Find Buddhist Spots
A connection with a Buddha image may appear unexpectedly. Search for places that may lead you to your own My Buddha.
Yakuriji Temple
Buddhist Image Dainichi Nyorai of the Diamond Realm Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
香川県高松市牟礼町牟礼3416
Visiting Status Normally closed; opened January 1–3 each year (confirm viewing hours in advance)
SolemnityNobilityMystery
The Tahoto pagoda at Yakuriji, Temple No. 85 on the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, houses an image of Dainichi Nyorai of the Diamond Realm by Matsuhisa Sorin, a leading Japanese Buddhist sculptor of the Showa period. The image measures one shaku and eight sun, approximately 55 cm. The vermilion pagoda, built entirely of Japanese cypress in a Kamakura-inspired style, was erected in 1984 to commemorate the 1,150th anniversary of Kobo Daishi's entering eternal meditation. Inside are brightly colored representations of the Diamond Realm and Sonsho mandalas, the Eight Patriarchs and the Twelve Heavenly Deities, along with deposited sutra transcriptions. The Dainichi image can be viewed when the pagoda opens during the first three days of January; it is otherwise normally closed. The temple, partway up Mount Goken, can also be reached by cable car.
Tokoji Temple, Honjima
Buddhist Image Yakushi Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
香川県丸亀市本島町甲生261
Visiting Status Advance reservation required (unattended temple; arrange through Shokakuin Temple or the Honjima tourist information office; donation customary)
RefinementNobilityPeacefulness
The principal image of Tokoji Temple on Honjima Island in the Seto Inland Sea is a seated wooden Yakushi Nyorai from the late Heian period, designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. At 142.5 cm tall it is unusually large for a regional sculpture. Made of joined Japanese cypress, with lacquer and gold leaf, the Buddha holds a medicine jar in its left hand while raising its right in the gesture of reassurance. Its serene face and flowing robe folds exemplify the graceful Jocho style. A standing Fudo Myoo and Bishamonten, both from the Kamakura period, stand beside it. As Tokoji has no resident priest, unscheduled viewing is not possible, but visitors can arrange in advance to see the original inside the storehouse built in 1985 through Shokakuin Temple or local tourism representatives.
Zentsuji Temple
Buddhist Image Jizo Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
香川県善通寺市善通寺町3-3-1
Visiting Status Viewable when on display in the museum (8:00–17:00, admission until 16:30; adults ¥700 including Kaidan Meguri; confirm exhibition status)
StillnessRefinementDepth
Zentsuji Temple's Treasure Museum preserves a wooden standing Jizo Bodhisattva from the late Heian period. Approximately 116 cm tall and carved from a single piece of Japanese cedar, it is regarded as the oldest Jizo statue in Kagawa Prefecture and is an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Depicted as a monk in robes, the figure holds a pilgrim's staff in its right hand and a wish-fulfilling jewel in its left. Its calm, restrained presence evokes the belief that Jizo helps people in every realm of existence. The museum presents about thirty treasures in its ongoing exhibition, with this Jizo among its notable sculptures. Admission is combined with the Kaidan Meguri pilgrimage beneath Mieido Hall: 8:00–17:00, last admission 16:30, ¥700 for adults. Displays and opening arrangements may change, so check that the original statue is currently viewable before visiting.
Ayakawa Lifelong Learning Center
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Eleven-Headed Kannon Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
香川県綾歌郡綾川町滝宮318
Visiting Status Normally exhibited, 9:00–18:00 (until 19:00 on the last Friday of each month; closed Mondays, fourth Thursdays and other scheduled days; free; no photography)
NobilityRefinementStillness
This 176.3 cm wooden standing Eleven-Headed Kannon is a nationally designated Important Cultural Property, believed to date from the mid-Heian period, around the tenth century. Its principal form was carved from a single solid piece of kaya wood without hollowing out the interior. The balanced posture and swirling, wave-like folds of the robes reveal the techniques of early Buddhist sculpture. The statue was originally the principal image of the Kannon Hall at Ryutoin Ayakawaji, a Buddhist temple associated with Takimiya Shrine. After the temple was abolished in the early Meiji period, it was carefully preserved by residents of the Dodoko district. Today it stands in a purpose-built exhibition room at Ayakawa Lifelong Learning Center and has been on public view again since July 30, 2024. Although the venue is a public cultural facility rather than a temple, visitors can closely appreciate this revered historic image. Photography is prohibited; confirm opening dates and display status before visiting.
