Kongohukuji Temple is located on a hillside overlooking Cape Ashizuri at the southernmost tip of Shikoku.
It is said that Odaishi felt the world of “Hodaraku,” the ideal sanctuary of Kannon Bosatsu, in the vast Pacific Ocean beyond the cape, and offered an imperial request to Emperor Saga to build a temple complex there.
The principal image of the temple is “Thousand-armed Kannon Bosatsu” (Goddess of Mercy).
- The spacious grounds of Kongohukuji Temple are one of the largest on the Shikoku pilgrimage route.
- Kongohukuji Temple has the longest distance between temples! That’s why it is a “shukubo” (lodging house)
- One of the “Seven Wonders of Ashizuri”…the Daishi Tortoise carrying Odaishi-sama.
- Things to do around Kongohukuji Temple
- Access to Kongohukuji Temple
- Parking around Kongohukuji Temple
- Kongohukuji Temple Official Website
- Recommended around Kongohukuji Temple
The spacious grounds of Kongohukuji Temple are one of the largest on the Shikoku pilgrimage route.
The grounds of Kongohukuji Temple cover an area of 120,000 square meters. There is a pond and a Japanese garden within the temple grounds.
There are many buildings, including the main hall and a pagoda with a strong presence, and the 108 Buddhist statues are also a welcome sight. The view over the pond is also very impressive.
The contrast of magnificent colors created by nature is overwhelming: the green sea of trees, the sparkling blue ocean, and the white of the waves crashing on the cliffs.
Even the man-made white lighthouse is in harmony with nature, creating a picturesque scene.
Kongohukuji Temple has the longest distance between temples! That’s why it is a “shukubo” (lodging house)
At approximately 90 kilometers from the 37th temple, it is the longest of the Shikoku pilgrimages.
It takes more than 30 hours on foot and two nights on the way.
The 39th temple is about 40 kilometers away, making it a true “training center.
Kongohukuji Temple has a “shukubo” (lodging house), which is a delight to stay in.
Located away from the temple grounds, it has a “homey” impression, complete with a laundry room, bathhouse, and dining room, and laundry is free of charge for those who stay overnight.
Laundry is free for guests. 6,500 yen per night for two meals. Of course, guests not on the pilgrimage can also stay here.
One of the “Seven Wonders of Ashizuri”…the Daishi Tortoise carrying Odaishi-sama.
There is a stone statue of a large turtle. It is said that the Great Priest called a turtle from “Kameyobi-iwa” at the tip of Ashizuri Cape to practice asceticism in the sea, and the turtle rode on his back to “Fudo-iwa” in front of him to pray for safety at sea. It is said to be one of the Seven Wonders of Ashizuri, like Urashima Taro who went to the Dragon’s Palace riding on the turtle’s back.
Things to do around Kongohukuji Temple
The tastiest fish is Shimizu mackerel
Not only bonito, but horse mackerel and mackerel are also delicious in Tosashimizu.
Seki Mackerel” is famous throughout Japan, but “Shimizu Mackerel” is fatty but not harsh, and even has a sweet taste.
It is fresh and can be served as a sashimi, but we recommend lightly drying it overnight, as the dried fish concentrates the flavor.
A “breather” at Ashizuri Hot Spring Resort
Hot springs are the best way to relieve fatigue. There are several inns where you can relax.
The view from the inn closest to the cape is overwhelming and makes you imagine the time of a typhoon.
There are also hotels that allow pets, so you can make the pilgrimage with your pets.
The spectacular view from Cape Ashizuri makes you realize that the earth is round!
In Kochi Prefecture, there are several places where you can feel that the earth is round, and Cape Ashizuri is one of them.
The only place in Japan where the main current of the Kuroshio Current meets the cape directly is Usubae, on the west side of the cape, and this is the only place where you can see it.
The view from the two observation decks is magnificent and makes you realize once again that the earth is round.
Now it’s time to go to the “Hakusan Cave Gate” created by nature…
Among the many caves and caves in Cape Ashizuri, this is the largest at 16 meters high and 17 meters wide, and is said to be the largest granite cave in Japan.
The cave, a magnificent work of art created by nature over tens of thousands of years, can be accessed via a walking trail.
It is still washed by waves and is designated as a natural monument by Kochi Prefecture.
You can look down on the cave from the “Manjiro Footbath,” so you can relax and enjoy the view while soaking in the footbath.
Access to Kongohukuji Temple
214-1 Ashizuri-misaki, Tosashimizu, Kochi 787-0315
Parking around Kongohukuji Temple
Kongohukuji Temple Official Website
Official site：https://88shikokuhenro.jp/en/sadazan-fudarakuin-kongohukuji/