Enkoji Temple Complete Guide: A Famous Autumn Foliage Spot in Kyoto’s Sakyo Ward and its History associated with Tokugawa Ieyasu

Enkoji Temple is a Rinzai Zen Buddhist temple of the Nanzenji school located in Ichijoji Kotani-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City. Its mountain name is Zuigan-san, and its principal image is the Thousand-Armed Kannon Bodhisattva. It is officially written as “圓光寺”. Founded by Tokugawa Ieyasu, this temple played a significant role in Japanese cultural history and is now one of Kyoto’s premier autumn foliage spots, attracting many visitors.

This article comprehensively introduces all the information you need to know before visiting Enkoji Temple, including its history, highlights within the grounds, access methods, and visiting information.

History of Enkoji Temple

Founded by Tokugawa Ieyasu

The history of Enkoji Temple dates back to Keicho 6 (1601). After unifying Japan, Tokugawa Ieyasu prioritized the promotion of learning and founded Enkoji Temple in Fushimi, Kyoto, as the “Fushimi School.” This was a groundbreaking institution in Japan at the time, serving as a center of learning centered on Confucianism.

Ieyasu invited Kanshitsu Genkitsu of the Ashikaga School to become the first head priest. Lectures on Confucianism were held here, and many scholars gathered as a place of study. During this period, Enkoji Temple was not merely a temple, but also a center of the Edo Shogunate’s educational policies.

Casting of Wooden Type and Publishing Business

A noteworthy aspect of Enkoji Temple’s history is its contribution to publishing culture in Japan. Ieyasu, using copper type brought back from Korea as a reference, commissioned the production of Japan’s first wooden type (Enkoji-type wooden type). Using these wooden movable typefaces, Confucian texts such as “Confucius’ Family Sayings,” “Zhenguan Political Essentials,” and “Three Strategies” were printed, and these were known as the “Fushimi Edition” or “Enkoji Edition.”

These books greatly contributed to the spread of learning in the early Edo period and laid the foundation for Japan’s publishing culture. Currently, some of these wooden movable typefaces are preserved at Enkoji Temple as an Important Cultural Property, representing a valuable legacy in the history of Japanese printing.

Relocation to Ichijoji

In 1667 (Kanbun 7), Enkoji Temple relocated to its current location in Ichijoji, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City. This relocation shifted the temple’s role from that of a Fushimi school to one of a Zen temple. Ichijoji is an area dotted with many cultural facilities, including Shisendo and Manshuin, and Enkoji Temple also began to forge a new history in this location.

After the relocation, Enkoji Temple, as a temple of the Rinzai sect’s Nanzenji branch, devoted itself to Zen meditation practice and the preservation of Buddhist culture. Throughout the Edo period, many monks and literary figures visited Enkoji Temple, devoting themselves to spiritual practice and creative activities in its tranquil environment.

History since the Meiji Era

After the Meiji Restoration, despite the impact of the anti-Buddhist movement, Enkoji Temple continued to protect its valuable cultural assets. In particular, the wooden typefaces and ancient documents associated with Tokugawa Ieyasu have been preserved to the present day thanks to the efforts of temple officials.

From the Showa to the Heisei era, Enkoji Temple improved its gardens and restored its buildings, strengthening its role as a tourist temple. Its reputation as a famous spot for autumn foliage has grown, and it is now one of Kyoto’s leading tourist attractions.

Enkoji Temple Grounds and Highlights

Main Gate

The main gate, which serves as the entrance to Enkoji Temple, is simple yet dignified. Passing through this gate, one enters a tranquil space far removed from the hustle and bustle of the city. The area around the main gate is adorned with fresh greenery in spring and vibrant autumn leaves, showcasing the beauty of each season.

Stone steps flank the temple gate, leading to the approach to the temple. As you ascend these steps, your mind gradually calms, preparing you for worship.

Main Hall

The main hall houses the principal image, the Thousand-Armed Kannon Bodhisattva. This Kannon statue has long been revered as a symbol of compassion that relieves the suffering of all beings. The interior of the main hall is enveloped in a solemn atmosphere, and quietly joining your hands in prayer brings inner peace.

