Setouchi Tourism Lemon 
Foundation stones from the Nara period remain. (Kondo ruins, seven-storied pagoda) A large black pine tree has been established in the large precincts.
Main hall, temple bell, foundation stone (Kondo ruins, seven-storied pagoda ruins), Daishido (the statue of Daishi can be seen directly), Benzaiten (Kokubunji enshrines “Benzaiten”, the only red one among the Sanuki Seven Lucky Gods)
What are the highlights of the 80th temple “Kokubunji”?
Kokubunji is Sanuki Kokubunji, which was built during the Nara period at the request of Emperor Shomu. The principal image is the Eleven-faced Thousand-Armed Kanzeon Bodhisattva, and the sect is the Omuro branch of the Shingon sect. As a sacred place connected to Gyoki Bodhisattva, many pilgrims visit throughout the year.
Hymn: “I will help those who can divide the country, overcome the mountains and fields, and visit the temples.”
Three points to visit Kokubunji
① Best time to visit the shrine
The temple grounds change with the seasons, with cherry blossoms in the spring, green leaves in the summer, red leaves in the fall, and silence in the winter, giving it a different feel no matter when you visit. Especially the fresh green leaves in May and the autumn leaves in November are perfect for photography.
② Suggested time needed
Approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour to visit the shrine, pray, and walk around the temple grounds. It is crowded on weekends and during the spring and autumn pilgrimage seasons, so we recommend visiting early in the morning and planning your visit with plenty of time.
③ Necessary items for the pilgrimage and process of worshiping
Basic information about Kokubunji
How to access Kokubunji
By car: From the nearest IC on the Takamatsu Expressway/Matsuyama Expressway, head toward Takamatsu City. For details, please refer to the address in the basic information.
Public transportation: Take a taxi or bus from the nearest JR station. It is also convenient to take a taxi to visit sacred sites or a pilgrimage bus tour.
Nearby temples you should visit together with Kokubunji
It is common to visit the 88 sacred sites in Shikoku in numerical order. You can have a more fulfilling pilgrimage experience by visiting the temples before and after Kokubunji Temple, as well as the temples in Takamatsu City.
Frequently asked questions about Kokubunji/Pilgrimage
Q1. What is the delivery time (goshuin stamp reception time)?
Pilgrimage delivery times are usually 7:00-17:00 (officially 7:00-17:00). Goshuin stamps and Buddhist sutras cannot be received outside of these hours, so please plan your visit accordingly.
Q2. Are there admission fees and parking fees?
You can visit the shrine grounds for free, but there are some temples that require a separate parking fee (about 200 to 500 yen for a regular car) and entrance fee to the treasure hall.
Q3. What are the benefits of visiting the shrine in pilgrimage costumes?
Pilgrimage costumes such as a white robe, a robe, and a vajra cane are not only formal, but also have benefits such as making it easier to receive entertainment and calming your mind. Rentals and purchases are possible at temples such as Ryozen-ji Temple, the No. 1 temple.
Q4. Where can I receive a Goshuin (Nokyo)?
You can receive it for about 500 yen at the nokyo office of each temple. Many people visit with a three-piece set that includes a notebook, a white coat, and a hanging scroll, and a notebook can be purchased for around 700 to 2,000 yen.
Q5. Which is better: a pilgrimage by car or a walking pilgrimage?
Choose according to your time and physical strength. A car pilgrimage can be completed in 10 to 14 days, while a walking pilgrimage takes 40 to 50 days, but offers a more profound experience. Rental cars, bus tours, and taxi pilgrimages are also popular.
Q6. Can a beginner start the pilgrimage?
Of course it is possible. In addition to the toruuchi, which visits 88 locations all at once, it is also common to perform the pilgrimage in sections. You can play the game in either order, starting from number 1, or reverse the game, allowing you to play at your own pace.
Summary | Kokubunji, the 80th temple you must visit on your pilgrimage
The 80th temple of the Shikoku 88 Sacred Sites, “Kokubunji,” is Sanuki Kokubunji, which was built at the imperial request of Emperor Shomu during the Nara period. If you come to Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture, please make this a day of your pilgrimage. Time to calm your mind and experience the history and Buddhist culture of Shikoku awaits you.
Photo provided by:shikoku-guide.com
