and prefectural road 47 along the sea and turn right at the bus stop.
⇒ Google map

【Pilgrim’s Song】
Kiyotakiji Temple is the heart that draws clear water
Wave feathers on the rocks

The history and origin of Kiyotakiji

The northern part of Tosa city. Located on the hillside of Mt. Mio, this is Kochi prefecture’s paper known for its Tosa Washi and handmade shoji paper. If you trace the source, you will find that it is a sacred place with Kobo Daishi and has an inseparable relationship. It is a place of great religion that reveals the “Mitsumata” (trident) and is an important source of water for making Japanese paper.
According to Engi, Gyoki Bodhisattva came here by pilgrimage in year 7 of the Yōrō era, and in this area he sensed the spirit and carved the statue of Yakushi Nyorai. It is said that this was the principal building of the temple and that it opened at the beginning with the name “Keizan-mitsuin / Taku-mokujii”. Kobo Daishi visited during the Kōnin era (810-24). He built a platform on a rock about 300m above the main hall and prayed for the good harvest of the five grains and practiced 17 days of training for the Akai Gongen (water offering ritual) and the Ryuo Gongen (dragon king ritual). When he pierced the platform with his priest’s staff on the day of the fulfilment of vows, water sprang forth out from above the stone and turned into a mirror-like pond. Therefore, the name of the mountain, the name of the temple, were changed as they are now, making it a sacred place.

This water not only irrigates the paddy fields, but also reveals the “Mitsumata” (trident) and was useful in paper-making, and eventually contributed to the Tosa Washi industry.
In Buddhist legend, the third prince of Emperor Heijō (reigned 806-09) left his house to tell of Kobo Daishi’s dream and was named Shinnyo (Tathata-“the ultimate nature of all things”). Shinnyo visited this temple, prayers were said for the increase in health and prosperity and protection from disaster, he reconstructed the 5-ring tower, and later envoys with the Tang Dynasty began. One of Daishi’s ten apprentices was there. Also, during the Edo period, the Tosa lord was heavily relied on, and received a donation from the temple territory.
It is a famous temple for praying for the eradication of bad luck and ill omens, and its symbol is a large statue of Yakushi Nyorai, which is higher than the main building roof.

The highlights of Kiyotakiji

Honjo, Amulet Yakushi Nyorai Statue, Inverse Tower (A tower that scourge yourself before life. It is now regarded as a “exclusive access mountain”.)

Temple 35 Fudasho: Iouzan Kyouchiin Kiyotakiji

Access

Location

Takaokacho Tei 568-1 Tosa, Kochi 781-1104

Tel

088-852-0316

Parking

None

Shukubo
(TempleLodging)

None

Website

None

Turn left on National Route 56 from Tosa Interchange. Turn right at the next traffic light and go straight. About 3km.
⇒ Google map

【Pilgrim’s Song】
Five grains seeds spread throughout the world
The deep sadness of Nyorai

The history and origin of Tanemaji

The coast of Tosa Bay is like a mecca of the Shikoku Sacred Sites. Tanemaji Temple is one of them, and it brings auspicious luck related to the voyages in Tosa Bay.
Around the 6th century. In the 577 year of Emperor Bintatsu, a scholarship letter from the Baekje prince (of ancient Korea) was given to his Buddhist teachers and craftsmanship along with a number of theories. They arrived in the days of Emperor Yomei (reign 585-87) for the construction of Shitennoji, in Osaka. At last he finished and was on his way home. Intense storms off Tosa led them to the port of Akiyama near Tanemaji. They carved a statue of about 145cm of Yakushi Nyozai and prayed at the top of Tanemaji. This is the origin of the temple.

More than 200 years later, Kobo Daishi, who returned from the Tang Dynasty, visited this area during the Kōnin era. The master enshrined the statue of Yakushi Nyorai as the principle deity, and built with various halls. It is said that Tanemaji Temple was named because the rice, wheat, foxtail millet, proso millet, beans, and mulled grains that were brought back from Tang at that time were sown in the precincts.
In the calendar year (947-57), Emperor Murakami (reign 946-67) was awarded a “Tanema” award. In addition, the protection from Tosa feudal lord Yamauchi was strong. Vast fields and forests have been donated and renovation of the hall was also being carried out. However, there was no mercy with the difficulties that came from the abolishment of Buddhism. The honzon yet keeps the “Medicine Buddha for Safe Delivery”, and many followers still come, and the bottomless ladles are still popular.

