The Vermillion Main Hall and Legendary Badger at the Eighty-Fourth Sacred Site
About this spot
The eighty-fourth sacred site of the Shikoku Pilgrimage. This ancient temple, said to have been founded by the eminent Chinese monk Ganjin (鑑真和上), stands proudly with its vermillion-painted main hall at the summit of Yashima. Beside the main hall sits Minosan Daimyojin (蓑山大明神), which enshrines Taji the Great Badger—counted among Japan's three legendary badgers—whose large statue greets visitors with charming mischievousness. The treasure house holds paintings and crafted works connected to the Genpei War, allowing visitors to reflect on the battle of Yashima that unfolded at the Dan-no-ura strait below. The temple grounds, where pilgrims' chanting echoes, are filled with a solemn atmosphere befitting the highlight of a historical walk.
Tips
Take the Yashima Driveway (fee required) to reach the summit. From the mountain-top parking area, the temple grounds are about a 5-minute walk on level paths. The treasure house requires an admission fee, but the artifacts connected to the Genpei War can only be seen here—a definite must-see. If you wish to receive a temple stamp (goshuin), don't forget your stamp book.
Best time to visit
Approximately 1 hour. Visiting in the early afternoon overlaps with pilgrim visits, allowing you to experience the lively atmosphere characteristic of a sacred site.
Access & map
〒761-0111 Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture, Yashima Higashi-cho 1808
Model course featuring this spot
Yashima: Yashima Temple and Yashimaru - A Scenic Walk Through the Genpei Era
Kagawa
Explore features & model courses
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