Shōsan-ji (Kamiyama)
| Shōsan-ji | |
|---|---|
焼山寺 | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Buddhism |
| Sect | Kōyasan Shingon-shū |
| Deity | Kokūzō Bosatsu |
| Location | |
| Location | Kamiyama, Tokushima |
| Country | Japan |
Interactive map of Shōsan-ji | |
| Coordinates | 33°59′6.1″N 134°18′36.9″E / 33.985028°N 134.310250°E |
| Architecture | |
| Founder | Kukai |
| Completed | 815 |
Shōsan-ji (焼山寺) or Shozan-ji is a Shingon Buddhist temple in Kamiyama, Tokushima. It is the 12th temple in the 88 temple Shikoku Pilgrimage.[1][2] At at elevation of 706 metres, it is the second highest temple of the pilgrimage.[3]
History
Ascetic En no Gyoja is said to have stopped a fiery serpent who caused trouble on this mountain. It is said that later, in 815, Kukai also saw the mountain on fire, and stopped the serpent once again.[2] He then sealed the serpent in a cave, with the help of Kokūzō Bosatsu.[1]
Emon Saburō, a folk figure associated with the pilgrimage, is said to have died 1.6km away at Joshin-an (杖杉庵).[1][4]
Access
Shosan-ji is the first "nansho" (難所), or "difficult [to reach] place" of the Shikoku pilgrimage, as walking to it from Fujii-dera involves over 11km of steep and high trails.[2]
It is also accessible by vehicle, with 70-80 parking spots.[1]
References
- ^ a b c d "Marozan Shoujyuin Shozanji – Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage". Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage. Retrieved September 15, 2025.
- ^ a b c "Shosanji – Kamiyama, Tokushima Prefecture, Shikoku • Henro". Henro.org. Retrieved September 15, 2025.
- ^ "Temple 12, Shōsanji｜What to See & Do｜Tourism SHIKOKU". Shikoku Tourism. Retrieved September 15, 2025.
- ^ "Shosan-ji Temple Valley Pilgrimage Route". Retrieved September 15, 2025.