Jubuji Temple
Buddhist Image Four Wooden Heavenly Kings (Jikokuten, Zochoten, Komokuten and Tamonten) Category Tenbu (Deva)
香川県高松市国分寺町柏原632-3
Visiting Status Advance reservation required for viewing from the storehouse entrance; confirm hours and admission fee with the temple
PowerDignitySolemnity
At Jubuji, considered an inner sanctuary of Negoroji Temple, four wooden figures of the Heavenly Kings are designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan. Each is approximately one metre tall, constructed from joined cypress wood with inset crystal eyes. They are thought to date from the late Kamakura to Nanbokucho period, drawing on earlier sculptural styles. Their powerful armour and individual expressions are particularly compelling. Jikokuten, Zochoten, Komokuten and Tamonten stand in a row within a protective storehouse along the temple approach. Previous visitors who made reservations were able to worship them from the storehouse entrance, though the interior was not open for free entry. Contact the temple beforehand to arrange a viewing.
Motoyamaji Temple
Buddhist Image Maedachi Bato Kannon (Three-Faced, Eight-Armed Horse-Headed Kannon) Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
香川県三豊市豊中町本山甲1445
Visiting Status Normally hidden. Special opening planned for October 31–November 23, 2026 (9:00–16:00, ¥700; confirm beforehand). The original principal image remains hidden
PowerTense PresenceDignity
Motoyamaji, Temple No. 70 of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, is the only temple on the circuit whose principal deity is Horse-Headed Kannon. Depicted with a horse's head above three faces and eight arms, this fierce form of Kannon is revered for cutting through worldly delusions and protecting travelers, livestock and pets. In its National Treasure main hall the temple keeps a maedachi, a substitute image modeled on the principal Bato Kannon and traditionally attributed to the Kyoto sculptor Kitagawa Uncho. The original principal image has not been unveiled since 1906, and the substitute is also normally hidden. To mark the Year of the Horse in 2026, the maedachi was specially unveiled from April 25 to May 17. A further opening is planned for October 31–November 23, from 9:00 to 16:00, with ¥700 admission. Confirm the schedule before visiting, and distinguish the visible substitute from the hidden original.
Tanokuchi Yakushi (Gakkozan Toshoji Temple)
Buddhist Image Yakushi Ruriko Nyorai (Yakushi Nyorai) Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
香川県東かがわ市白鳥352
Visiting Status Prayers permitted inside the main hall, 7:00–17:00, free (occasional temporary closures). Underground pilgrimage closed for repairs since May 14, 2026
MysteryPeacefulnessDepth
Tanokuchi Yakushi in Shirotori, Higashikagawa, is a Shingon Buddhist temple widely revered for prayers against misfortune. Its formal name is Gakkozan Toshoji, and tradition identifies the monk Gyoki as its founder. Its principal image, Yakushi Ruriko Nyorai, is enshrined in the main hall and described as a dry-lacquer and clay figure measuring 2 shaku 3 sun (about 70 cm). Temple tradition holds that Kukai fashioned the image in 821 on his way back from repairing Mannou Reservoir, using earth from India, China and Sanuki. It is also said that his disciple Jichie visited in 837 and called the temple one of Japan's Three Great Yakushi sanctuaries. The temple remains a place for prayers for health and protection from misfortune. Visitors may remove their shoes and enter the main hall to worship. Visiting hours are 7:00–17:00 with free admission. The underground pilgrimage passage has been closed for repairs since May 14, 2026.
Goishizan Mountain Temple
Buddhist Image Stone Namikiri Fudo Myo-o Category Myo-o (Wisdom King)
香川県小豆郡小豆島町苗羽
Visiting Status Viewable at the cliffside site (8:00–16:00; take care on mountain paths)
PowerMysteryWarmth
Goishizan, Temple No. 2 of the Shodoshima 88 Temple Pilgrimage, is a mountain sanctuary where Namikiri Fudo Myoo is enshrined in the cave main hall known as Hoo-kutsu. Directly above the hall, a stone image of Namikiri Fudo Myoo stands at a cliffside worship site, affectionately called 'Namikiri-san' and recognizable by its approachable expression. Overlooking the sea, the sanctuary continues to attract prayers for safe voyages and protection from misfortune. Fire rituals may also be requested in the cave hall when a monk is present. The rocky worship site and views of the Seto Inland Sea are memorable. Visiting hours are 8:00–16:00. Caution is required on the sloping approach to the stone statue.
