＜Mt.Godai Chikurinji Temple＞An Ancient Temple With 1,300 Years of History Associated with Emperor Shōmu｜KochiFor recommended sightseeing and leisure spots inTabiiro

An Ancient Temple With 1,300 Years of History Associated with Emperor Shōmu

"Godaisan Chikurin-ji Temple" in Kochi City, Kochi, was founded in 724 by the monk Gyoki, at the order of Emperor Shomu, in reference to Mount Wutai in Tang China. Dedicated to "Monju Bosatsu," the temple is known as the 31st sacred site on the Shikoku Pilgrimage. Located next to the Kochi Prefectural Makino Botanical Garden, the temple hosts a variety of activities that connect with contemporary life, including sutra copying and meditation, as well as numerous events.

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Spacious Temple Grounds Blending History and Seasonal Nature

Within the temple grounds, where seasonal changes create a beautiful setting, highlights include the main hall designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan that enshrines “Monju Bosatsu,” the nationally designated scenic "Meisho Garden" counted among Kochi's three celebrated gardens, the symbolic vermilion "Five-Story Pagoda," and the atmospheric “Meguri no Mori,” forming a place of rest for visitors.

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Sutra Copying and Meditation for Quiet Reflection

Experiences at “Chikurin-ji Temple” include meditation, practiced while sitting with a straight posture facing the beautiful garden to calm the mind, and sutra copying that brings the spirit of Buddhism into the heart; the two are often undertaken together. Engaging with written characters and Buddhist teachings in this setting offers a quiet, reflective moment within an atmosphere distinct from everyday life.

Detailed information

Take a Leisurely Stroll Through the Lush Grounds Steeped in History

The temple grounds, surrounded by trees, feature numerous highlights, including the main hall designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan, the nationally designated scenic “Meisho Garden” counted among Kochi's three celebrated gardens, the symbolic vermilion “Five-Story Pagoda,” and the quiet, atmospheric “Meguri no Mori,” creating a setting suited to a leisurely stroll.

01. A temple that offers quiet support for personal reflection and life’s turning points
02. Meditation and sutra copying in a calm setting that help steady and cultivate the mind

Mt.Godai Chikurinji Temple

Address

3577 Godaisan, Kochi City, Kouchi

Access

[Car] 15 minutes from Kochi IC on the Kochi Expressway; [Bus] Take the MY-Yu Bus from Kochi Station on the JR Dosan Line, 2-minute walk from the “Chikurinji-mae” Bus Stop

Official Website

http://www.chikurinji.com/

TEL

+81-88-882-3085Please inform the staff that you found us through "Tabiiro".

FAX

+81-88-884-9893

SNS

Business hours

Temple Visits: 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. / Scenic Garden & Treasure Hall: 8:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.

Regular Holiday

Open year-round

Fee

[Scenic Garden & Treasure Hall Admission] Adults: 800 yen / Junior High School Students and younger: 400 yen Temple visit: Free

Parking

100 spaces

Event information

1st and 16th of every month: Shoten Festival Day
25th of every month: Monju Bosatsu Festival Day
January: Ofukuwake, New Year Special Prayer Ceremony, Nio Son Prayer Ceremony, First Monju Ceremony
February: Setsubun Festival, Needle Memorial Service, Nirvana Day Ceremony
March: Spring Equinox Memorial Service
April: Flower Festival (Buddha’s Birthday Celebration)
June: Summer Monju Ceremony
July: Obon
August: Ikkyu training
September: Autumn Equinox Memorial Service, Godaisan Moon Viewing Ceremony
November: Shichi-Go-San Prayer Ceremony, Chikurinji Autumn Festival
December: Bodhi Day Ceremony, New Year’s Eve Bell Ringing