Chikurinji Temple Information
Goshuin
- Omie
- 1,200th Anniversary Edition
Basic Information
| Principal Deity | Monju Bosatsu |
| Elevation | 120 m |
| Google Maps | MAP |
Accommodation
| Shukubo (Temple Lodging) | Not Available |
| Tsuyado (Free Pilgrim Shelter) | Not Available |
History & Highlights
Chikurinji is a historic temple said to have been founded by Gyōki and later restored by Kōbō Daishi. The temple flourished under the patronage of the lords of the Tosa Domain, and its Main Hall has been designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. As one of Kōchi’s most renowned temples, Chikurinji is celebrated for its many cultural treasures and beautiful surroundings.
Route Map, Distance & Travel Time
You can switch between the tabs to view the routes to the previous and next temples.
Select “Driving Route” from the map’s upper-left menu to display the driving route.
Click the Full Screen icon in the upper-right corner of the map to open it in Google Maps for a larger, easier-to-view map.
- From Previous Temple
- To Next Temple
Previous Temple: Zenrakuji
| Distance | 6.6 km |
| Walking | 2 hr |
| Driving | 30 min |
Next Temple: Zenjibuji
| Distance | 5.7 km |
| Walking | 1 hr 30 min |
| Driving | 20 min |
My Walking Experience
Route from Zenrakuji to Chikurinji
The route from Zenrakuji to Chikurinji is approximately 7 km (4.3 miles), heading south.
The entrance to the traditional pilgrimage trail leading to Chikurinji can be a little difficult to spot. However, by following the route map in this article and the signposts along the way, you should have no trouble finding it.
About 1 km (0.6 miles) after leaving Zenrakuji, you’ll pass through a pedestrian underpass beneath the JR Dosan Line, allowing you to cross the railway safely.
Continue south, crossing the railway tracks near Monju-dōri Station on the Tosaden tram line. Shortly afterward, you’ll reach the entrance to the pilgrimage trail leading up to Chikurinji.
The Final Climb to Chikurinji
Chikurinji stands on Godaisan, at an elevation of approximately 150 meters (492 ft). From the entrance to the pilgrimage trail, you’ll climb about 100 meters (328 ft) to reach the temple grounds, making this the final uphill effort of the journey.
The Pilgrimage Trail Through Makino Botanical Garden
One of the unique features of this route is that the pilgrimage trail passes through the grounds of Makino Botanical Garden.
Walking pilgrims may pass through the garden free of charge while following the pilgrimage route. However, if you wish to explore the botanical garden itself, a separate admission fee is required. If you are visiting only Chikurinji, simply continue along the marked pilgrimage path.
The Five-Story Pagoda
The Five-Story Pagoda at Chikurinji is a magnificent 31-meter (102-foot) structure built entirely of Japanese cypress (hinoki).
After the temple’s former three-story pagoda was destroyed by a typhoon in 1899, the current pagoda was reconstructed in 1980, inspired by the architectural style of the early Kamakura period.
The pagoda enshrines sacred relics of the Buddha brought from Bodh Gaya, India, while the first floor houses a statue of Dainichi Nyorai (Mahāvairocana). As one of Chikurinji’s most iconic landmarks, it is well worth visiting during your pilgrimage.
Nearby Accommodation
If you plan to stay near Chikurinji or between the surrounding pilgrimage temples, see the article below.
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