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Chikurinji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated Aizen Myo-o Statue Category Myo-o (Wisdom King)
高知県高知市五台山3577
Visiting Status Viewable in the Treasure Hall (8:30–17:00; last admission 16:30; occasional event closures)
PowerDignityMystery
Enshrined in Chikurinji's Treasure Hall, this wooden seated Aizen Myoo statue dates to the Kamakura period. It is 102.5 cm high, made of joined Japanese cypress, and has three eyes, six arms and flame-like upright hair beneath a lion crown adorned with a five-pronged vajra. Originally painted red, the figure has lost much of its pigment and now largely reveals the wood beneath. Its robust, archaic form is distinctive, while the pedestal, halo and hand-held objects are later replacements. Examples of Aizen Myoo surviving from the Kamakura period or earlier are relatively rare in Japan. Designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan in 1911, the statue can be viewed in the Treasure Hall, conveying the force of a wrathful esoteric Buddhist deity.
Chikurinji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Eleven-faced Kannon Statue Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
高知県高知市五台山3577
Visiting Status Viewable in the Treasure Hall (8:30–17:00, last entry 16:30; occasional closures)
RefinementNobilityStillness
The Treasure Hall at Chikurinji, Temple No. 31 of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, houses this 48.7-cm-tall wooden statue of Eleven-faced Kannon. Carved from a single block of Japanese nutmeg-yew wood in the late Heian period, the small figure stands with a broad chest and strong shoulders. Tiny subsidiary faces on the head, crown ornaments and jewelry are carved directly from the same wood, while the boldly modeled body reveals meticulous craftsmanship. Parts of the subsidiary faces, hands, attributes and pedestal were added later. Designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan in 1911, it offers visitors a close view of finely detailed Heian-period carving.
Koyaji Temple
Buddhist Image Ichiyo Kannon Statue Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
高知県高知市本町2丁目3-18
Visiting Status Normally concealed (unveiled annually on May 18 at the Kannon Festival; service 10:00–11:00)
GentlenessPeacefulnessPurity
Koyaji, Temple No. 13 of the Shikoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage in central Kochi, enshrines an Ichiyo Kannon image. The bodhisattva is portrayed sitting with one knee raised on a single lotus petal floating on water and is revered as a protector from dangers at sea. Founded during the Meiji period as part of efforts to revive Buddhism in Tosa, the temple continues to hold a Kannon Festival and sutra-copying sessions. The statue is normally kept from view, but the temple and pilgrimage association state that it is unveiled annually at the festival on May 18, when visitors can attend the service and worship it up close. Its date and sculptor have not been verified.
Yatsuji Nio Gate (Former Hokkeji Temple Site)
Buddhist Image Wooden Kongo Rikishi Guardians (Agyo and Ungyo) Category Tenbu (Deva)
高知県土佐市谷地（仁王門）
Visiting Status Enshrined in the Nio Gate (viewable from outside; no parking; confirm site conditions)
PowerDignityTense Presence
Two wooden Kongo Rikishi figures guard the surviving Nio Gate of the former Hokkeji Temple in Yatsuji, Tosa City. Agyo stands approximately 204 cm high and Ungyo 200 cm. Both are assembled from Japanese cypress wood and have carved eyes and painted surfaces, with red bodies and black lower garments. Powerful expressions and upper bodies contrast with more rustic carving in the fingers and lower halves. Dating to the Muromachi period or slightly later, the pair was designated a Kochi Prefectural Tangible Cultural Property in 1955. Though Hokkeji is no longer an active temple, its Nio Gate, Kannon Hall and Mieido Hall survive, allowing visitors to seek out these guardians in a mountain village. Official visitor information notes that there is no parking.
Chikurinji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Thousand-armed Kannon Statue Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
高知県高知市五台山3577
Visiting Status Viewable in the Treasure Hall (8:30–17:00; last entry 16:30; occasional closures)
GentlenessSolemnityRefinement
This wooden standing Thousand-armed Kannon statue from the Kamakura period is displayed in the Treasure Hall of Chikurinji, Temple No. 31 on the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage. It stands 88.2 cm high and is made from joined Japanese cypress wood with crystal eyes and lacquered gold leaf. Eleven subsidiary faces are shown above the main face, while forty-two arms symbolically express the compassion of Thousand-armed Kannon. Though small, the figure is well proportioned and serenely modeled. Parts of the crown pendants, hand-held objects, hands and pedestal are later replacements. Designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan in 1911, it allows visitors to view its many arms and gentle face in the public Treasure Hall.
