Dainichi Temple: A Shikoku Pilgrimage Haven
Discover spiritual solace at Dainichi Temple in Kochi, a serene stop on the historic 88-temple Shikoku Pilgrimage.
Dainichi Temple, nestled in Konan City, Kochi Prefecture, is a significant stop on the Shikoku Pilgrimage, a journey that weaves through 88 sacred temples. Known as the Great Sun Temple, Dainichiji's origins trace back to the 8th century when the priest Gyoki is said to have founded it. He is credited with carving the statue of Dainichi Nyorai, a 'secret Buddha' not usually shown to the public. In the early 9th century, Kobo Daishi, a central figure in Shingon Buddhism, stayed nearby and reputedly carved a statue of Yakushi Nyorai, the Medicine Buddha, using only his fingernails from a camphor tree. This statue resides in the temple's inner sanctuary. The temple is known for healing ailments of the head and upper body. The main hall was rebuilt in 1997 in the traditional style, without using any nails. Every pilgrimage temple has a Daishi Hall where pilgrims pray.
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a fair amount of walking around the temple grounds.
- If you have ailments of the head or upper body, consider visiting the inner sanctuary with the statue of Yakushi Nyorai.
- Take time to appreciate the traditional architecture of the main hall, rebuilt without using any nails.
A brief summary to Dainichi Temple
- 476 Noichicho Bodaiji, Konan, Noichicho Bodaiji, Kochi, 781-5222, JP
- +81887-56-0638
- Visit website
- 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
Getting There
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Train and Walking
From Kochi Station, take the Tosa-Kuroshio Gomen/Nahari Line to Noichi Station. Depending on the train, the ride takes about 30-50 minutes and costs around ¥510. From Noichi Station, it's approximately a 30-minute (2 kilometer) walk to Dainichi Temple. Follow the signs; the path is well-marked for pilgrims.