Motoyamaji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Kongo Rikishi Guardians (Agyo and Ungyo) Category Tenbu (Deva)
香川県三豊市豊中町本山甲1445
Visiting Status Viewable from both sides of the Niomon gate (confirm temple visiting hours)
PowerDignityTense Presence
Two wooden Kongo Rikishi guardian statues stand on either side of the Niomon entrance gate of Motoyamaji, Temple No. 70 on the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage. Retaining traces of red coloring, the pair consists of the open-mouthed Agyo and closed-mouthed Ungyo. Their powerful bodies and fierce expressions guard the gateway welcoming pilgrims. The two statues were designated Tangible Cultural Properties by Kagawa Prefecture in 1997. The Niomon gate itself is an Important Cultural Property of Japan, noted for its distinctive eight-legged structure combining the Wayō, Zenshuyō (Karayō) and Daibutsuyō (Tenjikuyō) architectural styles. Ordinary visitors can view the figures from either side of the gate at the entrance to grounds containing a National Treasure main hall and a five-storied pagoda. The statues' dates and makers have not been established in the sources checked.
Shiromineji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Kisshoten (Goddess of Auspiciousness) Category Tenbu (Deva)
香川県坂出市青海町2635
Visiting Status Viewable in the treasure hall by reservation at least 10 days ahead (9:00–15:00; adults ¥700, plus ¥200 temple entry donation)
NobilityRefinementPurity
The treasure hall at Shiromineji, Temple No. 81 of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, preserves a wooden standing statue of Kisshoten dating to the Heian period. Although only about 44 cm tall, this image was carved from a single piece of Japanese kaya wood together with its pedestal and retains the character of early Buddhist sculpture. Kisshoten is a heavenly goddess associated with good fortune, prosperity and auspiciousness. The original was formerly enshrined in the temple's Bentendo hall but was moved to the treasure hall for preservation; a replica now stands in the former shrine. Designated a Tangible Cultural Property by Kagawa Prefecture in 1975, the original can be viewed by booking at least ten days in advance. Treasure-hall reception is from 9:00 to 15:00. Admission is ¥700 for adults, plus a separate ¥200 donation for entry to the temple grounds.
Ishiteji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Kongo Rikishi Guardian Statues (Agyo and Ungyo) Category Tenbu (Deva)
愛媛県松山市石手2-9-21
Visiting Status Viewable from the Nio Gate approach (temple grounds 8:00–17:00)
PowerDignityTense Presence
At Ishiteji, Temple No. 51 of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, two wooden Kongo Rikishi guardians, Agyo and Ungyo, stand in the National Treasure Nio Gate. Agyo is 256.6 cm tall and Ungyo 249.3 cm; both are assembled from Japanese cypress wood. Their realistic musculature and dynamic poses reflect the powerful style of the Unkei school in the Kamakura period. Historical records of Edo-period repairs note that a paper dated 1240 was found inside the Ungyo figure, suggesting that the statues were made around that time. The pair was designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan in 2022. The gate is traditionally dated to 1318, and the figures can be viewed from the approach.
Taisanji Temple
Buddhist Image Two Wooden Kongo Rikishi Guardian Statues Category Tenbu (Deva)
愛媛県松山市太山寺町1730
Visiting Status Viewable from the Nio Gate along the approach (temple office 8:00–17:00)
PowerDignitySolemnity
Two large wooden Kongo Rikishi guardians are enshrined in the Nio Gate at Taisanji, Temple No. 52 on the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage. Approximately 270 cm tall, they were carved from split and rejoined conifer wood, possibly Japanese cypress. Stylistic analysis dates them to the late Heian period (12th century), predating the gate, which was built in the late Kamakura period. Their distinctive hair is shaved except for a topknot. Surviving Heian-period guardian figures of this kind are rare in Japan. The statues were designated Tangible Cultural Properties by Ehime Prefecture in 2024; the gate itself is a nationally designated Important Cultural Property. Visitors can view the figures from the temple approach.
