Besides Sakamoto Ryoma and Udon noodles, which are well-known in Shikoku, the Shikoku Pilgrimage is also famous. The so-called pilgrimage refers to a journey of worship. The Shikoku Pilgrimage involves visiting 88 temples in the Shikoku region, all of which are sacred places related to Kobo Daishi (Kukai). Since the Heian period, ascetic monks have followed Kobo Daishi’s route to embark on a pilgrimage to these 88 temples, covering a walking distance of about 1,200 kilometers. However, nowadays, not only monks participate in the pilgrimage, but travelers also arrange such trips.
First Stop: Ryozenji
The first stop is the starting temple of this pilgrimage. There’s also a mannequin next to the entrance.
Shikoku’s First Stop
Next to it is also written “”Shikoku’s first sacred place.””
As per tradition, there are always two statues placed next to the mountain gate. However, behind these statues, there are also straw sandals~
The other one is the same.
In fact, on the side, there are also many special straw shoes hanging.
I don’t know why we need to hang grass shoes~
Let’s take a look at what Ling Shan Temple looks like.
This multi-tower is a bit small.
Main Hall
In front of this temple, there is also a small water pool.
There is a small thirteen-story stone tower here.
On the other side, you can see a shop next to it that sells products related to travelers.
Here is a rather peculiar torii gate, usually they are of a single color, but this one has two colors~ and it even has the word “”Fāxīn”” written on it.
Luck is good, just happened to see the people who came here to worship are all wearing white clothes, white pants…
Above is a brief introduction of the first stop on the Shikoku Pilgrimage: Ling Shan Temple.
Ryozenji
Established: 729~749 AD
Address: 126 Bando Tukanashi, Oasacho, Naruto City, Tokushima Prefecture Phone: 088-689-1111
Map:
『Original Source：https://nicklee.tw/1223/』
