Chikurin-ji Temple

This temple is thought to have been established in 724 and is the 31st stop on the 1,400-km long Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage.

Chikurin-ji is well known for its sweeping Japanese maples, which turn gold and crimson in the fall.
The grounds are deeply serene. Once you climb a flight of photogenic stone steps and go through the entrance gate, it feels like being spirited away. Once past the gate, visitors will walk along a lushly moss-covered approach, before arriving at the main temple buildings, a red five-storied pagoda and elegant gardens.

The main figure enshrined here is Monju Bosatsu, the bodhisattva of wisdom, making the temple a popular destination for students during exam season, each praying to pass with flying colors.

While entrance to the temple’s main grounds is free, Chikurin-ji has a 14th-century garden that is registered as a National Place of Scenic Beauty. For a small fee visitors can see the Chinese-influenced garden that surrounds the library and was designed to be best viewed from within the building.

Be sure to spend some time in contemplation a little further at Meguri no Mori, a green area dotted with little ponds and a stained glass dome.

Chikurin-ji Temple offers Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage tours and several experiences led by its patient priests that offer a window into Buddhist practice and culture:

Introduction to the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage
A temple monks explains the history of the pilgrimage, pilgrimage clothing and the practices of pilgrims at each of the temples on 3 and 8-hour tours.
After changing into pilgrims' clothing and listening to a lecture, participants walk from Chikurin-ji Temple to Zenjibu-ji Temple, the 32nd stop on the Shikoku Pilgrimmage.
The 8-hour tour continues on to temple number 33, Sekkei-ji Temple, on a varied route that includes sections walking through rice fields, stretches along the coast and a ferry crossing.

Shakyo Sutra Transcription
The practice of carefully transcribing sutras is said to not only bring you into contact with Buddhism, but is also a relaxing and mindful experience. After the transcription is completed, a dedication ceremony is held in the temple's main hall.

Meditation & Sutra Transcription
Meditation cultivates and prepares the mind to help the teachings of Buddha take root. Sutra transcription is said to be more effective once the mind has been cleared.

Chikurinji Temple is near the top of Mt.Godai, right next door to the flower-filled Kochi Prefectural Makino Botanical Garden. There are sightseeing buses from central Kochi to the entrances of both spots.