About 30-min bus ride from Kochi station, the place has the unique ambiance of a Japanese Buddhist temple that is pleasantly quiet and calm. If you plan to use My Yu Bus ticket (a day ticket for Yu Bus and Kochi tram), it is definitely worth coming up here after exploring Kochi city area.
Beautiful grounds with very little foot traffic which makes getting pictures very easy. The pagoda is located on a hill to the east of Kochi. The road up is by way of a narrow, winding road. It is one way which makes it less stressful.
There is parking on the down slope after the observation deck parking area so there isn’t really a need to walk down to the pagoda from there.
There is a special exhibition of paintings to celebrate the 1300th anniversary of the Temple. The sound system is bearly audible, perhaps to enjoy only in solitude. The little garden nearly looks like a painting, too.
The Temple itself has nice setting. A pity the great Buddha images were cordoned off so one can only seen them from quite a distance.
The other Buddha images are outdoor, and one can see them closely.
One of the prettiest of 88 Temples pilgrimage with its picturesque stairs. There were lovely autumn colors & Ohenro (pilgrim season). Access via expansive botanical garden was a special treat.
There are various accommodation options in Kochi City, ranging from hotels to traditional ryokan inns. Some visitors also stay in temple lodgings (shukubo) offered by nearby temples.
You can reach Chikurinji Temple by taking a bus from Kochi Station to the Godaisan stop, followed by a short walk. Alternatively, you can drive or take a taxi.
Chikurinji Temple is beautiful year-round, but many visitors particularly enjoy the spring cherry blossoms and the autumn foliage. Each season offers a unique experience.
The temple grounds include some steps and uneven paths, which may pose challenges for wheelchair users. However, efforts are made to accommodate visitors with mobility issues, so it's best to contact the temple in advance for specific accessibility information.
