Iwamotoji Temple, number 37, Shikoku

This temple is a nice reminder that most temples are different from each other, and have unique aspects.

Shimanto, the location of this temple, is a small remote town in southwest Shikoku, which is already the smallest , poorest and most remote of Japan’s four main islands.

The temple is beautiful and charming, and clearly well maintained.  Its most unique aspect is the series of small modern paintings on the ceiling of the main hall, including one of Marilyn Monroe.

I was greeted by a group of young ladies who were there for a tea ceremony.  They offered me a cup of green tea, with a small biscuit with an image of Marilyn Monroe embossed on it.

One of the great things about Shikoku’s temples is that they all have nice clean toilets available for visitors.  When I sat on the toilet at this temple, I was serenaded with the recorded sound of a waterfall — presumably to stimulate my urinary function!  Only in Japan!

As I was leaving, a group of pilgrims was arriving (see photo).  

By way of background, Iwamotoji is located in Shimanto Town, where the Shimanto River flows and the Konan Plateau stretches at an elevation of about 300 meters. The temple dates back to the Tempyo era (729-749). 

According to a temple legend, the predecessor of the temple was Fukuenmanji. It was built by Gyoki at the order of the Emperor Shomu, to pray for the immediate destruction of the Seven Afflictions and the immediate birth of the Seven Blessings.

The temple was located near the Niida Myojin shrine, about three kilometers northwest of the present site. It is said that the temple had seven branch temples. The temple was also called Niida-dera because it managed the Niida Myojin.

Kobo Daishi visited this temple during the Konin era (814-824).