The highlights of Tanemaji

Bottomlesst ladles, Honzon, Hand purification bowl (the oldest town-designated cultural property. Built in 1677)

Annual events at Tanemaji

Book of honor

Date: New Year’s Day is March 8th

Temple 34 Fudasho: Motoozan, Suzakuin, Tanemaji

Access

Location

Haruno-cho Akiyama 72, Kochi, Kochi, 781-0321

Tel

088-894-2234

Parking

70 normal, 5 large (free)

Shukubo
(TempleLodging)

None

Website

None

From Tosa Interchange, take Route 56 towards Harunocho.
⇒ Google map

【Pilgrim’s Song】
The road of travel is now Kofukuji
The pleasurable month of Akiake (dawn)

The history and origin of Sekkeiji

Katsurahama in Tosa Bay is known for its beautiful white sand. It is also famous for the bronze statue of Ryoma Sakamoto, a lord at the end of the Edo period. Sekkeiji is about 4 km west from there. First of all, there are three characteristics of Sekkeiji.
The first is the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism, which has only two temples among the 88 sites in Shikoku. It was founded by Kobo Daishi in the Kōnin era year 6 and was called Shingon Buddhism. It was called “Kōfukuji Temple”. Later, the name of the temple was changed to “Keiunji”, but the temple that had been destroyed was revived by Tosa lord and former chief Chosokabe Motochigo during the Sengoku period. He was invited to be the first priest as the founder of Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism, to become the founder. He is the father of the resurgence. The father of the afterlife. The fourth son succeeded to establish the temple as their ancestral temple (Bodaiji), and changed the name of the temple to “Seikeiji Temple” from the name of his former parent, and still remains today.
The second is the famous Buddhist priest of the Kamakura period, Unkei and his eldest son, Tankei (the great sculptor), stayed at this temple. Unkei created the Yakushi Nyorai statue and the Sunlight of the Buddha triad, the illuminating Buddha. In addition, Tankei made the statues of Bishamonten and Kichijoten (the wife/sister of Bishamonten). It is said that he engraved a cute zenjishi doji statue in a slightly bowing pose and enshrined it. It was also for this reason, it was named Keiunji, discipleship, and 12 gods of the sea, of which there are 16 statues, are all designated as national important cultural properties.
The third is said to be the “Dojo of Nangaku”, and the early Edo priest, Kazuhisa Tenji, was active as the ancestor of the “Nangakuhanoso” School, and has produced many excellent Confucian scholars such as Nakano Nakakaneyama.
Gempō Yamamoto, who arrived at Sekikeiji Temple and completed the pilgrimages 17 times around Shikoku, was also a Zen abbot in Ryūtaku-ji and Shoin-ji.

The highlights of Sekkeiji

Tai Xuan Tower, Xuanfeng Tower, Tsukiho Kazuhitoki, Nobuyoshi’s Tomb (the eldest son of Chosogabe’s former parent. Following the Kyushu defeat of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, he died with 700 vassals killed by Bungo.) 16 other sculptures and other important cultural properties

Annual events at Sekkeiji

Setsubun amulet / Hundred years

Date: February 3

Flower Festival

Date: April 8 of the lunar calendar

Bon / Sotoba

Date: July 1st Sunday

Demon

Date: October 2nd Sunday or 3rd Sunday

Nightlight Bell / Soba Entertainment

Date: December 31

Yasuko Anjizo Festival

Date: July 3rd Sunday

Temple 33 Fudasho: Koufukusan Koufukuin Sekkeiji

Access

Location

857-3 Nagahama, Kochi, 781-0270

Tel

088-837-2233

Parking

0 for normal, 5 for microbuses, 3 for large buses (6am-6pm, Shinpai “adjacent Fukujinja land”)

