Dainichi-ji, Buddhist temple in Tokushima, Japan
Dainichi-ji is a Buddhist temple situated in a mountainous area of Tokushima Prefecture, featuring a main hall, a Daishi hall, and a bell tower among its structures. The complex spreads across the grounds with multiple buildings that work together as a cohesive religious site.
The temple was founded in 815 and later destroyed during military conflicts in the late 1500s. It was rebuilt during the early Edo period and has remained standing since then.
This temple serves as the 13th station on the Shikoku Pilgrimage route, drawing pilgrims who walk the sacred path throughout the year. Visitors come here to pray and connect with the spiritual practice that has shaped this place for centuries.
The temple can be reached from Fuchū Station, with free parking available nearby for a small number of vehicles. The hilltop location means visitors should be prepared for some walking once they arrive at the site.
In 2008, this temple appointed the first non-Japanese chief priest among all 88 temples on the Shikoku Pilgrimage route. This appointment marked an important shift in how the temples have opened themselves to the wider world.
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