Zentsuji Temple

David Calhoun 3 months ago

It was great to see a few pilgrims visiting here. The atmosphere is really relaxed and not busy at all. The five story pagoda and the temple grounds look as good as any in Kyoto, with the big difference that it's free to enter, very nontouristy, and definitely off the beaten path. Though the signs are old and in need of repair, they offer a lot of context in English. I got on the wrong train so I ended up walking over an hour from a different station, but in my head I was telling myself that I was experiencing just a tiny bit of the pilgrimage. Some of the road walks in the inaka are pretty scary where there's no sidewalks. One of the pilgrims boarded my train on the return back to the hotel - they had the standard hat, white shirt, and walking staff, along with any other accessories needed (eg backpack). It really reminded me of seeing Appalachian Trail hikers, though the purpose of this hike is definitely more spiritual.

Lizabeth Dorman 11 months ago

Give yourself plenty of time to take in all the temples, shrines, and history in this complex.

Nat Fine a year ago

Nice temple with very spacious grounds. Tranquil and relaxing on a late weekday morning. The thousand-year old or more camphor trees were the most interesting part for me. Otherwise Zentsuji is fairly average when compared to other famous temples. It was cool to learn that Kobo Daishi was born here (apparently on the grounds now occupied by the temple). Lots of good signage in English available. The grounds are free to enter. There is a fee to enter the main hall. The surrounding town of Zentsuji isn’t all that exciting. Be sure to also check out Kotohira shrine (Konpira san) and Marugame castle. I wouldn’t make a special trip just to see Zentsuji alone.

ARBN a year ago

The temple grounds were much wider than I originally though it would be. There are a good number of structures from the main hall housing the big Buddha statue to the five-story pagoda, a new building housing ashes/bones of people’s departed relatives, a memorial from the old local Burmese conmunity to the very many stone statues that have interesting expressions. While it is definitely an interesting temple and also serves as a very important one one the route pilgrims take in Shikoku, there isn’t much else to see around the area. (There’s a famous bread place behind the temple and a great かき氷 place just a stone’s throne away though.) And access without a car will be very difficult. So best not to get out of your way just for the temple unless you have a car and time to spare.

Marek Ososinski 5 years ago

Magnificent trees, mountains and a spiritual retreat. A must see place for anyone. Lots of local stalls full of history and kind people eager to share stories.