Yakuriji Temple: A Mountaintop Sanctuary

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Discover Yakuriji Temple: A spiritual journey amidst breathtaking views and ancient legends on Shikoku's sacred Mt. Goken.

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YAKURIJI

Yakuriji Temple, the 85th temple on the Shikoku Pilgrimage, sits atop Mt. Goken, offering stunning views and a rich history dating back to 829 AD. Accessible by cable car or a scenic hike, this sacred site features a main hall, Daishi Hall, and the unique Chujobo Hall, home to one of Kagawa's legendary tengu.

A brief summary to YAKURIJI

3416 Murecho Mure, Takamatsu, Murecho Mure, Kagawa, 761-0121, JP
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Monday 8 am-5 pm
Tuesday 8 am-5 pm
Wednesday 8 am-5 pm
Thursday 8 am-5 pm
Friday 8 am-5 pm
Saturday 8 am-5 pm
Sunday 8 am-5 pm

Local tips

Take the Yakuri Cable Line for a scenic and convenient ride to the temple, enjoying views of Yashima and the Seto Inland Sea.
Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to hike to the temple, as the trail can be steep in sections.
Visit the Chujobo Hall to see the tengu enshrined there and learn about the local legends associated with these mountain goblins.

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Getting There

Public Transport

From Kotoden Yakuri Station, it's approximately a 25-minute walk to the Yakuri Cable Car 'Yakuri-Tozanguchi Station'. From there, take the 4-minute cable car ride to the top. The cable car costs ¥1,000 for a round trip.
Driving

From the Sanuki-Miki Interchange, take Route 11 to Mure Town. Turn left in front of the Kotoden Yakuri Station on Prefectural Route 36, then turn right at the T-junction with a sign to the Cable Tozanguchi Station. Free parking is available at the base of the cable car.
Walking

For those arriving on foot via the Shikoku Pilgrimage trail, the path to Yakuriji Temple is well-marked. Be prepared for a moderately challenging hike uphill. From Yakuri station it is approximately a 20 minute hike.

Discover more about YAKURIJI

Nestled on Mt. Goken in Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture, Yakuriji Temple is a captivating destination steeped in history and legend. Founded in 829 AD by the revered priest Kobo Daishi, it is the 85th temple on the famed Shikoku Pilgrimage. The temple's origins are intertwined with the tale of Kobo Daishi's spiritual practices on Mt. Goken, where it's said that five swords descended from the heavens, leading him to deem the mountain a sacred place. Over the centuries, Yakuriji has evolved, with its main hall rebuilt in the 1590s after being destroyed during the invasion of Shikoku. In 1642, Matsudaira Yorishige, the lord of Takamatsu, reconstructed the main hall, solidifying the temple as Kanjizai-in, with Kannon as its principal image. The temple grounds feature several noteworthy structures, including the main hall (hondo), Daishi Hall dedicated to Kobo Daishi, and Chujobo Hall, which enshrines one of Kagawa's legendary tengu (mountain goblins). The temple's name, Yakuriji (Eight Chestnuts Temple), derives from the legend of Kobo Daishi planting eight roasted chestnuts that sprouted into trees, symbolizing the success of his journey to China. Visitors can reach Yakuriji Temple via the Yakuri Cable Line, a charming red and white cable car that ascends from the town of Mure. Alternatively, a more challenging but rewarding hiking trail winds up the mountain, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Once at the temple, visitors can explore the various halls and buildings, admire the intricate architecture, and soak in the serene atmosphere. Don't miss the chance to see the statue of Kangiten, believed to bring blessings for business, academics, and marriage.