KAGAWA Zentsuji & Marugame Birthplace of the founder of Japan's most sacred pilgrimages

Zentsuji City is located in the northwest of Kagawa Prefecture. It is also the home of Zentsuji Temple, the head temple where the famous monk Kobo Daishi (Kukai) was born.

Kobo Daishi was the founder of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage , Japan's most famous pilgrimage route. The route follows a 1,200-kilometer circuit around the island of Shikoku and takes an average of 45 to 60 days to complete on foot.

If arriving by train, reach Zentsuji from JR Takamatsu or JR Okayama stations.

From JR Takamatsu Station, take the JR Yosan Line to JR Tadotsu Station, then change for the Dosan Line to JR Zentsuji Station. The total journey time is around one hour.

Okayama Station is on the JR Sanyo Shinkansen line and accessible from JR Tokyo and Shin-Osaka stations. Once you reach Okayama Station, transfer to the Seto-Ohashi line which runs directly to Zentsuji Station. The journey takes about an hour.

Zentsuji Temple is temple number 75 out of the 88 Temple Pilgrimage . Said to have been built by the famed monk Kobo Daishi over 1,200 years ago, the temple's solemn atmosphere allows for quiet contemplation.

Zentsuji Temple is around a 15-minute walk from Zentsuji Station.

The temple complex structures include the main temple, a five-storied pagoda and a treasure hall. There are also giant camphor trees, designated natural monuments of the prefecture.

A short trip from Zentsuji City takes you to Goshikidai along the Seto Inland Sea.

Built on Mt. Kameyama, Marugame Castle is one of only 12 castles in Japan that still retain part of their original structures. Some buildings here are national designated important cultural property, and the main keep offers a panoramic view. The castle is a short walk from JR Marugame Station.

Approaching the castle, you will see the surrounding 60-meter tall stone walls, the highest of any castle in Japan. A moat surrounds the castle and visitors can see the main keep as they approach the castle's entrance.