光林寺

Korin-ji is a Buddhist temple in Hataji with multiple buildings across its grounds. The complex includes a main hall, a Goma hall, an Eight Patriarchs hall, and an Amida hall distinguished by their curved, upturned eaves.

The temple was founded in 701 by monk Tokuzō under Emperor Monmu's order and initially followed the Hossō and Sanron schools. It later converted to the Shingon school, but then suffered a devastating fire before being substantially rebuilt in 1042.

This temple serves as a spiritual station for pilgrims following two established routes in the region. Visitors encounter a space where religious practice has drawn people for many centuries.

The office for collecting pilgrimage stamps and signatures is located near the main hall and easy to find. The Hakusan Shrine situated behind the temple grounds provides an additional space for prayer within the complex.

The grounds once experienced total destruction by fire, a major loss that shaped its path forward. The reconstruction that followed under Minamoto no Yoriyoshi's supervision shows how the site endured through significant adversity to remain important today.

Location: Imabari

GPS coordinates: 34.00633,132.95039

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:07