Dōgaku-ji, Buddhist temple in Ishii, Japan.
Dōgaku-ji is a Buddhist temple in Ishii featuring stone Buddha statues lining its entrance path and housing a wooden Yakushi Nyorai statue dating to the late Heian period. The main buildings rest on quiet grounds surrounded by trees and traditional stone structures that give the space a settled appearance.
The temple was founded during Emperor Tenmu's reign between 673 and 686, making it one of the earliest Buddhist institutions on Shikoku island. This founding period marks an important moment in the spread of Buddhism throughout the region.
The temple name translates to Child Learning Temple, referencing the period when Buddhist master Kōbō Daishi studied there during his childhood years.
The temple sits about a 30-minute walk from Ishii Station on the JR Shikoku Tokushima Line or is accessible by local bus services. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes since the walking route is hilly and passes through quiet residential areas.
A spring called Okaji Mizu flows within the temple grounds, and local tradition holds that its water enhances writing abilities when used to prepare ink. This small water source draws visitors interested in exploring traditional practices.
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