Yakuri-ji: The 85th Temple of the Shikoku Pilgrimage on Mount Goken
Yakuri-ji is a temple of the Daikaku-ji branch of Shingon Buddhism, standing on the slopes of Mount Goken (Goken-zan) in Mure-chō, Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture.
Known as the 85th temple of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, it is said to have been founded in 829 (Tenchō 6) by Kōbō Daishi (Kūkai), the founder of Shingon Buddhism.
The principal image is Shō Kannon (the Holy Kannon, Bodhisattva of Compassion), making Yakuri-ji a fitting destination not only for pilgrims but also for travelers who want to experience the scenery of a classic Kagawa mountain temple.
Visiting Yakuri-ji While Feeling the Mountain Air of Mount Goken
Mount Goken rises 375 meters, and the grounds of Yakuri-ji spread out around its eighth station, within a scenic area that is part of the Setonaikai National Park (Seto Inland Sea National Park).
On the way to the temple grounds, you get the sense of climbing into the mountains even though you are close to the town of Takamatsu.
Whether you take the Yakuri Cable Car or walk the main approach path, it feels as though the time of worship begins even before you arrive.
A Takamatsu Temple Affectionately Called "Yakuri-san"
Locally, Yakuri-ji is also known as "Yakuri-san" and has long been tied to faith in everyday life.
Rather than simply viewing it as a tourist spot, visiting it as a place to put your hands together in prayer changes the way the buildings and stone statues appear.
Knowing the History of Yakuri-ji and the Legends of Mount Goken Deepens Your Visit
The appeal of Yakuri-ji lies in the way the legends of Mount Goken, the faith connected to Kōbō Daishi, and the temple's ties to the Takamatsu Matsudaira clan all come together.
If you learn a little of this background before you walk, each spot in the grounds appears not just as a sight to see but as a place with its own story.
Kōbō Daishi and the Origins of the Names Mount Goken and Yakuri-ji
According to temple legend, when Kōbō Daishi was training here, five swords fell from the heavens, and he buried them in the mountain as a protective charm, giving rise to the name "Goken-zan" (Mountain of the Five Swords).
The temple's name is said to come from eight roasted chestnuts that the Daishi planted to divine the success of his journey to Tang China to seek Buddhist teachings. When he returned, all eight had grown, and the temple was renamed from "Hachikoku-ji" to "Yakuri-ji" (Eight Chestnut Temple).
Looking up at the mountain's ridgeline, it becomes easier to sense how the temple has long been bound to the worship of the mountain itself.
Traces of a Prayer Hall for the Takamatsu Matsudaira Clan
Yakuri-ji also has a history as a prayer hall for the Takamatsu Matsudaira clan.
The hollyhock crest (aoi mon) seen on the main hall's roof and curtains, and the story of the dragon painting passed down inside the hall, are important clues linking the temple to the region's history.
Where Old Faith Connects to Worship Today
There is no need to memorize the history in detail.
Simply walking while thinking of the people who trained in the mountains, the temple supported by the clan, and the people who still come to pray adds depth even to a first-time visit.
How to Explore the Grounds of Yakuri-ji: Center Your Visit on the Main Hall and Shōten-dō
The grounds of Yakuri-ji are dotted with numerous halls and stone statues.
If it is your first visit, it feels most relaxed to keep a flow in mind from the entrance to the Shōten-dō (Shōten Hall), the main hall, and the Daishi-dō (Daishi Hall), stopping wherever something catches your interest.
Know the Flow of Worship at Yakuri-ji in Advance
For worship, it helps to keep in mind a flow of purifying your hands and mouth, ringing the bell, offering incense and candles, and then visiting the Shōten-dō, the main hall, the Chūjō-bō-dō (Chūjō-bō Hall), and the Daishi-dō.
Even if you feel unsure about the proper form, you will be fine if you follow the quiet movements of the worshippers around you and proceed without rushing.
Here is the flow to keep in mind in the grounds, organized by how to view each spot.
| Place to Visit | What to Keep in Mind |
|---|---|
| Shōten-dō | A place to worship Kangiten, represented by motifs such as a pouch and radish. |
| Main Hall | The central hall connected to Shō Kannon, the principal image, and the pilgrimage. |
| Daishi-dō | A hall where you can quietly recall the presence of Kōbō Daishi. |
| Small halls and stone Buddhas | Places to pause while reading the information boards and observing the scenery. |
At the Main Hall, Face the Heart of the Pilgrimage Temple
The main hall is the place that symbolizes Yakuri-ji as the 85th temple of the Shikoku Pilgrimage.
The principal image is Shō Kannon, and its sacred mantra is chanted as "On arorikya sowaka."
In front of the hall, rather than rushing to take photos, it is best to first put your hands together and silently express wishes for a safe journey and your gratitude.
At the Shōten-dō, Experience the Faith Unique to Yakuri-ji
The Shōten-dō is the hall that enshrines Oshōten-sama (Shōten, also known as Kangiten), an essential part of any account of Yakuri-ji.
When you notice the motifs of the drawstring pouch and the radish, the faith in prosperous business, good marriage matches, marital harmony, and good health feels close at hand.
Pay Attention to the Stone Statues and Small Halls
The grounds include places that invite you to pause, such as the Daishi-dō, the Chūjō-bō-dō, the Jizō-dō (Jizō Hall), the Tahōtō (a two-storied pagoda), and a stone Buddha pilgrimage site representing the 88 temples.
