Iwamoto-ji Temple
岩本寺（Iwamoto-ji）
An art-loving temple, part of the Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage
Of the 16 temples in Kochi that are part of the Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage, Iwamoto-ji (stop 37) is definitely the most artistic.
While this historical temple was originally built around 729~749, one of the highlights is a more modern addition to the ceiling of the main hall. When it was refurbished in 1978, the temple decorated the ceiling with 575 paintings donated by artists all over Japan. While there are many examples of traditional images of nature and the Buddha, visitors will also spot paintings inspired by Renoir, Marilyn Monroe, sailboats, cats, giraffes and more!
This love of art continues to this day, as the temple collaborates with pop artists to bring an additional splash of color to the grounds. Visitors can book lodgings in a colorful, pop-art inspired room within the temple or camp near the main hall. The priests also offer a variety of experiences, such as sake tasting, a “temple sauna” and Buddhist spiritual training along the nearby Shimanto River
Before you leave, be sure to buy an omikuji fortune. They are shaped like the animal of the current year of the Japanese zodiac, are available in English and contain funny puns related to the animal.
Iwamoto-ji is just a short walk away from Kubokawa Station on the Dosan Line. This station is also on the Yodo Line, connecting Kochi to nearby Ehime Prefecture.
While this historical temple was originally built around 729~749, one of the highlights is a more modern addition to the ceiling of the main hall. When it was refurbished in 1978, the temple decorated the ceiling with 575 paintings donated by artists all over Japan. While there are many examples of traditional images of nature and the Buddha, visitors will also spot paintings inspired by Renoir, Marilyn Monroe, sailboats, cats, giraffes and more!
This love of art continues to this day, as the temple collaborates with pop artists to bring an additional splash of color to the grounds. Visitors can book lodgings in a colorful, pop-art inspired room within the temple or camp near the main hall. The priests also offer a variety of experiences, such as sake tasting, a “temple sauna” and Buddhist spiritual training along the nearby Shimanto River
Before you leave, be sure to buy an omikuji fortune. They are shaped like the animal of the current year of the Japanese zodiac, are available in English and contain funny puns related to the animal.
Iwamoto-ji is just a short walk away from Kubokawa Station on the Dosan Line. This station is also on the Yodo Line, connecting Kochi to nearby Ehime Prefecture.
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- Themes
- Culture & Art
- History
| Address | 高知県高岡郡四万十町茂串町3-13 （3-13, Shigekushi cho, Shimanto Town, Takaoka Gun, Kochi Prefecture, Japan） |
|---|---|
| Telephone Number | 0880-22-0376 |
| Open | Main hours: 7:00-17:00 |
| Closed | Open year round |
| Price | Free Entry Price of activities varies according to the program. Please check the website to for the details. |
| Directions | ●About 10 min drive from Shimantocho-chuo IC on Kochi Expressway ●About 10 min walk from JR Kubokawa Station |
| Website | Website |
| Map Code | 362 136 525*58 |
| Online Reservation |
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