Regular Zen meditation sessions are held in the main hall, and the public is welcome to participate. By experiencing the spirit of Zen, you can gain awareness of “this present moment,” something often lost in daily life.

Ten Ox Garden

The most famous feature of Enkoji Temple is the “Ten Ox Garden,” which spreads out in front of the main hall. This garden is a pond-centered strolling garden based on the “Ten Ox Herding Pictures,” which depict the stages of Zen training, and is said to have been created in the early Edo period.

At the heart of the garden is a heart-shaped pond, surrounded by stone arrangements and trees. Especially during the autumn foliage season, the maple and Japanese maple trees turn a brilliant red, and the reflection on the pond’s surface is breathtakingly beautiful.

Sitting on the veranda of the main hall and gazing at the garden, one feels as if they are looking at a painting. This “framed garden” composition is popular with photography enthusiasts, and many photographers visit, especially during the autumn foliage season.

Honryutei Garden

Behind the main hall is the Honryutei Garden, a dry landscape garden where white sand represents a sea of clouds. This garden, created in the late Showa period, is relatively new, but it is highly regarded as a masterpiece that conveys the traditional aesthetics of Zen to the modern age.

The ripples in the white sand represent a dragon ascending to heaven, stimulating the viewer’s imagination. The stone arrangement is powerfully positioned, embodying the Zen worldview where contrasting elements such as movement and stillness, yin and yang, are harmoniously combined.

The Honryu-tei garden has a contrasting atmosphere to the Jūgyū-no-niwa garden, and comparing the two allows one to appreciate the diversity of garden art.

Seiryu-chi Pond

On a hill within the temple grounds lies Seiryu-chi Pond, offering a panoramic view of Kyoto city. This pond is a particularly tranquil spot within Enkōji Temple, making it a suitable space for meditation and introspection.

A walking path surrounds the pond, allowing visitors to stroll slowly and appreciate nature. Enjoy the changing seasons: wildflowers in spring, fresh greenery in summer, autumn leaves in fall, and snowscapes in winter.

Bamboo Grove

A beautiful bamboo grove lies within the temple grounds. While Arashiyama is famous for its bamboo groves in Kyoto, Enkōji Temple’s bamboo grove is equally charming. The sound of bamboo leaves rustling in the wind is a calming natural melody.

Walking along the bamboo grove path, the contrast of light and shadow is beautiful, making it a popular spot for photography. The bamboo grove, especially in the early morning, is bathed in sunlight, creating a mystical atmosphere.

Suikinkutsu (Water Harp Cave)

A suikinkutsu (water harp cave) is installed on the temple grounds, allowing visitors to enjoy the sound of dripping water. By placing your ear to the bamboo tube, you can hear the clear sound resonating within the earthenware pot underground.

This sound is sometimes called “music descending from heaven” and represents the sonic aesthetics of Japanese gardens. Listening to the sound of the suikinkutsu can sharpen your senses and lead to Zen-like insights.

Cultural Properties of Enkoji Temple

Important Cultural Property: Enkoji Temple Woodblock Printing

As mentioned above, the woodblock printing type owned by Enkoji Temple is an extremely important cultural property in the history of Japanese printing. Approximately 50,000 pieces of woodblock printing type still exist, and their exquisite craftsmanship speaks to the high level of technology at the time.

These typefaces are made from hard woods such as boxwood and cherry, and even after more than 400 years, the characters remain clearly legible. Some are on display within the temple grounds and can be viewed in person.

Relics of Tokugawa Ieyasu

Enkoji Temple also preserves relics related to its founder, Tokugawa Ieyasu. Ieyasu’s wooden statue and letters are valuable historical materials that convey the history of the Edo Shogunate’s founding period.

These relics are also evidence of Ieyasu’s emphasis on learning and his dedication to the development of culture. By visiting Enkoji Temple, you can learn about Ieyasu’s side not only as a military commander but also as a man of culture.

