Sohonzan Zentsuji Temple
The birthplace of Kobo Daishi. A location steeped in history.
Sohonzan Zentsuji Temple gives its name to the city that surrounds it. Temple number 75 in the 88-temple Shikoku Pilgrimage, it is popular as a power spot and draws worshippers from around the country. Known as the birthplace of Kobo Daishi (a hugely influential figure in Japanese Buddhism also known as Kukai), it is also the location where Shingon Buddhism first took root in Japan.
Sohonzan Zentsuji Temple is one of the three temples founded by Kobo Daishi, along with Kongobunshi Temple in Koyasan and Toji Temple in Kyoto. The grounds are home to national treasures related to Kukai and an ancient camphor tree, making for a location where the past mixes with the present.
The temple grounds (totaling approximately 45,000sq meters) are divided into an Eastern Temple (housing the Kondo Golden Hall, the Shakado Hall of Buddha, and the five-story pagoda) and a Western Temple (housing Mieido Image Hall, Shoryoden Hall, Gomado Hall, etc.) and are visited year-round by worshippers.
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The temple grounds are home to a huge camphor tree that is over 1000 years old and is designated a natural monument by Kagawa Prefecture. -
The monks conducting a ritual to drive away illness.
- Address
- 3-3-1 Zentsuji-cho, Zentsuji, Kagawa (香川県善通寺市善通寺町 3-3-1)
- Phone
- 0877-62-0111
- Hours
- 8:00am - 6:00pm
- Parking
- 350 Spaces
- Website
- https://www.zentsuji.com/
- Additional
Information - Parking Fee: Personal vehicles: ¥300
Buses: ¥1,000
Buddhist Meal: ¥3,300 per person (includes tax)