Walking while observing the information boards, the shapes of the buildings, and the atmosphere of the halls built along the rocks lets you enjoy the three-dimensional feel of a mountain temple.
Understanding the Faith in Oshōten-sama (Kangiten) Reveals What Makes Yakuri-ji Special
At Yakuri-ji, the faith in Oshōten-sama (Kangiten) is cherished.
For visitors from abroad it may be a somewhat unfamiliar figure, but it is the key to understanding the motifs in the grounds and the atmosphere of worship.
A Figure Affectionately Known as Kangiten
Oshōten-sama is also called Kangiten, described as a deity who takes the joy of others as their own joy.
Rather than memorizing it as difficult doctrine, accepting it as a place of prayer that wishes for people's happiness makes it natural to put your hands together.
Discover the Meaning of the Pouch and the Radish
In the grounds, you may notice symbols of a drawstring pouch and a radish (a forked radish).
The pouch is said to represent good fortune, wealth, and prosperous business, while the radish represents good marriage matches, good health, and the lasting harmony of a couple and family.
The motifs you see in the grounds become easier to understand when read as follows.
| Motif | Meaning to Notice |
|---|---|
| Drawstring pouch | A symbol that evokes good fortune and wealth. |
| Radish | A motif connected to good marriage matches, health, and family harmony. |
| Kangiten | A figure of faith associated with joy and the happiness of others. |
Do Not Seek Blessings Selfishly
While it is a place for making wishes, it is important to respect the atmosphere of the temple.
If you turn your thoughts not only to your own gain but also to the happiness of those around you and the safety of your journey, you can worship in a spirit close to the faith of Yakuri-ji.
Getting to Yakuri-ji: Choose Between the Yakuri Cable Car and the Main Approach Path by the Mood of Your Trip
There are two ways to reach Yakuri-ji: taking the Yakuri Cable Car, or walking the main approach path (omotesando).
Whichever you choose, the very time spent approaching this mountain temple shapes the impression of your trip.
The Yakuri Cable Car Is Easy for First-Time Visitors
The Yakuri Cable Car carries worshippers from Yakuri Cable Tozanguchi Station to the Sanjō (mountaintop) Station on the slopes of Mount Goken in about 4 minutes.
The fare is 1,000 yen round trip / 600 yen up / 500 yen down for adults (junior high school age and above), and 500 yen round trip / 300 yen up / 250 yen down for elementary school children, with service usually running roughly every 15 minutes (at 00, 15, 30, and 45 minutes past each hour).
It is about a 3 to 4 minute walk from the mountaintop station to the grounds of Yakuri-ji, but operating conditions, fares, and timetables may change, so please check before your visit.
The Main Approach Path Offers the Feel of Walking Pilgrimage
Walking the main approach path lets you slowly take in the quiet of heading into the mountains and the scenery along the way.
Choose comfortable shoes and keep your visit reasonable, adjusting to the weather and your physical condition.
If Driving, Use the Tozanguchi Station as a Landmark
If you visit by car, using the Yakuri Cable Tozanguchi Station (3378-3 Mure, Mure-chō, Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture) as a landmark makes the signs easier to find, and there is a parking lot in front of the station that can accommodate large vehicles.
As a guide, it is about 15 minutes from the Shido IC on the Takamatsu Expressway, and about 25 minutes from the Takamatsu Chūō IC.
During special periods such as the New Year holidays, traffic restrictions may be in place, so it is reassuring to check before you set out.
Walking Yakuri-ji With the Seasonal Scenery and Worship Etiquette in Mind
At Yakuri-ji, not only the halls but also the trees and the presence of the mountain stay in your memory of the trip.
Even when taking photos, it is important to remember that you are visiting a place of faith and not to obstruct the flow of worshippers.
Enjoy How the Scenery Changes With the Seasons
The trees in the grounds and the air along the approach path show different expressions depending on the season.
Rather than fixing your expectations on the exact timing of flowers or autumn leaves, walking with a mind open to receiving the nature of the day you visit brings quiet discoveries.
Here is the seasonal atmosphere, organized from the viewpoint of photography and how to walk.
| Season | How to Enjoy It |
|---|---|
| Spring | The mountain air feels soft, and the greenery begins to stand out. |
| Summer | Walking in the shade and taking your time makes the mountain temple feel cooler. |
| Autumn | The colors of the trees and stone surfaces make the grounds feel more expressive. |
| Winter | The quiet air makes the shapes of the halls and rocks easier to notice. |
Respect the Place of Prayer Before Taking Photos
You may want to capture the buildings and the scenery of Mount Goken in photos, but inside the halls and at places of prayer, please check whether photography is permitted using the on-site signs.
Refraining from compositions that capture people's faces, from photography that holds up the line of worshippers, and from loud conversation makes for a pleasant visit for everyone.
Summary | Yakuri-ji: A Place to Quietly Savor Mountain and Faith on Mount Goken
Yakuri-ji is a temple where the mountain scenery, the legends connected to Kōbō Daishi, and the faith in Oshōten-sama all come together as the 85th temple of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, standing on the slopes of Mount Goken.
If it is your first visit, approaching the mountain by the Yakuri Cable Car or the main approach path and quietly touring the main hall, the Shōten-dō, and the Daishi-dō lets you feel the time that is unique to Yakuri-ji.
Please check operating conditions, any special traffic restrictions, and the detailed rules regarding prayer services and photography before your visit.
Rather than simply viewing it as sightseeing, walking with a feeling of placing yourself in a place of prayer that has long been cherished by the community is the secret to keeping Yakuri-ji in your heart.