Ancient Documents and Classical Texts

Enkoji Temple houses numerous ancient documents and classical texts, including Confucian texts and Buddhist scriptures from the early Edo period. These were collected during the time of the Fushimi School and are valuable resources for understanding the content of scholarship and educational methods of the time.

Some documents are open to researchers and contribute to the study of Japanese intellectual history and educational history.

The Four Seasons of Enkoji Temple

Spring at Enkoji Temple

Spring at Enkoji Temple is a season when the beauty of fresh greenery is particularly striking. From April to May, the trees in the garden bud all at once, creating a landscape full of vitality. The young leaves, in particular, have a translucent quality, sparkling like jewels when light shines through them.

Wildflowers also bloom on the temple grounds, allowing you to feel the arrival of spring at your feet. Visiting on a quiet spring morning allows you to enjoy a refreshing time accompanied by the chirping of birds.

Summer at Enkoji Temple

In summer, Enkoji Temple becomes a cool space enveloped in deep green. The trees are lush, and the shade brings a pleasant breeze. Water lilies float on the pond in the Ten Ox Garden, adding a summery atmosphere.

Early morning visits (described below) are especially recommended in summer; the experience of strolling through the garden in the cool morning air is exceptional. Amidst the sound of cicadas, you can experience the tranquility of a Zen temple.

Enkoji Temple in Autumn: A Famous Spot for Autumn Leaves

Enkoji Temple attracts the most visitors during the autumn foliage season. Every year from mid-November to early December, the temple grounds are enveloped in fiery red leaves.

The maple trees in the Jūgyū-no-niwa garden are particularly magnificent, with a gradation of red, orange, and yellow adorning the entire garden. The view of the autumn leaves from the veranda of the main hall is truly picturesque, and is extremely popular among photography enthusiasts as “framed autumn leaves.”

During the autumn foliage season, special early morning viewings are also offered, allowing you to quietly appreciate the leaves illuminated by the morning sun. This early morning viewing is especially recommended for those who want to avoid crowds.

Enkoji Temple in Winter

Winter at Enkoji Temple is a season of profound silence and solemnity. When snow falls, the garden transforms into a world of silver, displaying a beauty reminiscent of an ink painting. The sight of snow accumulating on the Honryu-tei garden, in particular, with its striking contrast of black and white, embodies the aesthetics of Zen.

Winter is a hidden gem, with fewer tourists, allowing for a peaceful visit. Sitting in Zen meditation in the crisp, clear air provides a truly invigorating experience for both mind and body.

Enkoji Temple Visiting Information

Visiting Hours and Fees

Regular Visiting Hours

• Visiting Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Admission Fee: Adults 500 yen, Junior/Senior High School Students 400 yen, Elementary School Students 300 yen

Early Morning Special Visiting (Autumn Foliage Season Only)

• Time: 7:30 AM onwards (Reservations may be required)
• Fee: Additional charges may apply to the regular admission fee

*Visiting hours and fees are subject to change, so it is recommended to check official information before visiting.

About Reservations

During normal periods, you can visit without a reservation. However, special early morning viewings during the autumn foliage season and Zen meditation experiences may require advance reservations. Weekends in November, in particular, are expected to be crowded, so visiting earlier in the day or on weekdays is recommended.

About Photography

Personal photography is generally permitted at Enkoji Temple. However, the use of tripods and commercial photography require prior permission. Please also be mindful of other visitors and maintain proper etiquette when taking photos.

There may be restrictions on photography inside the main hall and of cultural artifacts; please follow the instructions at the site.

Estimated Time Required

A thorough visit to the grounds of Enkoji Temple requires approximately 60-90 minutes. If you plan to leisurely appreciate the gardens and include a Zen meditation experience, it’s best to allow around 2 hours.

During the autumn foliage season, it gets crowded, so it’s recommended to plan your schedule with ample time to account for waiting times.

Access to Enkoji Temple

Access by Train and Bus

Using the Eizan Electric Railway

1. Approximately 25 minutes on foot from Kokusai-Kaikan Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway Karasuma Line
2. Alternatively, get off at Ichijoji Station on the Eizan Electric Railway and walk for approximately 15 minutes.

