About of Zenrakuji Temple
The area where Zenrakuji Temple is located has long been an open area in Tosa, as evidenced by the presence of Tosa Ichinomiya, an ancient shrine said to have been built in the 5th century, and the Ichinomiya (Itsuku) area in particular was called Kanbe-go. Zenrakuji Temple was built by Kobo Daishi during the Daido period (806-810) as a separate temple for the Tosa Shrine. With the patronage of the Chosokabe clan and Lord Yamauchi, the temple kept its Buddhist lantern until the movement to abolish Buddhism in the Meiji era (1868-1912), but the temple was temporarily closed down.
The temple’s chief priest is a woman, which is rare among Shikoku sacred sites, and may be the only temple in Kochi Prefecture.
Convenient for car pilgrims, the temple is close to the Kochi interchange and is easy on the feet as there are few steps from the parking lot to the temple grounds and precincts.
Two 30th stations? Let the pilgrims go astray
In 1876, the main statue of Amida Nyorai was moved to Anraku-ji Temple, and Anraku-ji Temple was designated as the 30th temple. In 1929, the people of Ichinomiya rebuilt Zengakuji Temple on the site of a separate temple of Tosa Shrine, and the statue of Daishi and other items were returned.
In 1964, representatives of both temples held discussions and agreed that Zengakuji Temple would be designated as “Kaiso Sacred Ground” and Anrakuji Temple as “Honzon Taian Sacred Ground,” but the number 30 remains at two locations, and pilgrims continue to be confused. However, the confusion of pilgrims continued.
In 1994, the Gohonzon was enshrined at Anraku-ji Temple as before, and the priest of Anraku-ji Temple concurrently served as the priest of Zenraku-ji Temple, making Zenraku-ji Temple the 30th temple and Anraku-ji Temple the 30th inner sanctuary of the temple. The number of places of worship at Anraku-ji was finally reduced to one. Anraku-ji Temple is a historic temple founded by Sugawara Takamiki, a son of Sugawara Michizane.
Precincts of Zenrakuji Temple
For the exorcism of bad luck, go to “Yakuyaku Daishi”.
The Daishi Hall, built in the Taisho era (1912-1926), houses a statue of Daishi that escaped the abolition of Buddhism.The temple is famous as a temple for warding off bad luck, and many people visit to pray for a bad year and traffic safety.
Koyasu Jizo, a kind-faced Jizo
This Jizo statue is said to have been created by Odaishi-sama, who prayed for a pregnant woman suffering from a difficult delivery in the past, and the prayer resulted in an easy delivery… legend has it that this Jizo statue was created by Odaishi-sama. Many people visit the temple to pray not only for easy childbirth, but also for blessings to bring a child into the world.
Umejizo” statue, which is beneficial for illnesses from the neck up.
Ume-Mi-Jizo,” which sits next to the Daishi-Do Hall as if looking up at the plum blossoms, was built in 1816. It is said to be beneficial for brain diseases, neuroses, and chronic illnesses and troubles from the neck up, such as eyes, nose, and ears. Pillowcases and handmade netsuke (charms) of Umejizo can be purchased here.
Cute amulet
There are three types of memorials for worship: umbrella and walking stick, umbrella and straw rope, and walking stick and straw rope, which are carefully and diligently made one by one by people working at the local Heartfull Workshop.
The strings and nose straps come in a variety of colors.
The Jizo Daishi (guardian deity of the Jizo) is said to be able to take on any misfortune that may befall him, so why not find the one you like best?
There is also a Daishi charm to ward off bad luck, a pet charm, and a talisman to ward off blurriness.
Access to Zerakuji Temple
2-23-11 Ichinomiya-Shinane, Kochi-shi, Kochi 781-8131, Japan
-Approximately 10 minutes by car from the Kochi IC on the Kochi Expressway
Parking around Zerakuji Temple
Zerakuji Temple Official Website
Official site：Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage(Dodozan Toumyouin Zenrakuji)