Yakuri-ji Temple (No.85 Shikoku Pilgrimage)
Quick Facts
- Location
- Japan
- Category
- Church & Religious Site
- Duration
- 1-2 hours
- Opening Hours
- Daily 07:00-17:00 · Grounds 7:00-17:00; temple stamp office 8:00-17:00; open daily; Yakuri Cable runs about every 4 min, JPY 1000 return
- Ticket Price
- Free Admission: Grounds free · Temple stamps and prayers cost extra; Yakuri Cable JPY 1000 return; free parking (400 cars) at the base
- Address
- 3416 Murecho Mure, Takamatsu, Kagawa 761-0121, Japan
- Coordinates
- 34.3370, 134.1440
Introduction
Yakuri-ji is the 85th temple of the Shikoku 88-temple pilgrimage, formally Gokenzan Kanzeon-in, perched at 375 metres on Mt Gokenzan across from Yashima. Founded by Kobo Daishi (Kukai) in 829, it takes its mountain name from five swords said to have fallen from heaven during his practice and been buried to protect the peak; eight roasted chestnuts he planted before sailing to China had all sprouted on his return, giving the temple the name 'eight chestnuts'. The principal image is Sho Kannon, and the Shoten-do enshrines Kangiten, famed for prosperity, matchmaking and study success — locals call it 'Yakuri no Shoten-san'. Burned in the Tensho wars, the main hall was rebuilt in 1642 by lord Matsudaira Yorishige, whose hollyhock crest remains; the site looks out over the Seto Inland Sea and Yashima.
✨ Highlights
🛈 Practical Info
Opening Hours
| Monday | 07:00-17:00 |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 07:00-17:00 |
| Wednesday | 07:00-17:00 |
| Thursday | 07:00-17:00 |
| Friday | 07:00-17:00 |
| Saturday | 07:00-17:00 |
| Sunday | 07:00-17:00 |
Grounds 7:00-17:00; temple stamp office 8:00-17:00; open daily; Yakuri Cable runs about every 4 min, JPY 1000 return
Ticket Information
| Free Admission | Grounds free |
|---|
Temple stamps and prayers cost extra; Yakuri Cable JPY 1000 return; free parking (400 cars) at the base
Transportation
20-25 min from Kotoden Yakuri Stn to the cable base, then 4 min ride
15 min from Takamatsu-chuo IC, free parking
At 375 m on Mt Gokenzan; hike or take the cable
FAQ
What are the opening hours of Yakuri-ji Temple (No.85 Shikoku Pilgrimage)?
Monday: 07:00-17:00; Tuesday: 07:00-17:00; Wednesday: 07:00-17:00; Thursday: 07:00-17:00; Friday: 07:00-17:00; Saturday: 07:00-17:00; Sunday: 07:00-17:00; Grounds 7:00-17:00; temple stamp office 8:00-17:00; open daily; Yakuri Cable runs about every 4 min, JPY 1000 return
How much is the admission for Yakuri-ji Temple (No.85 Shikoku Pilgrimage)?
Free Admission: Grounds free; Temple stamps and prayers cost extra; Yakuri Cable JPY 1000 return; free parking (400 cars) at the base
How long should I spend at Yakuri-ji Temple (No.85 Shikoku Pilgrimage)?
A typical visit takes 1-2 hours.
How do I get to Yakuri-ji Temple (No.85 Shikoku Pilgrimage)?
Bus: 20-25 min from Kotoden Yakuri Stn to the cable base, then 4 min ride; Driving/Parking: 15 min from Takamatsu-chuo IC, free parking