Shoryuji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated Aizen Myo-o Statue Category Myo-o (Wisdom King)
高知県土佐市宇佐町竜163
Visiting Status Normally not on view (reports of viewing on the 28th day of each lunar month; confirm with the temple before visiting)
DignityPowerMystery
This wooden seated Aizen Myoo statue from the Kamakura period is enshrined to the right side of the main hall at Shoryuji, Temple No. 36 on the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage. Measuring 113.5 cm tall, it is assembled from Japanese cypress wood with crystal eyes and shows the wrathful deity with three eyes and six arms. It wears a lion crown bearing a five-pronged vajra. Its body was painted red and its lower garment decorated with raised lotus-scroll motifs, although much of the color has flaked away. The well-balanced arrangement of its six arms is distinctive. Designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan in 1911, it is distinct from the temple's concealed principal image, Namikiri Fudo Myoo. Visitor information reports that the hall opens for viewing on the 28th day of each lunar month; arrangements should be checked with the temple in advance.
Kongofukuji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Three-faced Thousand-armed Kannon Statue Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
高知県土佐清水市足摺岬214-1
Visiting Status Concealed image (unveiled January 1–3 in both solar and lunar calendars, and lunar January 18, February 15 and June 15; confirm festival dates)
SolemnityMysteryDepth
The principal image at Kongofukuji, Temple No. 38 of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, is a wooden standing Three-faced Thousand-armed Kannon. It stands 163.5 cm high and is made of joined Japanese cypress wood, with a Buddha face and miniature Buddhas above the head, three faces and numerous arms. Along with attendant figures of Fudo Myoo and Bishamonten, it is protected as a Kochi Prefectural Tangible Cultural Property. An ink inscription found inside during conservation confirmed that it was made in 1342. Normally kept as a concealed image in a fireproof chamber behind the shrine in the main hall, the statue is unveiled, according to the temple's official calendar, during New Year ceremonies, the first Kannon observance on lunar January 18, Nirvana observances on lunar February 15 and the Gion festival on lunar June 15.
Kongochoji Temple
Buddhist Image Bronze Standing Kannon Bosatsu Statue Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
高知県室戸市元乙523
Visiting Status Advance reservation required to visit the Treasure Hall; arrange viewing with the temple
NobilityRefinementMystery
This small bronze standing Kannon Bosatsu statue, preserved in the Treasure Hall at Kongochoji, Temple No. 26 of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, dates to the late Asuka (Hakuho) period. The figure is about 22 cm tall and about 29 cm including its base, and was designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan in 1957. Related bronze Kannon figures of the same period survive among objects from Horyuji and in the Nara National Museum, making the image a notable example of early Buddhist metal sculpture. It differs from the temple's concealed principal Yakushi Nyorai and is preserved alongside cultural treasures including a wooden seated Amida statue. The Treasure Hall is not open for casual entry, and viewing requires advance arrangements.
Tosa Kokubunji Temple
Buddhist Image Two Wooden Standing Yakushi Nyorai Statues Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
高知県南国市国分546
Visiting Status Viewable during treasure viewing (9:00–16:00, admission ¥700; check in advance)
RefinementStillnessPeacefulness
Tosa Kokubunji, Temple No. 29 of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, preserves two wooden standing Yakushi Nyorai figures designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan. The larger figure is from the Heian period, approximately 99.5 cm tall, and carved from a single block of Japanese cypress, with refined facial features and well-balanced proportions; it may once have been the temple's principal image. The smaller figure dates to the Kamakura period and is about 35.5 cm tall, made from joined pieces of wood. Its halo and pedestal preserve elaborate metalwork, and an inscription records repairs in 1406. Separate from the main hall's principal Thousand-armed Kannon, both Yakushi statues can be viewed in the treasure storehouse. The Kochi Prefecture tourism website lists viewing hours of 9:00–16:00 and admission of ¥700.
