Place of worship • 3416 Murechō Mure, Takamatsu, Kagawa 761-0121, Japan
Yakuriji, the 85th temple on the Shikoku Pilgrimage, stands nestled in the mountains of Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture. As you climb the 230m rocky mountain, you will encounter a Buddhist paradise opened by Kobo Daishi. With each step along the approach, you will be enveloped in a mystical atmosphere as if transcending time and space.
The main hall, built in the rocky overhang just below the mountaintop, enshrines a white-robed Kannon statue standing over 5m tall. Embraced by the mountain god-inhabited giant rock, it exudes the ambiance of a Buddhist paradise with the essence of eternal life. Revered as a sacred site since ancient times, it continues to evoke a sense of awe and respect as a place of ascetic training.
The vermilion-painted torii gates standing in various places within the precincts attract attention. The boundary formed by these gates, resembling a shrine at first glance, is actually a warding off of evil spirits in this area. It is a sanctuary opened while seeking the protection of gods and Buddhas to guard people from the threats of nature.
In addition to climbing the steep approach paths from the foot of the mountain, you can also use modern means such as a cable car. However, the magnificent views along the path and the vistas among the trees ensure that you can fully savor the atmosphere of pilgrimage from ancient times.
Yakuriji is a mystical space that transcends time, but it is also a place to return to the present world. Why not visit and feel the breath of this sacred place, which has continued to wish for peace for people?