Using City Buses

• From Kyoto Station: Get off at Ichijoji-Shimo-Matsucho bus stop (City Bus Route 5) and walk for approximately 10 minutes.
• From Shijo-Kawaramachi: Get off at Ichijoji-Shimo-Matsucho bus stop (City Bus Route 5 or 203) and walk for approximately 10 minutes.

The walk from the bus stop to Enkoji Temple goes through a residential area, but there are signs, so you are unlikely to get lost.

Access by Car and Parking

Enkoji Temple has its own parking lot, but the number of spaces is limited (approximately 20). It is often full during peak seasons such as the autumn foliage season, so we recommend using public transportation.

Address for Car Navigation
13 Ichijoji Kotani-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture 606-8147

Approximately 30 minutes from the Meishin Expressway “Kyoto East IC” and approximately 40 minutes from the “Kyoto South IC”.

Nearby Tourist Attractions

There are many other attractive tourist spots around Enkoji Temple.

Shisendo
Approximately 5 minutes on foot from Enkoji Temple. A mountain villa built by Ishikawa Jozan, a literary figure of the Edo period, known for the beauty of its garden.

Manshuin Monzeki
Approximately 15 minutes on foot from Enkoji Temple. A Tendai sect temple, its highlights include the national treasure Yellow Fudo and a beautiful dry landscape garden.

Hachidai Shrine
Approximately 10 minutes on foot from Enkoji Temple. A shrine known as the site where Miyamoto Musashi dueled with the Yoshioka family.

Kinpukuji Temple
Approximately 10 minutes on foot from Enkoji Temple. This temple is associated with Matsuo Basho and houses Basho-an, a hermitage.

We recommend a model course that combines these spots and takes half a day to a full day to explore the Ichijoji area.

Experiences at Enkoji Temple

Zen Meditation Experience

Enkoji Temple regularly holds Zen meditation sessions. Even beginners can participate, as there is careful instruction on Zen meditation etiquette and breathing techniques.

Through Zen meditation, you can detach yourself from the distractions of daily life and focus on the “here and now,” which will be a valuable experience for modern people. Zen meditation in the tranquil environment unique to a Zen temple brings about deep insights that cannot be obtained in the hustle and bustle of the city.

We recommend contacting Enkoji Temple in advance regarding the schedule and participation methods for Zen meditation sessions.

Garden Appreciation

Enkoji Temple’s garden is a space where you can experience the teachings of Zen not just by looking at it, but by deeply appreciating it. The “Ten Ox Herding Pictures” in the Ten Ox Garden depict the ten stages of the path to enlightenment in Zen practice. By contemplating their meaning while viewing the garden, one can gain spiritual insight.

We recommend sitting on the veranda of the main hall and taking your time to admire the garden. By observing the details—the changing light and shadow depending on the season and time of day, the leaves swaying in the wind, the ripples on the water’s surface—you can appreciate the profound depth of the garden.

Sutra Copying/Buddhist Image Copying Experience

Depending on the season, you can also experience sutra copying or Buddhist image copying. The act of holding a brush and carefully copying each character has the effect of calming the mind and enhancing concentration.

Sutra copying and Buddhist image copying are forms of Buddhist practice, but they are also gaining attention as a modern practice of mindfulness, not just for their religious significance.

Points to Note When Visiting Enkoji Temple

Clothing and Items to Bring

Enkoji Temple has slopes and stone steps, so we recommend wearing comfortable shoes. Please be especially careful during rainy weather and winter, as the ground can be slippery.

In summer, the sun is strong, so bring a hat, parasol, and drinks. In winter, the temple grounds get cold, so please dress warmly.

Manners

Enkoji Temple is still a place where ascetic practices are carried out. Please visit quietly and be considerate of other visitors and ascetic monks.

Do not touch the gardens or buildings, and refrain from entering areas other than those designated. Also, eating and drinking are only permitted in designated areas.

Tips for Avoiding Crowds

The autumn foliage season is especially crowded, so the following tips will help you visit more comfortably:

• Utilize early morning visits
• Visit on weekdays
• Avoid the peak of the autumn foliage season (late November)
• Aim for the time immediately after opening

Early morning visits, in particular, offer a precious opportunity to quietly appreciate the autumn leaves illuminated by the morning sun.

