Shusyakaji Temple Information
Goshuin
- Omie
- 1,200th Anniversary Edition
Basic Information
| Principal Deity | Shaka Nyorai |
| Elevation | 80 m |
| Google Maps | MAP |
Accommodation
| Shukubo (Temple Lodging) | Not Available |
| Tsuyado (Free Pilgrim Shelter) | Not Available |
History & Highlights
Shusyakaji Temple is a sacred site associated with the legend of “Shashin-ga-take,” where Kobo Daishi is said to have thrown himself from a cliff at the age of seven.
According to tradition, Kobo Daishi later carved an image of Shakyamuni Buddha and established a temple hall here. The Okunoin (Inner Sanctuary) is also revered as the place where he practiced the Kokuzo Gumonji-ho ritual, attracting worshippers seeking success in their studies and learning.
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: Mandaraji
| Distance | 0.6 km |
| Walking | 10 min |
| Driving | 1 min |
Next Temple: Koyamaji
| Distance | 2.2 km |
| Walking | 40 min |
| Driving | 5 min |
My Walking Experience
Shusyakaji Temple is located approximately 500 meters south of Mandaraji Temple.
From Mandaraji, a gentle uphill path continues toward Shusyakaji. After about a 10-minute walk, you will see the stairs leading up to the temple grounds.
Next to the parking area, there is a small pond, and beyond it you can enjoy a view of Mt. Sanuki Fuji. Together with the wide-open rural landscape of the Sanuki Plain, this temple offers a beautiful view that captures the charm of Kagawa.
History and Highlights of Shusyakaji Temple
Shashin-ga-take: A Site Associated with Kobo Daishi
Shusyakaji Temple is known as the setting of the childhood legend of Kobo Daishi known as “Shashin-ga-take” (the Cliff of Self-Sacrifice).
According to the legend, when Kobo Daishi was seven years old, he prayed, “If there is a true purpose for my birth in this world, the Buddha will surely save my life.” He then threw himself from the cliff of Mount Gahaisan, where a celestial maiden appeared and caught him safely.
This place became known as “Shashin-ga-take” and remains a deeply symbolic site within the Shikoku Pilgrimage, representing Kobo Daishi’s devotion and faith in the Buddha.
The Place Where Kobo Daishi Practiced Kokuzo Gumonji-ho
Shusyakaji is also famous as the place where Kobo Daishi is said to have practiced Kokuzo Gumonji-ho, a Buddhist practice in which he recited the mantra of Kokuzo Bosatsu one million times.
The site of this training, known as “Shashin-ga-take Zenjo,” is located at the temple’s Okunoin (Inner Sanctuary), about an hour’s climb further into the mountains from the main temple grounds.
Beyond the Inner Sanctuary is the path leading to Shashin-ga-take. However, the route includes steep sections and areas requiring the use of chains, so proper preparation is necessary before attempting the climb.
I have not climbed there myself yet, but the view from the summit is said to be spectacular, and it is a place I would like to visit someday when returning to Shusyakaji.
Within the temple grounds, a statue of Kobo Daishi representing his Kokuzo Gumonji-ho practice is enshrined, allowing visitors to feel a connection to his spiritual training even without making the challenging climb to the Inner Sanctuary.
Nearby Accommodation
If you plan to stay near Shusyakaji or between the surrounding pilgrimage temples, see the article below.
Related Articles
Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage Route: Full List, Distance & Walking Time Guide.
Temple List and Full Route
For a complete list of the Seven-Temple Pilgrimage, please see the article here.
What is the Shichikasho Pilgrimage? A Seven Temple Pilgrimage Route in Kagawa
Comments