Yashima-ji Temple (84th Temple, Nanmenzan Senko-in)

Daihachiyonban Zassho Nanmenzan Senkoin Yashimaji

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The 84th temple on the Shikoku Pilgrimage, located on Yashima Island in the Seto Inland Sea. Enjoy breathtaking views of the magnificent Seto Inland Sea.

Historic Sites
Shrines and Temples
World Heritage

Tourist destination images of Yashima-ji Temple (84th Temple, Nanmenzan Senko-in)(1)

Tourist destination images of Yashima-ji Temple (84th Temple, Nanmenzan Senko-in)(2)

Tourist destination images of Yashima-ji Temple (84th Temple, Nanmenzan Senko-in)(3)

Highlights84th Temple on the Shikoku Pilgrimage
Temple associated with Kobo Daishi (Kukai)
Houses an eleven-headed Kannon statue
Stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea
A unique place where history, scenery, and faith harmoniously coexist

Basic Information

Address: 1808 Yashima Higashimachi, Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture Search for tourist attractions in Kagawa

Access: Accessible via the Kotoden (Kotohira Electric Railway) Shido Line – Shirome Station (2.6 km), a short walk, or the Kotoden bus, Yashima-sanjo bound shuttle bus to "Yashima-sanjo" (0.2 km). A shuttle bus to Yashima-sanjo departs from JR Yashima Station or Kotoden Yashima Station once an hour. The fare is ¥100. Yashima Skyway (Hours: 6:30 AM – 10:00 PM). While a motor road, it's also accessible by bicycle and on foot. The toll is free, but parking at the Yashima summit costs ¥300 for regular cars (free for under 20 minutes). It's about a 2-minute walk from the parking lot to the East Gate. By regular road: Kagawa Prefectural Road 14, Yashima Park Line; about a 30-minute walk to Yashima-ji Temple (limited parking available at the road's end). Show route

Op.Hours: Treasure Museum: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM Nokyō (religious inscription) reception: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Cld.Days: Irregular holidays

Fee: Treasure Museum Admission: ¥500 for adults, ¥300 for junior high school students and younger

INFO: Yashima Mountaintop Parking Lot - Fee-based (¥300 for ordinary cars, ¥200 for motorcycles, ¥1,200 for buses)

HP: http://www.88shikokuhenro.jp/84yashimaji/

Overview

Located on Yashima Island in the Seto Inland Sea, Yashima-ji Temple is the 84th temple on the Shikoku Pilgrimage, attracting countless pilgrims and tourists for centuries. Its history stretches back to 754 AD (Tenpyo Shoho 6), when Ganjin, a Chinese monk on his way from China to Todai-ji Temple, is said to have visited Yashima and built a hall. Later, in 815 AD (Kōnin 6), Kobo Daishi (Kukai) moved the temple buildings from Hokurei to Nanrei at the behest of Emperor Saga, carving an eleven-headed Kannon statue as the principal image and establishing it as the 84th temple on the pilgrimage. Yashima-ji Temple is a unique site where history, scenery, and faith harmoniously coexist. Its history plays a significant role in Japanese Buddhist history; the legend of Ganjin's founding underscores its profound lineage. The relocation by Kobo Daishi highlights its importance as a key site in the establishment of the Shikoku Pilgrimage. The temple offers commanding views of the Seto Inland Sea. Yashima Island, with its distinctive geography, has served as a navigational landmark and was a pivotal location in the Genpei War. The view from Yashima-ji Temple not only evokes historical romance but also provides a perfect setting for relaxation and rejuvenation. Even today, Yashima-ji Temple remains a focal point of devotion for many worshippers. The eleven-headed Kannon statue, with its compassionate visage, is revered as a deity that grants wishes. When visiting Yashima-ji Temple, we encourage you to savor its history, scenery, and spiritual significance. Experiencing this harmonious blend of history, nature, and faith will surely create a memorable journey.