Shukubo
(TempleLodging)

Tonight Hall: Yes (no nightclothes) Must be put in by 17:00

Website

None

From Kochi Interchange, head toward Harimaya Bridge. From Prefectural Road 34, turn right at the intersection of Kochi-minami Post Office and park for 100m.
Or go up to the Seto Bypass and go down to the left of Yorakuji Temple and park on the left 20m.
Get off at Tosaden Traffic Nagahama.
⇒ Google map

【Pilgrim’s Song】
Silent on the water surface of Zenjibuji
The heart floats in the vessel of Buddha’s Law

The history and origin of Zenjibuji

Close to the coast of Tosa Bay, where the swells of the Pacific Ocean come. Even though it is a small mountain, it is at the top of Mt. Mine at an altitude of about 82m, so it is locally called “Minenji”, “Minedera”, and “Mineji”. In addition, the men of the sea call it “Guardian of ships Kannonl” because it was built in for the purpose for maritime and sea travel safety. Not only fishermen, but the successive lords who sailed out of Urato Bay during the Kansei era, such as by changing offices, all prayed to this temple and prayed for a safe voyage.
According to Engi, Gyoki was appointed by Emperor Shoumu (reign 724-49) and built the temple in the hope of securing the safety of ships sailing off Tosa. Later, in the first year of the Daidō era, Kobo Daishi visited the temple grounds where strangely shaped rocks were lined up. The appearance of Kannon’s Pure Land, of India is considered to be the ideal mountain of Buddha and he realized that it was a sacred area just like Mount Potalaka (mythical dwelling of the Buddhist bodhisattva Avalokitesvara in the south seas of India) as the ideal mountain of Kannon and the Buddhist path. Akasagarbha (bodhisattva) trained here to be the protective deity of the void. At this time, he carved an eleven-faced Kanzeon Bodhisattva statue himself and named it “Zenshimine Temple”, and also named “Hachiyōzan” because the mountain of Mineyama resembled the lotus of “eight leaves”.
Since then, Kannon, the “guardian of ships” has been attraction the devoted faith of ordinary fishermen, thanks to the devotion of Tosa’s first lord, Kazutoyo Yamauchi, and other successive lords. Niomon’s statue of Kongo wrestlers is a nationally designated important cultural property by Sadaaki, a Buddhist teacher from the Kamakura period. The temple is built so that its shoulders are close together, but the grounds are covered with trees, and there are many strange rocks, creating a ghostly atmosphere.
A slab on which the poet Basho writes, “The rock shaped winter tree between the Japanese cedars” is located between the strange rocks in front of the main hall.

The highlights of Zenjibuji

Zen master, temple treasure, Takeichi Hanpeita (also known as Seosan, Tosa king party. The old house and tomb are located below the temple.)

Annual events at Zenjibuji

General young society

Date: June 17th, 14:00

Temple 32 Fudasho: Hachiyouzan Gumonjiin Zenjibuji

Access

Location

3084 Tochi, Nankoku, Kochi 783-0085

Tel

088-865-8430

Parking

30 normal, 10 microbuses, 5 large (free)

Shukubo
(TempleLodging)

None

Website

None

From Kochi Interchange, head toward Godaiyama and Katsurahama. There is to climb.
⇒ Google map

【Pilgrim’s Song】
Hail the mother of Buddha of Monju
If I am a child, I want milk

The history and origin of Chikurinji

In addition to being the stage of “Yosakoi Bushi”, which was famous a famous story of seeing a monk buying an ornate hairpin in Kochi, Tosa, it is also known as an academic temple that became the “Nankai First Dojo” where school monks and famous monks gather. From Kamakura, a famous monk of the Rinzai sect of the North and South Korea era, Kokushi Yumemado (1275-1351) built the “Kyuukou hermitage” at the foot of the mountain and trained there for more than two years. Next to the gate, there is a memorial hall of Dr. Tomita Makino (1862-1957), a global botanist born in Kochi and the prefectural Makino Botanical Garden. It is one of the most famous places of the Tosa region.

