The Burning Mountain Temple

Temple #12 of the Ohenro 88 temple pilgrimage

C. Rio Jan 17, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>Sunrise view from the temple entrance</p>

<p>One of the many trees on the temple grounds older than 300 years</p>

<p>This purification fountain is quite unique within the pilgrimage</p>

<p>Finely groomed tree in front of the Main Hall</p>

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).