Chikurinji Temple
Buddhist Image Four Wooden Attendants of Monju Bosatsu (Zenzai Doji, Buddahari Sanzo (Buddhapali), Uten-o and Saisho Rojin) Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
高知県高知市五台山3577
Visiting Status Viewable in the Treasure Hall (8:30–17:00; last admission 16:30); the principal Monju image is normally concealed
WarmthRefinementDepth
Four wooden attendants of Monju Bosatsu dating to the late Heian period are housed in Chikurinji's Treasure Hall. They represent Zenzai Doji, Buddahari Sanzo (Buddhapali), Uten-o and Saisho Rojin, each carved from a single block of camphor wood and painted. The figures tilt their heads or turn sideways, their simplified carving capturing lively, individual expressions. Together with the lion pedestal, they convey a rustic and sometimes humorous character. The four attendants and the temple's principal Monju make up a five-figure group of major importance as an early surviving Chinese-style depiction of Monju, designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan in 1911. The principal Monju is normally concealed, but the four attendant figures and lion pedestal can be seen in the Treasure Hall.
Hotsumisakiji Temple
Buddhist Image Stone Seated Nyoirin Kannon in Half-lotus Pose Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
高知県室戸市室戸岬町4058-1
Visiting Status Normally closed (special openings have been held during the Cape Muroto Lighthouse Festival; confirm dates and times in advance)
NobilityMysteryStillness
Hotsumisakiji, Temple No. 24 on the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, preserves this late-Heian stone Nyoirin Kannon image in its Treasure Hall. The figure measures approximately 53.2 cm, or 82.4 cm including its base, and is carved from marble, an unusual material for an early Japanese Buddhist statue. The bodhisattva sits with one leg raised, and the robes and jewelry are finely carved in stone. Temple tradition says Kobo Daishi brought it from China, and it was once enshrined in the 'One-night-built Cave.' It was designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan in 1913. The Treasure Hall is normally closed, but special openings have been held during the Cape Muroto Lighthouse Festival. As these openings vary from year to year, visitors should confirm whether and when it will be open with the temple or the Muroto City Tourism Association.
Myozanji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Sho Kannon Statue Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
高知県安芸市本町1丁目1-21
Visiting Status Confirm in advance (telephone the temple about viewing the statue in Kannon Hall)
NobilityRefinementStillness
This wooden standing Sho Kannon is enshrined in Kannon Hall at Myozanji Temple in central Aki City. Dating to the Kamakura period, it was designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan (sculpture) on April 8, 1918. The figure depicts Kannon in an imposing standing pose. Although tradition attributes it to the renowned sculptor Unkei, its actual maker has not been established. The temple's principal image in the main hall is a separate wooden standing Amida, protected as an Aki City cultural property. The Sho Kannon has been included in an organized local Buddhist-statue viewing event in the past. As regular opening hours cannot be verified, those wishing to see it should contact Myozanji by telephone beforehand.
Anrakuji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated Amida Nyorai Statue Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
高知県高知市洞ヶ島町5-3
Visiting Status Confirm in advance with the temple regarding viewing the principal image (grounds 7:00–17:00)
PeacefulnessRefinementNobility
Anrakuji in Kochi City enshrines this Kamakura-period wooden seated Amida Nyorai. Measuring 68.5 cm, the figure is made from joined Japanese cypress wood, with crystal eyes and lacquered gold leaf. It forms the sermon gesture associated with the middle grade of rebirth, holding its hands before the chest. Narrow downcast eyes, a low cranial protuberance, close-fitting robes and finely carved naturalistic folds distinguish the image. An Amida in this gesture is unusual among surviving regional works. Designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan in 1911, it originally served as the principal image of Zenrakuji, Temple No. 30 of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, and is now preserved at its associated inner sanctuary, Anrakuji. A pilgrimage temple guide directs visitors to Anrakuji to view the statue, but conditions and hours for entering the inner hall must be checked directly with the temple.
Chikurinji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Bato Kannon Statue Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
高知県高知市五台山3577
Visiting Status Viewable in the Treasure Hall (8:30–17:00; last admission 16:30; occasional event closures)
MysteryDignityPower
This wooden standing Bato Kannon statue, preserved in the Treasure Hall at Chikurinji, Temple No. 31 on the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, dates to the Muromachi period. It stands 99.5 cm tall and is made of joined Japanese cypress wood with inset crystal eyes. The figure has three faces, three eyes and two arms, with a horse's head on top and its hands joined in prayer before the chest. Its relatively large head, short neck and somewhat rigid drapery distinguish it. Kochi City notes that sculptural examples of this particular form of Bato Kannon are uncommon. The statue was designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan on August 9, 1911. Its distinctive iconography can be viewed in the publicly accessible Treasure Hall, alongside other forms of Kannon such as Eleven-faced and Thousand-armed Kannon.