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Zentsuji, in Zentsuji City, Kagawa Prefecture, is the head temple of the Zentsuji branch of Shingon Buddhism and is known as the birthplace of Kobo Daishi (Kukai). It is Temple No. 75 of the 88 Temple Shikoku Pilgrimage and, together with Koyasan and Toji, is counted as one of the three great sacred sites of Kobo Daishi. It is a prestigious temple also ranked first among the eighteen head temples of Shingon.
Temple Info
- Sect
- Grand head temple of the Zentsuji school of Shingon
- Principal Image
- Yakushi Nyorai (Medicine Buddha)
- Founded
- Daido 2 (807)
History & Origins
Kobo Daishi Kukai founded it in the 2nd year of Daido (807) on the site of the residence of his father, Saeki Yoshimichi, where he himself was born. The temple complex is divided into two: the 'East Compound' (the garan area with the Golden Hall, five-storied pagoda and others) and the 'West Compound' (the birthplace area with Tanjoin, Mieido and others). For generations it has been the core of the Shikoku pilgrimage, and many pilgrims visit from across the country.
Highlights
The East Compound has an Important Cultural Property Golden Hall and five-storied pagoda. The West Compound includes Tanjoin, Kukai's birthplace, and in the Mieido you can see the Kobo Daishi image at close range. The treasure hall (8:00-17:00, 500 yen), with National Treasures including the gilt-bronze priest's staff head and the Ichiji Ichibutsu Hokekyo Jobon sutra, is also worth seeing.
Visitor Guide
About a 20-minute walk (about 1.4 km) from Zentsuji Station on the JR Dosan Line. As a major temple of the Shikoku pilgrimage, you will often see ohenro pilgrims in white clothing and sedge hats. Allow about 1-1.5 hours. Please check the official website for details of hours and fees.
Best Season
The 'Kobo Daishi Birthday Festival' held around the 21st day of the third lunar month, Kukai's birthday, is the temple's greatest festival. During the May holidays, a special opening is held that allows entry up to the second story of the five-storied pagoda.
Annual Events
- March to April
Kobo Daishi Tanjoe (Birthday Service for Kobo Daishi)
The largest festival at Zentsuji Temple, held to mark the birthday of Kobo Daishi (the 21st day of the 3rd lunar month).
- May
Five-Storied Pagoda Special Opening
During the May holiday period, the five-storied pagoda is specially opened to the public, with access up to the second level.
- November
Zentsuji Kukai Matsuri (Kukai Festival)
A festival in praise of Kukai, held every other year on November 3, at which the Shikashika dance is dedicated.
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