Asia
Japan
Shikoku
Kagawa Prefecture
Zentsuji
Places to visit in Zentsuji
Zentsu-ji Temple
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Zentsu-ji Temple

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Zentsu-ji Temple
4.5
What people are saying
“A must place to visit if you are in Kagawa”
Feb 2020
Beautiful Temple and surroundings. You can learn so much from this visit. The birthplace of Kobo Daishi and Temple number 75 on the 88 Temple Pilgrimage on Shikoku.
Steven R
By Steven R
“Really great experience in the belly of the Buddha”
Jan 2020
This is a very large temple and is highly recommended for a visit while on Shikoku. I haven't visited a large number of temples in my lifetime, but I have been to a few. This was one of the larger ones that I have been to in terms of space and facilities. There weren't dramatic views or breathtaking landscapes, but the temple buildings are nice and accessible. There is also a great experience of walking through the tunnels and hearing okyo. The experience is really great and gives you a good sense of nothingness and separating yourself from all things around you. I highly recommend it along with the museum of artifacts that is part of the price. Kids might be a little scared going through the dark.
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289 within 5 kms
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.5
194 reviews
Excellent
88
Very good
87
Average
13
Poor
6
Terrible
0
Jimcraw74
London, UK30 contributions
A must place to visit if you are in Kagawa
Feb 2020
Beautiful Temple and surroundings.
You can learn so much from this visit.
The birthplace of Kobo Daishi and Temple number 75 on the 88 Temple Pilgrimage on Shikoku.
Written 4 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steven R
Fukuoka, Japan209 contributions
Really great experience in the belly of the Buddha
Jan 2020
This is a very large temple and is highly recommended for a visit while on Shikoku. I haven't visited a large number of temples in my lifetime, but I have been to a few. This was one of the larger ones that I have been to in terms of space and facilities. There weren't dramatic views or breathtaking landscapes, but the temple buildings are nice and accessible. There is also a great experience of walking through the tunnels and hearing okyo. The experience is really great and gives you a good sense of nothingness and separating yourself from all things around you. I highly recommend it along with the museum of artifacts that is part of the price. Kids might be a little scared going through the dark.
Written 12 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
stuchil
California104 contributions
Daishi birthplace
Aug 2019
One of the must visit temples on the trail, the highlight is the descent into the birth room of Kobo Daishi. The pitch dark approach to the room gives you a serene feeling.
Written 10 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nonnapn
Manila, Philippines501 contributions
The birthplace of Kobo Daishi
Sep 2018 • Couples
If you are interested in Kobo Daishi, this is a place you should not miss. Temple 75 on the 88 Temple Pilgrimage, Zentsuji is the largest of all the temples and has many buildings dedicated to the Daishi. Do not miss the 100 meter tunnel under the Mieido and the Treasure House with amazing pieces.
Written 12 November 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Warner L
Pasadena, CA668 contributions
BEST TEMPLE I VISITED ON ISLAND OF SHIKAKU
Mar 2018
This may be one of the most complete temples I've visited in Japan to that date; it has been the standard I measure all temples to since. I recommend spending enough time to see the whole compound from one end to the other. It will be on my list when I return to the island.
Written 11 November 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MarkGroenewold
Takamatsu, Japan408 contributions
Birthplace of the Shikoku 88 Buddhist Temple Pilgrimage (75 of 88)
Sep 2018 • Family
Those who are deeply connected to the Buddhist Pilgrimage of Shikoku will tell you that this is one of three critical places to visit to have a "full pilgrim (ohenro) experience". The other two are Touji (Kyoto--very very cool) and Mt. Kona (also unbelievable). This is the birthplace of Kukai, also called reverently, "Kobo Daishi".

It is from here that Kukai began his life as a disciple of Buddhism. This is the original spring well. The grounds are expansive and beautiful. The pagoda is magnificent and the gates and temple hall are inspiring. If you dare, there is an underground passage that must be walked in complete darkness. If one is cruel or full of malice, they may be trapped beneath. Somehow on the last visit I got through okay. I'm sure you'll be fine.

Various statues are around the edges of the grounds and there are several buildings for you to check out and explore. Combined with Konpira this makes an excellent day!
Written 29 October 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
yosconnie
Madison, WI37 contributions
Not popular with tour guides
May 2017 • Friends
Apparently we were the first visitors our volunteer guides had taken to this site. Numbered 75 of the 88 on a pilgrimage route for Shingon Buddhists. Tourists in Kagawa are usually shunted off to Konpira the Shinto shrine. We, however, were on a mission to memorialize an ardent Shingon Buddhist. There were numerous structures on the grounds. Not to be missed is the main temple building with its pitch black tunnel (two minutes of experiencing the dark night of the soul) and the five story pagoda. We could even have done a mini 88 temple pilgrimage on site by paying dearly. Instead we shopped a bit for authentic Buddhist items -- incense, papers and yes, rosaries.
Written 13 July 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
paso57
Paso Robles, CA1,084 contributions
Impressive
Apr 2017 • Solo
Zentsu-ji has a number of important and interesting buildings, including a very good museum. Pilgrims are often seen there. Pilgrims on the entry bridge provide a particularly good photo opportunity.
Written 9 May 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lara N
Takamatsu, Japan147 contributions
Birthplace of Kobo Daishi
Apr 2017
Number 75 on the 88-temple pilgrimage of Shikoku, Zentsuji is much more impressive than many because it is the reputed birthplace of the founder of Shingon, Kobo Daishi. There are multiple buildings scattered on the grounds which make it fun to explore. You may also pay extra for a trip to the cellar of the main hall; it is completely dark and you are asked to "walk with Kobo Daishi." This was exciting for our small child, but felt less "religious" than it was intended to be. However, there is a small museum behind the hall which you can enter with the same ticket, and the statues inside were surprisingly interesting. We go to this temple often because of the delicious old "cookie shop" that is over 120 years old, located between the main temple and older section.
Written 16 April 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sam3381
Hong Kong, China71 contributions
An important Buddhist temple in the Japan, a place to understand the history of Buddhism in Japan.
Apr 2016
It may not be the best sightseeing venue.The temple has a long history. It was established by a monk over a thousand years ago. He went to China to learn Buddhist teaching and bought it back to Japan. As such, the temple tells the history of Buddhism in Japan.
Written 17 January 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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