Shōfuku-ji

The Shingon Buddhist temple stands on a mountain near the sea, featuring traditional wooden structures and spacious inner halls for religious ceremonies and meditation.

Monk Gyōki established the temple in the early 8th century during the Nara period, making it one of the oldest religious structures in the Toba region.

The temple forms part of multiple pilgrimage routes including the Ise Sacred Sites and serves as a significant spiritual center for maritime communities.

Visitors can reach the temple through a one-hour walk from Matsuo Station on the Kintetsu Shima Line, with local taxis available for easier access.

According to local tradition, the temple's main deity, an eleven-faced Kannon statue, emerged from the ocean riding on the back of a whale.

Location: Toba

Inception: 8 century

Founders: Gyōki

Part of: 伊勢西国三十三所観音霊場, sites sacrés de Tokai Kinki Jizo, 東海三十六不動尊霊場, 三重四国八十八箇所

GPS coordinates: 34.41039,136.82653

Latest update: March 21, 2025 05:58