Umenodo Hall
Buddhist Image Seated Wooden Amida Nyorai with Two Attendants (Umenodo Triad) Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
愛媛県八幡浜市徳雲坊
Visiting Status Usually closed; viewing 9:00–15:00 on second Sundays May–December, August 15 and October 19 (check for extra dates)
RefinementPeacefulnessDepth
The Umenodo Hall houses the nationally designated Important Cultural Property consisting of a seated wooden Amida Buddha with Kannon and Seishi Bodhisattvas. The late-Heian-period triad was constructed from joined Japanese cypress wood, lacquered and gilded. The central Amida is 139.1 cm tall and is noted for its gentle, balanced form. It is attributed to a sculptor in the tradition of Jocho, but the individual maker is unknown. The statues originally formed a five-figure group with Jizo and Nagarjuna Bodhisattvas, now held by the Nara National Museum. Usually closed, the hall is open without reservation from 9:00 to 15:00 on the second Sunday of May through December, August 15, and October 19, according to Yawatahama City. The prefectural tourism site also lists April 16; confirm the dates before visiting.
Daihoji Temple (Matsuyama)
Buddhist Image Amida Nyorai / Shaka Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
愛媛県松山市南江戸5-10-1
Visiting Status Normally closed; the hall's Buddha statues can be viewed on the annual March 28 opening (confirm arrangements)
PeacefulnessRefinementSolemnity
Daihoji Temple in Matsuyama preserves three Heian-period Buddha statues, all nationally designated Important Cultural Properties, inside its National Treasure Main Hall. The central wooden seated Amida Buddha is 137.9 cm tall, made of joined wood, and shows the gentle round face and flowing robes typical of the Jocho style. Traditionally revered here also as Yakushi Nyorai, it has no identified sculptor. Two more statues in the hall are carved from single blocks: a seated Amida Buddha (68.2 cm) and a seated Shakyamuni Buddha (83.6 cm), both Important Cultural Properties from the Heian period. The Main Hall dates to the early Kamakura period. Usually closed to visitors, the hall is reported to open each year on March 28, when its Buddhist sculptures can be viewed.
Zuiryuji Temple (Okiura Kannon)
Buddhist Image Juichimen Kannon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
愛媛県大洲市長浜町沖浦丙2053
Visiting Status Hidden image unveiled during the annual festival on the first Sunday in April; confirm visiting details
RefinementMysteryNobility
Zuiryuji Temple in Ozu, overlooking the Iyo Sea, preserves a nationally designated Important Cultural Property: a standing wooden Eleven-Faced Kannon from the Heian period. Carved from a single block of wood, the 163.6 cm figure has an elegantly elongated face and a proportionate, naturalistic body. Tradition holds that the statue was moved from Amidaji in Nagato to Seijoji after the fall of the Taira clan, and later enshrined here by Ozu lord Kato Yasutsune to pray for safety at sea. Normally kept from public view, the image is unveiled during the spring festival on the first Sunday in April; the 2026 festival took place on April 5. The temple still conducts Kannon rites for maritime safety and household well-being.
Zenkoji Temple
Buddhist Image Seated Wooden Yakushi Nyorai with Two Deva Guardians and Twelve Divine Generals Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
愛媛県北宇和郡鬼北町小松1557
Visiting Status Yakushi Hall and its inner shrine are regularly open (confirm visiting hours)
PeacefulnessRefinementSolemnity
Zenkoji Temple in Kihoku preserves a seated wooden Yakushi Nyorai approximately 70 cm tall. Made from joined Japanese cypress wood, the statue raises its right hand in a gesture of reassurance and originally held a medicine jar in its left, but the jar is now missing. Kihoku Town describes the image as dating to the Kamakura period, while Ehime Prefecture notes an inscription dated 1358 inside it; its sculptor has not been identified. The Yakushi statue and the two Deva guardians and Twelve Divine Generals displayed behind it, the latter made in the Edo period, are Tangible Cultural Properties designated by Kihoku Town. The thatched Yakushi Hall and inner zushi shrine are Zen-style structures from the Muromachi period designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan. Ehime's official tourism site describes the hall and shrine as regularly open, and the prefectural government confirms that visitors can view the statues inside.
