Zentsuji, Buddhist temple city in Kagawa Prefecture, Japan
Zentsuji is a city built around a significant Buddhist temple in Kagawa Prefecture and functions as a pilgrimage destination. The city spreads across hillsides and flat areas, containing several smaller shrines and residential neighborhoods.
The region was settled during the Kofun period, as shown by several burial mound clusters including the Arioka Kofun complex. The main temple was founded in 813 and became the spiritual center of the area.
The main temple serves as station 75 on the 88-temple Shikoku Pilgrimage route and marks the birthplace of the Buddhist monk Kūkai. Pilgrims regularly visit to follow this traditional spiritual journey.
Visitors can explore the temple grounds in a few hours, with stairs and paths leading to the main shrine. The city has bus stations and accommodations to support overnight stays for pilgrims and tourists.
Local farmers have developed a method to grow cube-shaped watermelons in glass boxes, producing perfectly square fruits. These unusual melons stack efficiently for storage and transportation.
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