Mandara-ji

This text is about Zentsūji (善通寺市, Zentsūji-shi), a city in Kagawa Prefecture, Japan, best known as the home of Zentsū-ji, one of the most important temples linked to Kūkai and the Shikoku pilgrimage. The city had an estimated population of 30,780 in 2022 and covers 39.93 square kilometres. Zentsūji is a major pilgrimage stop on the 88-temple Shikoku route, drawing visitors for its religious and historical role in Shingon Buddhism. Its temple precincts are centered on Zentsū-ji and related temple structures, with the city serving as an access point for pilgrims and temple visitors. The city’s significance lies in its association with Kūkai, founder of Shingon Buddhism, whose birthplace tradition is tied to Zentsū-ji. It is part of a living pilgrimage landscape rather than a UNESCO-listed site.