Kogenji, Buddhist temple in Tokushima, Japan.
Kogenji is a Buddhist temple in Tokushima with a main hall dating to the early 1800s, displaying traditional Japanese architectural style and religious objects. The grounds contain several buildings arranged around a central area, surrounded by mature trees and stone pathways.
The temple was founded in 741 by the monk Gyoki, who carved a statue of Yakushi Nyorai for the altar. It was destroyed in the 1500s but rebuilt in 1742, restoring its function as a pilgrimage site.
This temple serves as the fifteenth station on the Shikoku Pilgrimage route of 88 temples, drawing Buddhist pilgrims who travel throughout the island. Visitors can observe how the site remains an active place of worship and contemplation for those following this centuries-old spiritual journey.
The temple is reached by a ten-minute walk from the Kokubunji-mae bus stop, which has direct connections to Tokushima Station. It is best visited in the morning when the grounds are quieter and you can move around freely.
Inside the temple stands a statue of the Medicine Buddha known as Yakushi Nyorai, which has been venerated since its creation in the 700s. Pilgrims visit specifically to pray before this sculpture, believing it brings healing and protection.
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