Chikurinji Temple

Chikurinji Temple

Chikurinji Temple
4.5
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Duration: < 1 hour
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Are you currently on your trip?
Help us find experiences available for you.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.


4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles209 reviews
Excellent
84
Very good
101
Average
24
Poor
0
Terrible
0

These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.

GAN L
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia10,543 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Family
We took the My-Yu bus to visit this Temple 31 of the Shikoku 88 temples pilgrimage tour. Impressive, awesome temple.temple etiquette to follow: At the main gate, stand to the left of the main gate, put your hands together and bow once. Rule 2: at the wash basin, wash your hands here. Rule 3: ring the bell once, it is bad luck to ring when you leave. Rule 4: exit the main gate on the left side , turn around and bow once. Do not miss the 5 story pagoda. One can view a treasure trove of cultural assets from Kochi and relax in the natural beauty setting.
Written November 9, 2023
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.

DMKMcclure
Buffalo NY6 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
I am visiting my daughter in Kochi City for a few weeks and today we decided to walk from the Asakura area where she lives to Godaisan. That in itself was quite a hike, but we paced ourselves with occasional diversions (Starbucks en route) and plenty of water on this typical hot and humid June (16.2009) day.
Starting at the base of the mountain on the west side, we followed a road (traffic, bike and foot) that traverses its way up the mountain. We left the road when the first series of stone stairs appeared that lead more directly up the mountain. At the stair base, a young calico mother cat rested with an orange tabby kitten sticking close by. The mom cat looked quite young herself. This was the third cat we had seen in about 5 minutes of beginning the climb of the mountain.
At the top of the stairs there was a shrine and a water station. Aside from the low rumble of city noises down the mountain, the landing was quiet and idyllic. We paused for awhile before continuing, enjoying the coolness of the water station provided. Walking out of the shrine area, we were met by a dark colored kitten, who promptly scampered off when we drew too close.
We walked on following the road once more to about the half way point. There are toilet facilities and a picnic area. Not finding a shaded picnic bench, we opted to sit on a water station across the road that was shaded and had our lunch.
Periodically, we watched a Japanese woman as she was picnicking back in the designated (sunny) area. Shortly, she was joined by two orange tabby cats. Upon her leaving, the woman gave them some leftovers. After finishing the gracious gift, the pair slowly worked their way over to where we rested. The carrots and plums we had to offer were of little interest to the two young brothers. They rested near by and watched us as well as the occasional butterfly that would come into view.
We continued up the mountain once more on another series of stone stairs and walks.

At the top of the mountain was a building that perhaps had refreshments / food at times but today it was closed. There were a number of panoramic views of Kochi City to be had from the various lookouts. We walked around the garden areas, many flowers were in full bloom, hydrangeas, calla lilies were among the ones I recognized. There were restrooms available (open), also.

We took the stone path from there to the Chikurenji Temple through the woods - easy walking and much cooler temperature. Upon entering the temple area, there are several ponds, a rather loud bull frog bellowed out of one of them. There are a number of smaller shrines interspersed over the area, most with stone walks.
The large thatched roof temple is in the main square along a shop / tea room, water station and a smaller shrine. Stone steps to the right of the smaller shrine led to a brightly colored orange pagoda. Here, two more orange tabby felines went about their daily activities.
Being a Tuesday, the temple grounds were pretty serene undisturbed by peoples chatter and clatter. Perhaps on the weekend that is not the norm. Plus side for the weekend is that there is a bus available to take you to the top, but then you would miss an hour (easy to medium walking) hike through some emerald green mossy hillsides. (Summer months are uncomfortably hot and humid, best in spring or fall)
Upon leaving through the ancient wooden gate, we heard mewing and stopped. A young black cat came out to greet us. The cat allowed us to pet and hold it (unlike the early cats who were more cautious). He had healed scar wounds above his left eye, but now he seemed appreciative of our affection and attention.

Overall, the Chikurenji Temple is quite picturesque, a place to slow down and reflect upon the past while rethinking the present and the future.

I find it difficult to understand how such a community minded culture, that is both caring and compassionate, as the Japanese would not help these homeless animals. There are plenty of caring and compassionate Kochi residents, I have met them and I know if the temple would provide the means / organization in which to care responsibly for the cats (spay/neutering, food and water) the community would support them.

