Zentsyuji

香川県

Zentshuji in Kagawa is the 75th Shikoku pilgrimage…

Founded

813

Type

Temple

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JR善通寺駅から徒歩10分

香川県善通寺市善通寺町3-3-1

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Info

Temple

Founded 813

1213 years

Enshrined Deity

Overview

Zentshuji in Kagawa is the 75th Shikoku pilgrimage temple and birthplace of Kukai (Kobo Daishi), ranked alongside Koyasan and Toji as one of the Three Great Sacred Sites of Kukai. Founded in 813, the western precinct marks the site of Kukai's birth, and the 'Kaidan-meguri' — a pitch-dark corridor walked by touch — is a popular devotional experience. The 43-meter five-story pagoda is a landmark.

Origins

Zentsuji Temple is traditionally held to be the birthplace of Kobo Daishi Kukai, the founder of Shingon Buddhism in Japan. It is said to have been established in 813 (some sources cite 807) by Kukai himself, who named the temple after his father, Saeki Yoshimichi. Ranked alongside Koyasan and Toji i…

Pilgrimage Courses

Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage (Henro)

0 / 87 spots

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Divine Benefits

Healing & Longevity

Warding Off Evil

Long Life

Recovery from illness, bodily wellness, peace of mind. Especially efficacious at Yakushi and Kannon temples.

Derived from the enshrined deity "薬師如来"

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Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage: Complete Guide to Henro History & Routes

The Shikoku 88 pilgrimage traces 1,400 km across four prefectures, visiting temples linked to Kobo Daishi Kukai. From the first temple Ryozenji to the 88th Okuboji, this guide covers history, manners, attire, and key sites with practical visiting tips.

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Kobo Daishi Kukai and Shingon Buddhism — The Life of Japan's Greatest Monk

Kobo Daishi Kukai (774–835) brought Shingon esoteric Buddhism to Japan, founded Kongobuji on Mt. Koya and Toji temple. Known as one of the Three Great Brushes and founder of the Shikoku 88-temple pilgrimage, his genius spanned Buddhism, calligraphy, engineering, and education.

era

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Kūkai

Founder of Shingon Buddhism / Kobo Daishi

Age 39 at founding

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Built on the birthplace of Kukai (Kobo Daishi), this is the 75th temple of the Shikoku pilgrimage. Tradition holds that Kukai founded it on the site of his father Saeki's residence after returning from Tang China, making it a sacred origin for pilgrims following his footsteps.

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Visiting Information

Hours

The temple grounds are open year-round. Kondō: 7:00 AM–5:00 PM; nōkyō office: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM. The Kaidan-meguri corridor and Treasure Museum reception hours are 8:00 AM–5:00 PM (last entry 4:30 PM).

Admission

Free to enter the temple grounds. Kaidan-meguri & Treasure Museum combined ticket: adults ¥700, children ¥300 (20% group discount for 20+).

As of 2026-07-18. Subject to change.

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Koyamaji

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Zentsuji Temple Kondo

Founded in 807 by Kukai on the site of his father's home — a birthplace of the saint himself; one of the three great Kobo Daishi sites alongside Koyasan and Toji, and the main hall of the head temple Zentsuji enshrines Yakushi Nyorai.

252m