No.47 Kumanozan Myōkenin Yasakaji
A temple on the southern hills of Matsuyama. Its bridge-gate over a stream is rare, and the ceiling is painted with vivid scenes of the Pure Land. Beneath the main hall, around 8,000 votive Buddha images line the space; the Enma Hall’s “Road to Hell” and “Road to Paradise” make Buddhist cosmology tangible. A hands-on temple that offers learning and insight.
I like to travel, and whenever I have time, I walk all over the place. He is particularly knowledgeable about the Shikoku Pilgrimage and enjoys talking about the temples and the journey. I like talking to people and value encounters.
Johannes comment
Classic hall layout with a good pilgrim shop and a well-known tsuyadō. Don’t miss the barefoot ‘Way to Hell → Way to Paradise’ mini-loop building between the main hall and Daishidō (spiky stones then smooth). Look for the ‘hand of salvation’ cement handprint on the left side of the main stairway, said to relieve ailments; large scenic cemetery behind the temple.