Yashimaji

Yashima-ji is a temple in Takamatsu City located at the summit of Yashima, accessed via the Yashima Skyway. It is the 84th temple on the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage and receives many visitors daily. On the grounds is Rurihō Pond (also called the “Blood Pond”); it is said that during the Genpei War, warriors washed bloodied swords here, giving the pond its name. Yashima-ji is known as the only temple in the Shikoku pilgrimage founded by Ganjin (Jianzhen). The spacious, well-kept precincts include various halls and Seven Lucky Gods statues. The temple bell is an Important Cultural Property, and the main hall is also an Important Cultural Property dating to the Kamakura period. Next to the temple is Minoyama Daimyojin, which enshrines a raccoon-dog deity, and tanuki statues can be found everywhere. Collecting goshuin in a pilgrimage stamp book (nōkyō-chō) is popular across generations, with a saying that completing all 88 brings you to paradise. Nearby is Yashima Aquarium, so visitors of all ages come for sightseeing. Access: about 10 minutes by shuttle bus to the Yashima summit from Kotoden Yashima Station, JR Yashima Station, or Shikoku Mura.