Chikurinji Temple, one of the 88 sacred sites of Shikoku, is really easy to include on a road trip! From Kochi Station, we headed to Katsurahama, then on the way back made a detour to the Godaisan Observatory. Follow the signs for a short distance and you'll reach Chikurinji Temple's west gate. The temple grounds are fairly large, and besides the main hall, the most eye-catching sight is the majestic five-story pagoda. Continue toward the botanical garden, and you can also visit the Treasure Hall and garden. Chikurinji Temple, the Godaisan Observatory, and the Makino Botanical Garden are all close together, making them just right to visit in one trip! Even if you're not a temple enthusiast, it's well worth stopping by.
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Godaisan Chikurinji Temple
So many highlights, including the main hall, a national important cultural property.
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This historical temple was founded in 724 by the monk Gyoki at the behest of Emperor Shomu, in reference to the Tang Dynasty's Mt. Wutai. Because Kobo Daishi practiced asceticism on this mountain during the Daido period (806-809), the temple was later designated as the 31st temple of the Shikoku Pilgrimage.
The main hall, also known as Monjudo because it enshrines Monju Bosatsu (Manjusri), was built in 1644 by Tadayoshi Yamauchi, the second lord of Tosa. It is designated as a national important cultural property.
This beautiful garden is said to have been designed by Muso Kokushi, a high Zen priest, while visiting Tosa in the late Kamakura period (1192-1333). This garden, built along the mountainside surrounding the Shoin, is divided into two sections: the north garden, which is bright and has a tropical atmosphere, and the west garden, which is quiet and serene and is said to be modeled after Mt. Lu and Lake Poyang in China.
Other highlights include the five-story pagoda, which was built in 1980 as a reconstruction of a three-story pagoda destroyed by a typhoon, and is 31 meters high, made entirely of hinoki cypress, and designed in the style of the early Kamakura period.
Highlights
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This is a historical temple founded by Gyoki.
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It is the 31st temple of the Shikoku Pilgrimage.
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The main hall, built by Tadayoshi Yamauchi, the second lord of Tosa, is a national important cultural property.
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The beautiful garden is said to have been designed by Muso Kukoshi.
Photos
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The main hall enshrines the main deity, Monju Bosatsu. Photo by Public foundation of Kochi Visitors & Convention Association
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The five-story pagoda is 31 meters high, made entirely of hinoki cypress, and designed in the style of the early Kamakura period. Photo by Public foundation of Kochi Visitors & Convention Association
Reviews
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Some reviews are AI-translated.
Details
- Name in Japanese
- 五台山 竹林寺
- Postal Code
- 781-8125
- Address
- 3577 Godaisan, Kochi City, Kochi
- Telephone
- 088-882-3085
- Holiday
- Open every day
- Hours
- 8:00am - 5:00pm
- Admission
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[Combined Admission: Garden & Treasure Hall]
Adults: 800 yen (640 yen), Junior high school students and younger: 400 yen (320 yen)
[Garden Only]
Adults: 500 yen (400 yen), Junior high school students and younger: 250 yen (200 yen)
[Treasure Hall Only]
Adults: 400 yen (320 yen), Junior high school students and younger: 200 yen (160 yen) - Directions
- From JR Kochi Station, ride the MY-Yu Bus for about 29 minutes and get off at “Chikurin-ji mae” bus stop.
- Credit Cards
- Not accepted
- Official Website
- Official Website (Japanese)