Kōshō-ji Temple

Overview

Kosho-ji is a Soto Zen temple in Shiromawari, Uchiko, Ehime. Its mountain name is Gokoku-zan and its principal image is Sho-Kannon (the Holy Kannon), and it is known as the fiftieth stop of the New Shikoku Mandala pilgrimage. It stands at the top of the Yokaichi-Gokoku district, selected as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, resting quietly on a rise overlooking the old townscape. It is a temple to visit together with a stroll through the historic streets.

Highlights

• ●A Soto Zen temple with the mountain name Gokoku-zan
• ●The fiftieth stop of the New Shikoku Mandala pilgrimage
• ●Set at the top of the Yokaichi-Gokoku preservation district
• ●A quiet view overlooking the old townscape from the rise

History

Kosho-ji is a Soto Zen temple whose mountain name is Gokoku-zan, enshrining Sho-Kannon as its principal image. It is the fiftieth stop of the New Shikoku Mandala pilgrimage, and its devotional verse sings of a nirvana observance that continues to this day at a temple of camphor trees overlooking the townscape, carrying on ties to nirvana-related rites and to the old streets. For detailed origins, please consult official information or on-site guidance.

Map

33.5601, 132.6535 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Stroll the old streets of Uchiko's Yokaichi-Gokoku district
2. 2Climb the slope toward Kosho-ji on the rise
3. 3Join your hands before the principal image and savor the quiet precincts
4. 4Take in the townscape from the hilltop, then return to exploring Uchiko

Did you know?

💡 As the devotional verse calls it a temple of camphor trees, the greenery of the grounds colors Kosho-ji's atmosphere. From its position at the top of the Yokaichi-Gokoku district, the view down over the old townscape is one of its charms. Known as a temple linked to nirvana, it is a place to quietly join your hands in prayer.

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