Setouchi Tourism Lemon 
Iwamotoji, the 37th temple of the 88 Sacred Sites in Shikoku, is a historic sacred place located in Shimanto Town, Kochi Prefecture. This is the only temple on the Shikoku Pilgrimage that has five principal images, and the 575 paintings on the ceiling of the main hall are spectacular.
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. Iwamotoji Temple is one of these temples, and is an important place to worship while cultivating your spiritual asceticism.
What are the highlights of the 37th temple “Iwamotoji”?
Iwamotoji Temple is the only temple on the Shikoku Pilgrimage that has five principal images, and the 575 paintings on the ceiling of the main hall are spectacular. The principal images are Fudo Myo-o, Kanzeon Bosatsu, Amida Nyorai, Yakushi Nyorai, and Jizo Bosatsu, the sect is Shingon Chizan-ha, 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.
Poem: “Six dust, five shrines, representing the joy of the gods of deep Niida.”
You can spend time in deeper prayer by reciting this hymn in your heart during your pilgrimage.
Three points to visit Iwamotoji Temple
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 Iwamotoji Temple
How to access Iwamotoji Temple
By car: From the nearest IC on the Kochi Expressway, head toward Shimanto-cho. 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 that you should visit together with Iwamotoji Temple
The temples in Kochi Prefecture are numbered 24-39, “Dojo of training”. Be sure to include temples before and after Iwamoto-ji Temple, as well as representative temples in neighboring prefectures, in your visit plan.
Frequently asked questions about Iwamotoji Temple/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 | Iwamotoji, the 37th temple you must visit on your pilgrimage
Iwamotoji, the 37th temple of the 88 Sacred Sites in Shikoku, is the only temple on the Shikoku Pilgrimage to have five principal images, and the 575 paintings on the ceiling of the main hall are spectacular. If you come to Shimanto-cho, Kochi Prefecture, please make this a day of your pilgrimage.
Photo provided by:Kochi Travel Net (Kochi Prefecture Tourism and Convention Association)