Since Kazuyo Yamauchi became the first lord of Tosa in the first year of Keichō era (1601), the lords of the successive lords have relied heavily, and temple flourished has flourished as a prayer place. The main hall called “Monju” was built in the early Edo period and is an important cultural asset of the country. In addition, the treasure hall on the left side of Yamamon contains 17 Buddha statues, all nationally designated important cultural properties from the Fujiwara period to the Kamakura period.
You can see the city of Kochi below and you can see the beautiful Urato Bay in the shape of a bowl.

The highlights of Chikurinji

Godaiyama, five-storied pagoda and garden

Annual events at Chikurinji

Good luck

Date: January 1-3

Nioh-son prayer meeting

Date: January 16 and lunar January 16

First Bunshukai ceremony

Date: January 25

Setsubun

Date: February 3

Needle memorial festival

Date: February 8

Reunion

Date: February 15

Spring cluster

Date: Sunset on the equinoctial week (changed)

Flower Festival

Date: April 8 of the lunar calendar

Summer Wenshukai ceremony

Date: June 24

Bon festival

Date: From early July to the end of August

Ikkyu training

Date: Late July to August (4 times)

Autumn cluster

Date：Sunset on the equinoctial week (changed)

Godaisan Kangetsu times

Date: Mid-Autumn

Takerinji Autumn Festival

Date: Saturday and Sunday in late November

Narudokai

Date: December 8

Nightlight bell

Date: December 31

Temple 31 Fudasho: Godaisan Konjikiin Chikurinji

Access

Location

3577 Godaisan, Kochi, Kochi 781-8125

Tel

088-882-3085

Parking

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

Shukubo
(TempleLodging)

None

Website

http://www.chikurinji.com/

Social media

From the Kochi Interchange, head toward the Kochi North Loop Line toward Kochi City, turn left on National Route 32, turn right at the Takasu Shinmachi 4-chome intersection, and head toward Godaiyama. Follow the signs to the mountain path and you will see it on your left.
⇒ Google map

【Pilgrim’s Song】
Ichinomiya where many people gather
I wonder if it will flourish in the past and now

The history and origin of Zenrakuji

This area, about 6 km to Kochi Castle and about 4 km to JR Kochi Station, was once called “Kamibe-go” and is the oldest prosperous region in Tosa. According to Engi, Kobo Daishi visited this area in the same year after the Emperor Kanmu reigned (781 to 806). Founded and designated as a sacred place and established Zenrakuji as a luxurious temple for Takagamo Daimyo-jin, the total guardian of Tosa Kuni Ichinomiya. It was founded and set as a sacred place.
Since then, the temple has been dedicated to the protection of the beacons as a temple of Buddhism and has prospered by enlightening the faith of the Buddha. In particular, during the time of Tadayoshi Yamauchi, the second lord of Tosa, the temple prospered and grew with the protection of military patronage. However, following the difficulties of the abolition of the Buddha by the new Meiji government, the temple fortunes changed completely and hard days continued until it was reconstructed in 1964. After a period of confusion, such as the fact that two temples were able to call themselves, “Zenrakuji” it is now established as the 30th sacred place as of January 1, 1994.

The Daishido on the left of the main hall was built during the Taisho era. The statue of the Daishi here is known as the “Taikyo Daishi”, and it is said that if you are visited by a troubled year or pray for traffic safety, etc., you will have a spiritual experience. In addition, there is “Koyasu Jizo-do” in the temple grounds, and it is enshrined with Jizoson, a gentle face called Kobo Daishi. There is a legend that the priest prayed and gave relief to pregnant women who suffered from difficult birth, and it is said that there are benefits to the safe delivery and childbirth prayers. In addition, there are many people who participate in prayers for lost unborn children.
There is an open atmosphere in the residence. It is an ancient temple that flourished as a branch temple of Tosa Ichinomiya.

