17‏/01‏/2014

The Burning Mountain Temple

Temple #12 of the Ohenro 88 temple pilgrimage

By C. Rio

Community writer

صورة 1 of 7

Sunrise view from the temple entrance

Main Gate

One of the many trees on the temple grounds older than 300 years

This purification fountain is quite unique within the pilgrimage

Finely groomed tree in front of the Main Hall

Reflecting pool

Bell tower

Temple twelve in the Shikoku Ohenro pilgrimage is also known as the Burning Mountain Temple. Kobo Daishi encountered a dragon here that was terrorizing the local inhabitants and causing a great deal of damage to property in the area. He was able to seal the dragon in a cave and carved two statues to guard the entrance. For this reason the temple is called Shosanji.

To get there by public transport, catch a Yorii-naka bound bus from Tokushima station and ride till end of the line. From there change buses to one going to Shosanji, from the Shosanji bus stop it is about a 90 minute walk. Alternately, it's a beautiful hike from Temple eleven over well marked trails and with spectacular views (allow 4-6 hours).