Summary: The Charm of Enkoji Temple

Enkoji Temple is a temple with multifaceted charm, boasting a historical background as a temple founded by Tokugawa Ieyasu, its contributions to Japanese publishing culture through its wooden movable type, and its beautiful gardens that change with the seasons.

It is particularly highly regarded as a spot for autumn foliage, and among the many autumn foliage spots in Kyoto, Enkoji Temple’s “framed autumn leaves” are well worth seeing. However, outside of the autumn foliage season, each season—spring with its fresh greenery, summer with its deep greenery, and winter with its snowy landscapes—has its own unique beauty.

The time spent calming the mind through Zen meditation and garden appreciation in the tranquil atmosphere of this Zen temple will be a valuable experience for those of us living busy modern lives.

When visiting Kyoto, be sure to add Enkoji Temple to your list of places to visit and experience its history and natural beauty. Visiting it along with other temples and shrines in the Ichijoji area will allow you to enjoy a more fulfilling Kyoto sightseeing experience.

An experience at Enkoji Temple will go beyond mere sightseeing; it will be a special time that brings peace of mind and new insights.

Enkoji Temple Complete Guide | History, Highlights, and Access Information for the 39th Temple of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage

Located in Nakayama, Hirata-cho, Sukumo City, Kochi Prefecture, Enkoji Temple is an ancient temple of the Shingon Chizan sect, known as the 39th temple of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage. Its formal name is Shakkizan-jisan-in, and its principal image is Yakushi Nyorai (Medicine Buddha). As the final temple on the Tosa Road (Kochi Prefecture), known as a “training ground,” it is an important sacred site visited by many pilgrims.

Table of Contents

1. Basic Information about Enkoji Temple
2. History and Origin of Enkoji Temple
3. The Legend of the Red Turtle and the Origin of the Temple’s Mountain Name
4. Highlights of the Temple Grounds
5. Cultural Properties and Treasures
6. Eye-Washing Well and Treasure Water
7. Inner Sanctuary and Surrounding Extra Sacred Sites
8. Etiquette and Benefits of Worship
9. Transportation and Access Information
10. Precautions During Worship and Surrounding Area Information

Basic Information about Enkoji Temple

Official Name: Akagame-zan Jisan-in Enkoji Temple

Sect: Shingon-shu Chizan-ha

Principal Image: Yakushi Nyorai (Medicine Buddha)

Founder: Gyoki Bodhisattva

Founded: Jinki 1 (724 AD)

Pilgrimage Site: 39th Temple of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage

Location: 390 Nakayama, Hirata-cho, Sukumo City, Kochi Prefecture

Mantra: Om Korokoro Sendari Matougi Sowaka

Waka Poem: Namu Yakushi, with a prayer for the complete removal of all illnesses, please help my body as I visit.

Enkoji Temple is located at the southwestern end of Tosa Road and is an important temple that marks the end of the “training grounds” of the Shikoku Pilgrimage. The next temple, the 40th temple, Kanjizaiji Temple (Ehime Prefecture), is approximately 50 kilometers away, a long journey crossing the prefectural border.

History and Origin of Enkoji Temple

Founding and Gyoki Bodhisattva

The history of Enkoji Temple dates back to the Nara period. It is said to have been founded in 724 AD by Gyoki Bodhisattva, who received an imperial order from Emperor Shomu. Originally called “Tsurukameyama Seyakuin Hokoji,” it enshrined Yakushi Nyorai (Medicine Buddha) as its principal deity and served as a medical center providing relief to those suffering from illness.

Gyoki Bodhisattva was a prominent high priest of the Nara period, known for founding temples throughout Japan and dedicating himself to social welfare. In Sukumo, he is said to have established a temple and provided medical services for the health and welfare of the local residents.

