Temple 2 of the Shikoku Eighty-Eight Sacred Places pilgrimage, an ancient temple renowned for longevity prayers, where a cedar tree over 1,000 years old soars within the grounds. It was opened by Gyoki in 717 (Yoro 1) and later designated as a sacred site by Kobo Daishi. The principal image, a seated Amida Nyorai from the Kamakura period, is designated a national Important Cultural Property. True …

Gokurakuji Temple is traditionally said to have been founded in 717 CE by the Buddhist monk Gyoki, who is believed to have carved a statue of Amida Nyorai (Amitabha Buddha) and enshrined it as the principal object of worship. In the early Heian period, the monk Kukai (Kobo Daishi) is said to have vi…