Yakuriji Temple
temple
Yakuriji Temple
八栗寺
Overview
Yakuriji is a Shingon Buddhist temple said to have been founded in 829 by the priest Kukai (774–835).
Yakuriji Temple sits halfway up Mt. Goken and is the 85th of the 88 temples on the Shikoku Pilgrimage, said to have been founded by the priest Kukai in 829. You can reach it on foot or by the red and white Yakuri Cable Line from Mure. The name comes from a legend: Kukai planted eight roasted chestnuts here as a divination before journeying to China for deeper Buddhist study, and all eight sprouted, giving rise to the name Yakuri, meaning eight chestnuts. The temple also enshrines one of Kagawa's legendary tengu, mountain goblins, in the Chujobo Hall.
Local tips
Remove shoes before entering any hall. Look for a shoe rack at the entrance. Carry a plastic bag for your shoes if none is provided.
Practical info
- Japanese name
- 八栗寺
- Nearest station
- Takamatsu Station (25 min bus)
- Payment
- Cash only
- Reservations
- not required
Want to visit Yakuriji Temple?
Build a trip to Takamatsu