Zairon / CC BY 4.0

The birthplace of Kobo Daishi (Kukai), founder of Shingon Buddhism, and Temple 75 of the Shikoku 88-temple pilgrimage — one of only three sites in Japan, alongside Koyasan and Kyoto's To-ji, considered central to his life. The vast grounds split into an Eastern Precinct with a five-storied pagoda and a Western Precinct (Tanjo-in) marking his actual birth site, shaded by camphor trees reputed to predate him.

Best season

Spring (cherry blossoms in eastern precinct) or autumn foliage

Crowd level

Moderate

Rating

4.4· 3,077 reviews

Opening hours

Daily 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Usual hours — confirm with the official site for holidays + seasonal closures.

Nearest station

JR Zentsuji Station (Dosan Line), about 20 min walk

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