Temple 73: Shusshaka-ji


Temple 73 on the 88 Temple Circuit, Shusshaka-ji was moved to the valley 200 years ago to make it more accessible to pilgrims. Before that, it was up a steep, precipitous mountain rising 500m above the plain. It is said that at the age of seven, Kōbō Daishi threw himself off this peak crying 'If I am called to save the people, save me Buddha!' Legend says he was saved by angels who carried him back to the top.

This is one of the places where magical powers are attributed to the mountains.


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1. Temple 75: Zentsū-ji

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Zentsū-ji, Temple 75 of the sacred 88, is the largest of the temples – most of the other 87 could fit in its car park. This is where Kōbō Daishi was born,…

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Ema-dō is filled with maritime offerings ranging from pictures of ships and models to modern ship engines.

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5. Shoin

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Shoin is a designated National Treasure that dates from 1659. It has some interesting screen paintings and a small garden.

6. Konpira-san

4.25 MILES

Konpira-san or, more formally, Kotohira-gū, was originally a Buddhist and Shintō temple dedicated to the guardian of mariners. It became exclusively a…

7. Hōmotsu-kan

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At 27m, this is the highest wooden lantern in Japan, originally built to guide ships sailing on the Inland Sea.

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