Kongōfukuji and Cape Ashizuri-Misaki
It was a gorgeous day when I arrived in Kongōfukuji, the temple of eternal bliss, at the most southern area of Shikoku. I could have stayed hours in this place.
With no wind at all, the pond was a perfect mirror to reflect the temple halls, pagodas and the many natural rocks surrounding it.
Many huge rocks of petrified wood were exhibited on the temple grounds
Many tiered stone pagoda
Two story pagoda
Callygraphy and stamps for my nōkyōchō, the pilgrim’s book. Behind the head of the lady, you see a special picture made out of 88 colored paper leaves, one leave for each temple. It is called “Sange” meaning fallen petals. Every temple handed out a leave after doing the calligraphy. 2016 was a special year – it was not only a leap year but also the year of Hinoe-saru (Chinese Zodiak of a 60 years cycle) dedicated to the monkey. By walking counterclockwise, the pilgrimage earns more benefits.
Sange-Jiku, the 88 temple leaves
The location of the temple is close to Cape Ashizuri, a place of high cliffs and a far view out to the Pacific Ocean. People in the past believed that south of the Cape is the blessed realm of the goddess Kannon , an area called Fudaraku. They sailed from Ashizuri to reach this Pure Land. In the past, people believed that Fuderaku was a real place instead of a mental one.
My friend Kato-san was visiting me this day and we drove to Minokoshi Cape with unique rock formations at the southern tip of the island
From Tatsukushi Bay, we took a boat to go to a little island nearby to see fantastic rock formations.
Sunset with view to the Kashiwajima Island. Kashiwajima Island is located at the southwest end of Ootsuki Peninsula, the other end of Ashizuri Peninsula. It is an island with the clearest water and a paradise for scuba divers.