Restoration by Kobo Daishi

During the Enryaku era (782-806), Kobo Daishi (Kukai) visited this area and restored the dilapidated temple. He carved a statue of Yakushi Nyorai, enshrined the two attendant bodhisattvas, Nikko Bosatsu and Gekko Bosatsu, and completed the seven-building temple complex. It is said that at this time, the temple’s name was changed to “Akagameyama Terayama Enkoji.”

Kobo Daishi named the spring on the temple grounds “Houisui” (Treasure Water of Healing) and claimed it was effective for eye diseases and other ailments. This spring is the “Eye-Washing Well” that still remains today. Through Daishi’s restoration, Enkoji Temple established a firm position as one of the Shikoku Pilgrimage sites.

From the Medieval to the Early Modern Period

Enkoji Temple flourished as a center of local faith from the Heian period onward. In particular, in 911 AD (Engi 11), a bronze bell related to the Red Turtle Legend (described later) was dedicated, marking a significant turning point in the temple’s history.

During the Sengoku period, it was caught up in the conflicts of Tosa and temporarily declined, but in the Edo period, it was restored under the protection of the Tosa Domain. As the Shikoku Pilgrimage became popular among common people, it welcomed many pilgrims as the 39th temple on the pilgrimage.

The Red Turtle Legend and the Origin of the Mountain Name

The famous Red Turtle Legend is the origin of Enkoji Temple’s mountain name, “Akagame-zan” (Red Turtle Mountain). This legend is an essential episode when discussing Enkoji Temple.

Messenger from the Dragon Palace

In the 11th year of the Engi era (911 AD), a red turtle appeared in the pond in front of the temple. This red turtle was carrying a bronze temple bell on its back, and it is said that it dedicated it to the temple.

According to the legend, this red turtle was a messenger from the Dragon Palace, and the sea god donated the bell to praise the miraculous powers of Enkoji Temple. The bell bears the inscription “January, the 11th year of the Engi era…”, which enhances the credibility of the legend.

Change of Mountain Name

In commemoration of this miraculous event, the temple adopted the mountain name “Akagame-zan” (Red Turtle Mountain). Since then, Enkoji Temple has been deeply connected to the red turtle, and even today, a stone statue of a red turtle is placed on the temple grounds, making it a beloved symbol.

Near the entrance to the temple grounds stands a large stone statue of a red turtle, welcoming visitors. This statue, symbolizing the legend of the Dragon Palace, is a popular spot for commemorative photos among visitors to Enkoji Temple.

Highlights of the Temple Grounds

Enkoji Temple’s grounds are quietly situated amidst a rural landscape, providing a peaceful environment for worship.

Main Hall

The main hall houses the principal image, Yakushi Nyorai (Medicine Buddha). Yakushi Nyorai is a Buddha known for granting healing from illness and promoting health and longevity. The current main hall was rebuilt between the Edo and Meiji periods, preserving the beauty of traditional temple architecture.

Inside the main hall are also enshrined the two attendant bodhisattvas, Nikko Bosatsu and Gekko Bosatsu, said to have been carved by Kobo Daishi, and are revered as the Yakushi Triad.

Daishi Hall

To the left of the main hall is the Daishi Hall, where a statue of Kobo Daishi is enshrined. On the Shikoku Pilgrimage, it is customary to visit both the main hall and the Daishi Hall, and many pilgrims perform sutra copying and chanting here.

Bell Tower and Bell

Within the temple grounds is a bell tower, where a replica of the bronze bell famous for the Red Turtle legend hangs. The original bell is designated as a National Important Cultural Property and is currently housed in the treasure hall.

This bell bears an inscription from the 11th year of the Engi era (911 AD), making it the oldest bell in Kochi Prefecture and one of the oldest in Shikoku, making it an extremely valuable cultural asset. It is a medium-sized bell, approximately 75 centimeters tall and 47 centimeters in diameter, and is a superb example of the high level of casting technology during the Heian period.

Red Turtle Stone Statue

Near the entrance to the temple grounds is a large stone statue of a red turtle, symbolizing the Ryugu (Dragon Palace) legend. Although relatively new, this statue is a beloved symbol of Enkoji Temple and a popular spot for many visitors to take commemorative photos.