Koryuji Temple
Buddhist Image Senju Kanzeon Bosatsu (Thousand-Armed Kannon, Funadama-sama) Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
愛媛県今治市吉海町名2916-2
Visiting Status Hidden image: unveiling on Nov 23, 2026; also Nov 24–27, 13:00–15:00, and Nov 28–29, 13:00–17:00, subject to confirmation
MysterySolemnityDepth
The principal image of Koryuji on Oshima Island in the Seto Inland Sea is Senju Kanzeon Bosatsu. Temple tradition attributes the image to the Kamakura sculptor An'ami, but its authorship is not established; the temple describes the surviving figure as carved from a single block of wood. A founding legend tells how Prince Shotoku was guided out of danger at sea by a Thousand-Armed Kannon riding a turtle. The image became revered as Funadama-sama, a protector of sailors, and the temple served the Kono family and Murakami maritime warriors. The hidden principal image is unveiled once every 33 years. The temple announces an unveiling service on November 23, 2026, followed by viewing on November 24–27 (13:00–15:00) and November 28–29 (13:00–17:00). Entry may be restricted from 14:00 on November 28 for a memorial service and lecture. Regular grounds visiting is 8:00–17:00 and free.
Enmanji Temple
Buddhist Image Yu-no-Ojizoson (Large Jizo Bosatsu) Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
愛媛県松山市道後湯月町4-49
Visiting Status Jizo Hall open for viewing 8:00–18:00 (free)
GentlenessWarmthPeacefulness
Enmanji Temple near Dogo Onsen enshrines a large, white-painted Jizo Bodhisattva approximately 3.67 m tall in its Jizo Hall. Tradition attributes the figure to the monk Gyoki, who is said to have carved it from a great camphor tree, but the actual date and sculptor are unconfirmed. According to a local story, when Dogo's hot springs stopped flowing in 1855, prayers offered to this statue brought the water back, giving it the name Yu-no-Ojizoson, the Great Jizo of the Springs. It is also revered as a guardian against fire and a protector of long life, and continues to attract worshippers. Visitors can pray for relationships using colorful omusubi-dama charms, placing a charm in their palm like the figure's left hand. The Jizo Hall is open free of charge from 8:00 to 18:00, approximately a seven-minute walk from Dogo Onsen Station.
Shozenji Temple (Ikiki Jizo)
Buddhist Image Ikiki Jizo (Enmei Jizo Bosatsu) Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
愛媛県西条市丹原町今井141-1
Visiting Status Temple grounds accessible; confirm opening times for Jizo Hall before visiting
GentlenessDepthMystery
The principal image of Shozenji, Temple No. 11 on the Shikoku Bekkaku Twenty-Temple Pilgrimage, is Ikiki Jizo, carved directly into the trunk of a living camphor tree. According to temple tradition, Kobo Daishi carved it in a single night but left one ear unfinished when a rooster announced the dawn, earning it the name 'Missing-Ear Jizo.' It has long attracted prayers, particularly for ailments of the ears. In 1954 a typhoon toppled the tree, but the sculpture survived and is now enshrined as the principal image in Jizo Hall. The fallen sacred tree is also preserved on the grounds. The statue's date and maker cannot be established from historical evidence, and the attribution to Kobo Daishi remains a tradition. Visitor accounts confirm that it can be seen within the hall, but opening times should be checked in advance.
Koshoji Temple
Buddhist Image Stone Reclining Shaka Nyorai (Nehan Buddha) Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
愛媛県喜多郡内子町城廻117
Visiting Status Viewable in the temple grounds (open year-round, free)
PeacefulnessSolemnityStillness
A monumental stone reclining Shakyamuni Buddha stands before the main gate of Koshoji, a Soto Zen temple north of Uchiko's historic townscape. Carved from white granite, it measures approximately 10 m long, 3 m high and weighs about 200 tonnes. It depicts Shakyamuni lying on his right side at the time of his passing into nirvana. Symbols known as Buddha's footprints are carved on the soles, and visitors can see the face and folds of the robes at close range. The statue was installed on November 1, 1998; neither its sculptor nor any cultural-property designation for the statue itself has been confirmed. The temple traces its origins to 1441, and its buildings are designated Tangible Cultural Properties by Uchiko Town. The reclining Buddha can be viewed free of charge from the grounds. The annual Nehan Festival, long held on March 15, will move to the second Sunday in March from 2027, according to the Uchiko Tourism Association.