Taisan-ji, Buddhist pilgrimage temple in Imabari, Japan
Taisan-ji stands on a platform of large stones resembling castle walls, with a main hall and a Daishi-do topped by a flaming ball. The temple sits among rice fields as part of a group of six pilgrimage temples in Imabari.
The temple began as a place for prayers related to childbirth and later became Temple 56 on the Shikoku pilgrimage circuit of 88 temples. This transformation shows how the site grew in importance within the regional pilgrimage system.
Wooden Nio guardian statues stand behind glass panels on the temple grounds, joined by weeping plum trees and camellia flowers typical of Ehime prefecture. These plants define the landscape across different seasons and create a tranquil setting for visitors.
The temple sits among rice fields as part of a cluster of six pilgrimage temples in Imabari, making route planning convenient for visitors. You can visit multiple temples in one day when exploring this part of the circuit.
The temple grounds feature an unusual concrete retaining wall between its buildings, creating a striking contrast with traditional Japanese temple architecture. This modern structural element shows how the centuries-old site adapted to meet practical needs.
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