Setouchi Tourism Lemon 
The 29th temple of the 88 Sacred Sites in Shikoku, “Kokubunji,” is a historic sacred place located in Nankoku City, Kochi Prefecture. Tosa Kokubunji is a prestigious ancient temple built during the Nara period at the request of Emperor Shomu.
The temples in Kochi Prefecture are numbered 24 to 39 and are called “training dojos,” and are the testing stages of the pilgrimage, which involve long distances and difficult points. Kokubunji Temple is one of these temples, and is an important place to worship while cultivating a spirit of asceticism.
What are the highlights of the 29th temple “Kokubunji”?
Kokubunji is Tosa Kokubunji, a prestigious ancient temple built during the Nara period at the request of Emperor Shomu. The principal image is said to be Senju Kanzeon Bodhisattva, the sect is the Shingon sect Chizan sect, and the founder is Gyoki Bosatsu. The temple grounds are lined with historical temples, creating a space where seasonal nature and Buddhist culture are in harmony.
Hymn: “Divide the country, accumulate treasures, and build temples to earn profits until the end of life.”
You can spend time in deeper prayer by reciting this hymn in your heart during your pilgrimage.
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. Kochi Prefecture faces the Pacific Ocean and has a warm climate, so spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit the shrine.
② Suggested time needed
Approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour to visit the shrine, pray, and walk around the temple grounds. Since the distances between temples at training dojos are long, be sure to limit the number of temples you visit in a day and plan well in advance.
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 Kochi Expressway, head toward Nankoku City. For details, please refer to the address in the basic information.
Public transportation: Take a taxi or bus from the nearest JR station. Bus services to Kochi Station, Muroto, and Ashizuri are also available.
Nearby temples you should visit together with Kokubunji
The temples in Kochi Prefecture are numbered 24 to 39, “Dojo of training.” Be sure to include temples before and after Kokubunji Temple, as well as representative temples in neighboring prefectures, in your visit plan.
Frequently asked questions about Kokubunji/Pilgrimage
Q1. What is the delivery time (goshuin stamp reception time)?
Pilgrimage delivery times are usually from 7:00 to 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 29th temple you must visit on your pilgrimage
The 29th temple of the 88 Sacred Sites in Shikoku, “Kokubunji,” is Tosa Kokubunji, a prestigious old temple built in the Nara period at the request of Emperor Shomu. If you come to Nankoku City, Kochi Prefecture, please make this a day of your pilgrimage.
Photo provided by:Kochi Travel Net (Kochi Prefecture Tourism and Convention Association)
