Tosa Kokubun

What makes this place special?

At a Glance

Tosa Kokubun is a historic Buddhist temple in Nankoku, Kochi, and Temple 29 of the Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage. Founded in 741 by Gyoki, it later became a Shingon temple and is known for its cultural properties and quiet wooded grounds.

Ancient Historic Important Cultural Property Pilgrimage

Why you should go

1

Tosa Kokubun-ji belongs to the Shingon-shu Chisan-ha sect today, though it was originally founded in 741 and changed affiliation later.

2

Kūkai practiced secret hoshiku rituals here in 815 to ward off evil spirits. The temple became the main training hall for these esoteric teachings, and his statue is still called the Hoshi-ku Daishi.