Overview
Joruri-ji is a temple of the Buzan branch of Shingon Buddhism in Joruri-cho, Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture, and the 46th sacred site of the Shikoku 88-temple pilgrimage. Its mountain name is Iozan and its institutional name Yoju-in, and its principal deity is Yakushi Nyorai, the Medicine Buddha. Known as a temple of flowers, its grounds are colored season by season with Taiwan cherry blossoms, lotuses, peonies, hydrangeas, and acanthus, delighting both pilgrims and travelers who come to admire the blooms.
Highlights
- ●The pilgrimage atmosphere of the 46th temple on the Shikoku 88 route
- ●A temple of flowers colored by cherry, peony, lotus, hydrangea, and acanthus
- ●Prayer to Yakushi Nyorai, the Medicine Buddha behind the name Iozan
- ●A pilgrim's experience of the mantra and the pilgrim's hymn
History
Joruri-ji, bearing the mountain name Iozan and the institutional name Yoju-in, is an old temple of the Buzan branch of Shingon Buddhism that enshrines Yakushi Nyorai, the Medicine Buddha, as its principal deity. Along the Shikoku pilgrimage it stands as the 46th temple, with the route continuing on to the 47th and beyond. Its mantra of the principal deity is Om korokoro sendari matogi sowaka, and its pilgrim's hymn reflects on the Pure Land of Joruri and the karmic rewards of one's deeds. For the detailed temple history, consult official sources.
Access
Joruri-ji lies in Joruri-cho, Matsuyama City, near 33.75 degrees north and 132.82 degrees east. It sits in the southeastern outskirts beyond the city center known for Dogo Onsen and Matsuyama Castle, right on the route of the Shikoku pilgrimage. It is close to the 47th temple as well, making it easy to include in a walking pilgrimage. Check official sources for the latest transport and visiting hours.
Best season
Because different seasonal flowers bloom in turn, the temple shows a new face whenever you visit. Taiwan cherry blossoms open in early spring, peonies and hydrangeas in early summer, lotuses color the pond in summer, and acanthus flowers appear in early autumn. For the flowers at their peak, spring through summer is especially vivid; for the quiet of pilgrimage, visit during calmer hours.
Map
33.7536, 132.8191 · Wikidata
Suggested itinerary
- 1Head from central Matsuyama to Joruri-ji, the 46th temple, in Joruri-cho
- 2Pay respects to Yakushi Nyorai in the main hall and chant the mantra
- 3Stroll slowly through the grounds colored by seasonal flowers
- 4Continue the pilgrimage on to the nearby 47th temple
Did you know?
💡 The mountain name Iozan, meaning Medicine King Mountain, derives from the principal deity Yakushi Nyorai, who is also called the Medicine King and has long been revered as a Buddha who heals illness. The sight of pilgrims pressing their palms together while chanting the mantra Om korokoro sendari matogi sowaka is a scene unique to this temple. The flower-filled grounds offer a fitting moment of peace along the pilgrimage.
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