It's a temple for God's sake.
Written June 17, 2009
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.

CCorpuz
96 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2019 • Business
Had a chance to visit this temple. The grounds were beautiful with so much lush greenery. First time to see people doing their pilgrimage called Ohenro. They had pointed hats and wore white clothes. It was a sight to see these two elderly couple help each other down the stairs carefully with a stick. As I walked around, i felt at peace with nature. Everything so calm. Although I’m a Christian, it was a nice cultural experience to be in this surrounding.
Written August 10, 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.

OHKSO
Hyogo Prefecture, Japan111,330 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 • Friends
After going around in circles, we arrived at the temple, which stands on Mt. Wutaisan. Even though it is a temple on a mountain, it has a well-maintained garden, and there seems to be a lot to see in addition to the 88 Temple Pilgrimage. The grounds were surprisingly spacious, and a slope had been installed to make it easier to enter the main hall at the front. Incidentally, since it was early in the morning, the front door of the main hall was closed, but it was later opened and we were able to enter. There were also colorful goshuin stamps available only for the Year of the Dragon at the donation office, but they cost 800 yen, so we gave up on buying them.
Google
Written March 17, 2024
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.

RandR1948
Boynton Beach, FL239 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2018
Up a small rise. Hidden by trees. Lies this temple. It is Beautiful and awe inspiring. You can catch a wisp of incense as you approach.
Written January 6, 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.

colin1957
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK255 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2018 • Couples
What a lovely place this was. We walked to the temple from our hotel (not recommended) and it is quite a hike up the hill. There is the observatory at the top and the fine botanical gardens to see.
Hourly bus service to and from JR station.
Written November 1, 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.

Nonnapn
Manila, Philippines487 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2018 • Couples
Chikurinji is temple number 31 of the Shikoku 88 Temple pilgrimage and one of the loveliest temples I have seen.
There is a pagoda reached via ancient looking stone steps and lovely gardens all throughout the temple grounds. There is a treasure house too but we did not have the time to visit it.
To save yourself the walk up the mountain, take the very convenient bus from Kochi Station, you will get off at the temple entrance.
Don't miss seeing this hidden and exquisite spot in Kochi.
Written October 1, 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.

roboesGistel
Gistel, Belgium1,391 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2018 • Couples
This temple can be reached every hour from the Harimaya bus station in 20 minutes with the My-Yu busline ( 600 yen for a day-pass ).
As we were pressed by time we took a taxi and for 4 persoons we paid 1200 yen for a 12 minutes ride.
This temple , founded by Gyoki, and built in 724 on Mount Gozai and is the 31st of the 88 temples of the Shikoku-pelgrimage.
The main hall is known as the temple of learning.
The Daishi hall, garden and 5-storey pagoda are designated by the authorities as a location of scenic beauty.
The pagoda is said to contain some ashes of Budha.
Written May 14, 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.

Mark
Queenstown, New Zealand2,951 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2016 • Friends
This is pardon the pun a very zen like place, it is so peaceful and surrounded by beautiful natural bush land, whilst I was visiting there were quite a few worshipers chanting, I hoped that I did not disrespect them by being a nosy tourist. I loved this temple in all it's glory situated high above the city of Kochi over looking the city and kind of guarding and watching over the people below, well that's the way I interpret it. Please go it's really nice.
Written August 24, 2016
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.

Marcel Baumann
Zug, Switzerland145 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2016 • Family
Upon leaving the Makino botanical garten we went to the Chikurinji Temple and enjoy a walk through the premises and the garden. We were at the cherry blossom period and it was beautiful. The pilgrims are also visiting the temple, making a counterpoint to the quietness of the gardens.

You can make all these attractions with the bus - cost 600 Yen for one day -. The bus stops for example at the JR rail station.
Written April 6, 2016
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.

Showing results 1-10 of 33
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing

Chikurinji Temple, Kochi

All Kochi HotelsKochi Hotel DealsLast Minute Hotels in Kochi
All things to do in Kochi
Zoos & Aquariums in KochiTheater & Concerts in Kochi
RestaurantsFlightsTravel StoriesCruisesRental Cars