Release Pond

In front of the temple gate lies the Release Pond, said to be the setting for the legend of the red turtle. Even today, its tranquil surface enhances the scenic beauty of the temple grounds.

Cultural Properties and Treasures

Enkoji Temple possesses numerous valuable cultural properties, including nationally designated Important Cultural Properties.

Nationally Designated Important Cultural Properties

Bronze Bell (Temple Bell): Designated as a nationally designated Important Cultural Property in 1941. This precious temple bell from the Heian period, bearing an inscription from 911 AD, holds high academic value as the oldest bronze bell in Tosa Province. Its historical connection to the legend of the red turtle further enhances its value.

Other Temple Treasures

• Standing Statue of Yakushi Nyorai (Main Image): A hidden Buddha statue said to have been created by Kobo Daishi.
• Statues of Nikko Bosatsu and Gekko Bosatsu: Enshrined as the two attendant bodhisattvas to Yakushi Nyorai.
• Statue of Kobo Daishi: An image enshrined in the Daishi Hall.
• Ancient Documents: A valuable collection of materials that convey the history of the temple.

These cultural assets are usually not open to the public, but may be viewable on special occasions.

Eye-Washing Well and Treasure Water

Especially famous at Enkoji Temple is the “Eye-Washing Well” located to the right of the main hall.

Kobo Daishi and Treasure Water

It is said that when Kobo Daishi restored Enkoji Temple, he dug a spring on the temple grounds with his staff and named it “Treasure Water.” This sacred water is believed to be effective against various illnesses, and has attracted worshippers, especially for its miraculous power in healing eye diseases.

Faith for Healing Eye Diseases

From the Edo period to the Showa era, people suffering from eye diseases visited Enkoji Temple from all over Japan, washing their eyes with the water from this well and praying for healing. Even today, many worshippers visit to pray for eye health, and can be seen drawing water from the well to take home.

Sacred Water for Safe Childbirth

Besides healing eye diseases, this water is also believed to bring blessings for safe childbirth, and it is a local custom for pregnant women to drink it. The sacred water is one of the important objects of worship at Enkoji Temple.

The Current Eye-Washing Well

Even today, the well still holds pure water beside the main hall, and worshippers can draw water with a ladle to wash their eyes or take it home. However, hygiene precautions are necessary if washing your eyes directly with the water.

Inner Sanctuary and Surrounding Extra Sacred Sites

Enkoji Temple also has an inner sanctuary, and there are several extra sacred sites scattered around the area.

Enkoji Temple’s Inner Sanctuary

Enkoji Temple’s inner sanctuary is located in the mountains, a short distance from the main temple, and is considered a place for deeper spiritual training. It is used as a place for serious spiritual practice and meditation in a tranquil setting.

Nearby Extra Sacred Sites

Besides the 88 temples of Shikoku, there are many extra sacred sites in southwestern Tosa. Around Enkoji Temple:

• Tsuteru-ji Temple (between temples 25 and 26)

• Kamimine-ji Temple (temple 27)

Pilgrims with ample time can gain a deeper pilgrimage experience by visiting these extra sacred sites as well.

Etiquette and Benefits of Visiting a Temple

Basic Etiquette for Visiting a Temple

1. Bow at the Temple Gate: Bow and clasp your hands together before entering the temple grounds.
2. Purify at the Water Basin: Cleanse your hands and mouth.
3. Worship at the Main Hall: Place your votive slip, offer candles and incense, offer sutras, and chant sutras.
4. Worship at the Daishi Hall: Worship using the same etiquette as the Main Hall.
5. Receive a Goshuin (temple stamp) at the Sutra Office: Receive a Goshuin in your sutra book.
6. Eye-Washing Well: Cleanse your eyes with the Treasure Water.

Benefits of Enkoji Temple

• Healing of Eye Diseases: Pray for eye health using the Treasure Water.
• Healing of Illness: Healing of various illnesses through the merits of Yakushi Nyorai (Medicine Buddha).
• Healthy Longevity: Pray for longevity through Yakushi faith.
• Prayer for Safe Childbirth: Successful childbirth through the Treasure Water.
• Fulfillment of Wishes: A sense of accomplishment as the final temple on the pilgrimage route.