The highlights of Zenrakuji

Plum Viewing Jizo, Amanojaku, Main Hall (Renovated in 1983)

Annual events at Zenrakuji

Zenrakuji First Festival

Date: February 1

Setsubun amulet

Date: February 3

Flower Festival

Date: April 8 (Amacha entertainment by the women’s department)

Temple 30 Fudasho: Dodosan Toumyouin Zenrakuji

Access

Location

Shinane 2-23-11, Ichinomiya, Kochi, Kochi 781-8131

Tel

088-846-4141

Parking

20 normal, 4 large (free)

Shukubo
(TempleLodging)

None

Website

http://www.zenrakuji.sakura.ne.jp/

From Kochi Interchange, head toward Kochi North Loop Line toward Kochi City and turn left on Prefectural Road 384. After about 2km, turn left at the bus stop in front of Ichinomiya Shrine and it will be on your right.
⇒ Google map

【Pilgrim’s Song】
The temple that divides the country and piles treasure
What is stored remains if you go to the end of the world

History and origin of Kokubunji

Speaking of Tosa Kokubunji, the mid-Heian period poet Kinukiyuki (c. 868-945) comes to mind. The Tosa Diary written by Nukiyuki is particularly famous for being a kana diary written in a woman’s brush, and the provincial governor’s official office where Nukiyuki stayed for four years as a priest was about 1 km northeast of Kokubunji. It was called “Kokubunji tomodomo Tosa no ma horoba” and was the political, economic and cultural center of Tosa.
Emperor Shoumu (reigned 724-49) transcribed and delivered the “Golden Light Sutra” and built Kokubunji in 68 locations nationwide around the 13the year of the Tenpyō era. In Tosa, Gyoki Bodhisattva opened it as a place for prayer for the peace of the world, Taiping, the harvest of five grains, and the enrichment of all. Respect for the Emperor was great and he was blessed.
According to Engi, Kobo Daishi travelled around the area around 815, the 6th year of the Kōnin era, when he engraved the Bishamon deity and placed it in the Okunoin. At that time, in the main hall, he was trained in the “Hoshi Kyou no Hihou” (Secrets of the Stars), which is an exorcism study to ward off evil that was inherited by Shingon Yaso. Since then, Tosa Kokubunji has become the “Hoshi no Konpon Dojo” (Foundational Study of Stars).

According to Engi, Kobo Daishi travelled around the area around 815, the 6th year of the Kōnin era, when he engraved the Bishamon deity and placed it in the Okunoin. At that time, in the main hall, he was trained in the “Hoshi Kyou no Hihou” (Secrets of the Stars), which is an exorcism study to ward off evil that was inherited by Shingon Yaso. Since then, Tosa Kokubunji has become the “Hoshi no Konpon Dojo” (Foundational Study of Stars).
Currently designated as an important cultural property of the country. In addition, Nioumon was built in 1655 in the first year of the Meiji era with the donation of Tosa’s second generation lord, Tadayoshi Yamauchi, and the current Niomon was rebuilt at the beginning of the Showa era and has a two-layer structure. The entire grounds of the 1250-year-old temple is designated as a national historic site.

The highlights of Kokubunji

Nationally designated cultural property, gold temple, garden, monument (backing the main hall, cherry blossoms and peony in spring, hydrangea in early summer, persimmon in autumn, a peaceful approach to the heart, and the foundation stone of the seven-storied pagoda at the time A beautiful garden of cedar moss, a monument of Takako Kyoko’s five girls, Haruko Takagi, eldest son, Toshio, grandson, Atsuko Inabata, etc. (Discovered by excavation in 1977)

Annual events at Kokubunji

Setsubun star festival

Date: February 3

Flower Festival

Date: Old April 8

Seventeenth Night Festival (Obon General Service)

Date: Old July 17

Mikage

Date: 21st of every month

Immobility

Date: 28th of every month

New Year’s Eve night bell

Date: December 31

Temple 29 Fudasho: Manizan Houzouin Kokubunji

Access

Location

546 Kokubu, Nankoku, Kochi 783-0053

Tel

088-862-0055

Parking

Normal / 45 cars, Large / 5 cars (free)

Shukubo
(TempleLodging)

None

Website

http://www.tosakokubunji.org/

From the Nankoku Interchange, take National Route 32 towards the southern country. After about 2km, turn right at the bus stop Kokubunji Street and after about 400m you will see it on your right.
⇒ Google map