Eifuku-ji, Buddhist temple in Imabari, Japan.
Eifuku-ji is a Buddhist temple in Imabari, Ehime Prefecture, with a main hall and a Daishi-do hall whose facade carries carved dragon ornaments. A stone gateway connects the temple grounds directly to the neighboring Ishishimizu Hachiman Shrine.
The temple was founded by the Buddhist monk Kobo Daishi during his journey through Shikoku and was established as part of the 88-temple pilgrimage route he is credited with creating. That connection has shaped the site for centuries.
Eifuku-ji sits on the Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage circuit as stop number 57, which means white-robed walkers pass through on most days. The sound of chanted sutras and small hand bells drifts from the main hall as pilgrims offer incense and prayers.
The temple is easy to reach from central Imabari and sits at a slightly elevated position. From the upper part of the grounds, there are open views toward the city and the Seto Inland Sea.
A path lined with bamboo leads up to the temple gate, and the stems move and rustle in even a light breeze while the buildings beyond stay still. This small contrast between moving plants and fixed stone tends to catch visitors off guard.
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