Goshuin (Temple Seal) and Sutra Copying

Enkoji Temple’s goshuin features the calligraphy of “Yakushi Nyorai” (Medicine Buddha) and the red seal of “No. 39”. The sutra copying office is usually open from 7:00 to 17:00, but this may vary depending on the season, so prior confirmation is recommended.

Transportation Information and Access

Access by Public Transportation

Train and Bus:

• Get off at Nakamura Station on the Tosa Kuroshio Railway
• Take the Kochi Seinan Kotsu bus bound for Katashima (approx. 40 minutes)
• Get off at the Terayamaguchi bus stop and walk for approximately 10 minutes.

Important Note: Bus service is limited, so it is important to check the timetable in advance. Service is especially reduced on Sundays and public holidays.

Access by Car

From Kochi City:

• Approximately 100 kilometers west on National Route 56
• Estimated time: Approximately 2 hours

From Ehime Prefecture:

• Head east on National Route 56
• Approximately 50 kilometers from Temple No. 40, Kanjizaiji
• Cross Matsuo Pass and enter Kochi Prefecture

Parking: Free parking available on the temple grounds (approximately 30 regular cars)

Pilgrimage Route

The pilgrimage route from Temple No. 38, Kongofukuji, is approximately 55 kilometers long and takes about two days on foot. There are two routes: one along the coast passing through Tosashimizu City and Otsuki Town, and another inland.

The pilgrimage route to Temple No. 40, Kanjizaiji (Ainan Town, Ehime Prefecture), is approximately 50 kilometers long. Known as a difficult section crossing Matsuo Pass, it is an important boundary between the “training ground” and the “enlightenment ground.”

Points to Note When Visiting and Information about the Surrounding Area

Points to Note When Visiting

• Attire: Avoid revealing clothing and wear comfortable clothing that allows for easy movement.
• Time: Visit during the operating hours of the temple office (approximately 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM).
• Eye-Washing Well: When using the water, please be mindful of hygiene.
• Photography: Please be aware of areas where photography is prohibited, such as inside the main hall.
• Quietness: Please pray quietly within the temple grounds.

Nearby Tourist Attractions

Sukumo City:

• Sukumo History Museum: A facility where you can learn about the history and culture of Sukumo.
• Daruma Sunset: A beautiful sunset over Sukumo Bay.

Natural Scenery:

• Kanyo Island Park: Known as a scenic spot.
• Oshima Island: An island floating in Sukumo Bay.

Accommodation

While Enkoji Temple does not have a temple lodging, there are various accommodations in Sukumo city, including:

• Business Hotels
• Guesthouses
• Pilgrim Inns

and more. Considering the journey to the 40th temple, staying in Sukumo city is convenient.

Dining and Shopping

Since the area around the temple is rural, restaurants are limited. If you travel to Sukumo city center, you can find:

• Seafood restaurants
• Local cuisine restaurants using local ingredients
• Convenience stores

and more.

Summary

Enkoji Temple, the 39th temple of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, is an important sacred site marking the end of the Tosa Road, a “training ground.” It boasts a long history, founded in 724 by Gyoki Bodhisattva and restored by Kobo Daishi. It offers many attractions, including the legend of the red turtle, a Heian period temple bell (a nationally important cultural property), and the Hōi-sui spring, known for its healing properties for eye diseases.

The temple grounds, quietly nestled in the countryside, provide a peaceful environment for worship, attracting not only pilgrims but also many general tourists. Despite being located in Sukumo City, at the southwestern tip of Kochi Prefecture, Enkoji Temple possesses extremely high historical and cultural value and is an indispensable and important temple on the Shikoku Pilgrimage.

The next temple, the 40th temple, Kanjizaiji, is approximately 50 kilometers away, crossing the prefectural border. For pilgrims who cross the Matsuo Pass and progress from the “training ground” to the “enlightenment ground,” visiting Enkoji Temple marks a significant milestone. Believing in the protection of Yakushi Nyorai and the miraculous power of the sacred water, many people continue to visit Enkoji Temple today.