"Where celestial swords fell and roasted chestnuts grew on the Shikoku pilgrimage"
Yakuriji Temple
Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture, Japan
Temple 85 on the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, Yakuriji sits high on Mount Goken, the Mountain of Five Swords, whose dramatic peaks thrust skyward like divine blades. Founded by Kobo Daishi in 829 CE after five swords fell from heaven and the mountain deity appeared to him, the temple marks where miracles proved the mountain's power. A cable car now lifts pilgrims to this place of revelation.
Weather & Best Time
Plan Your Visit
Save this site and start planning your journey.
Quick Facts
Location
Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture, Japan
Coordinates
34.3599, 134.1399
Last Updated
Jan 14, 2026
Learn More
Founded in 829 CE by Kobo Daishi after divine revelation, Yakuriji has served Shikoku pilgrims for nearly 1,200 years.
Origin Story
In 829 CE, Kobo Daishi came to Mount Goken to practice Gumonjiho, an esoteric discipline for developing perfect memory and wisdom. During his practice, five swords fell from the heavens and the mountain deity Zao Gongen appeared, declaring this mountain would be a sacred place of Buddhism. Kukai buried the celestial swords and carved an image of the Cosmic Buddha. Before traveling to China, he planted eight roasted chestnuts as a test. Upon returning, he found they had miraculously grown despite being roasted, proving the mountain's spiritual power. He named the temple Yakuri-ji, Temple of Eight Chestnuts.
Key Figures
Kobo Daishi (Kukai)
Founder
Zao Gongen
Mountain deity
Spiritual Lineage
Yakuriji belongs to the Shingon sect of Buddhism founded by Kobo Daishi. The temple is the 85th stop on the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, one of the world's great pilgrimage circuits. The temple preserves esoteric teachings and practices transmitted from Kukai through generations of practitioners.
Know a Sacred Site We Should Include?
Help us expand our collection of sacred sites. Share your knowledge and contribute to preserving the world's spiritual heritage.