【Japan tourism】 Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage trip [No.41] Inarizan Gokokuin Ryuukouji
Ryuukouji is affectionately known to the locals as “Mima no Oinari-san."
The vestiges of the syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism in the olden days still remain, and when you pass through the torii gate that serves as the temple gate, you will be greeted by guardian dogs. In the precincts, foxes and Jizo statues stand side by side, and Buddha and God live together.
Ryuukouji
| Principal image | Eleven-faced Kannon Bodhisattva |
| Honzon mantra | On maka kyaronikya sowaka |
| Denomination | Shingon Buddhism Omuro sect |
Place
Temple lodging： none
Phone：0895-58-2186
〒798-1115
173 Togari, Mima-cho, Uwajima City, Ehime Prefecture
Gosyuin(red stamp)
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History
In 807 (Daido 2), when Kobo Daishi visited this place, a white-haired old man with a bundle of rice on his back appeared and said, “I will live here, protect the teachings, and benefit the people." Then he suddenly disappeared. Kobo Daishi felt that the old man was an incarnation of Inari Myojin, whom he had worshiped on a daily basis, and carved a statue of him.
Also, at this time, it is said that the eleven-faced Kanzeon Bodhisattva, Fudo Myoo, and Bishamonten were enshrined together, and the temple was opened as the total guardian of Shikoku’s sacred sites under the name of 'Inarizan Ryukoji.’
There is a story related to the name of the temple, when a Shoya who was taking a nap on the riverbed was attacked by a dragon. It is said that the sword at the Shoya’s waist naturally fell out and cut out the eye of the dragon.
It is said that there is a black stone with a diameter of about 10 cm in the temple that is said to have been the eye of a dragon.
The temple gate is a stone torii gate, and a guardian dog is enshrined instead of the Niomon gate. Ryukoji Temple has been a syncretist of Shintoism and Buddhism since its foundation, and the building that was originally the main hall became the main hall of Inari Shrine due to the separation of Shintoism and Buddhism during the Meiji Restoration.
Highlight
【Main hall】 It was newly erected when the former main hall became “Inari Shrine" due to the separation of Shintoism and Buddhism.
Next to it, the statue of Inari Myojin, which Kobo Daishi solicited, is also enshrined.
【Daishido】 In front of Daishido, the Seven Lucky Gods with rich expressions welcome you.
It was built in 1993 in the Hogyō-zukuri style of cypress.
It is about 4 km (about 8 minutes by car) to the next 42nd bill place “Butsumokuji"!