Chikurin Temple, number 31, Shikoku

This temple is beautifully located up in the hills above Kochi, adjacent to the Makino botanical garden. Kochi is a relatively small city on the south coast of Shikoku, facing the Pacific Ocean.

The site of the temple buildings is very lush, with a few cherry blossoms remaining, and a good number of azaleas.

This temple is distinctive by virtue of having a five-level pagoda, the only such pagoda in Shikoku, apart from the three in the Kagawa prefecture.  Shikoku has four prefectures, namely Kochi, Kagawa, Ehime and Tokushima.

I finished the visit with a delicious lunch at the botanical garden — hamburger Japanese style.  On my way to lunch, I bumped into a couple of enthusiastic fellow pilgrims.

Chikurin-ji Temple is a historically significant site renowned for its stunning gardens. In autumn, the maple and ginkgo trees transform into vibrant hues, creating a striking display along the stone-paved path leading through the temple gate.