The temple was founded in 813 AD by Kobo Daishi on the site of his family's former home.
The name 'Zentsuji' is derived from the name of Kobo Daishi's father, Saeki no Yoshimichi, whose Buddhist name was Zentsu.
The underground 'tainai meguri' corridor is approximately 100 meters long and requires total silence.
Zentsuji is one of the four major sacred sites in Shikoku associated with Kobo Daishi's life.
The complex houses an extensive collection of National Important Cultural Properties, including Buddhist statues and documents.
Zentsuji is the 75th temple of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage and serves as the birthplace of Kobo Daishi, the founder of Shingon Buddhism. The complex covers approximately 45,000 square meters and is divided into the East Temple, containing the main hall and five-story pagoda, and the West Temple, housing the Mie-do hall. The site features a 1,000-year-old camphor tree standing near the entrance, a designated natural monument of Kagawa Prefecture. Visitors can participate in the 'tainai meguri', a pitch-black underground passage located beneath the main hall that symbolizes a journey of spiritual rebirth. The current five-story pagoda is a reconstruction dating to 1902, replacing an original structure destroyed by fire. The temple serves as a central hub for Shingon practitioners and pilgrims traveling the island circuit. The grounds contain multiple sub-temples and residential areas for monks.
The view from the temple courtyard looking up at the five-story pagoda framed by the ancient camphor tree.
Bring a small flashlight for the underground passage, though you are expected to navigate by touch.
Wear slip-on shoes for easy removal when entering temple halls.
Purchase a 'goshuin' stamp book to collect calligraphy seals from the temple office.
Do not take photographs inside the underground passage or where 'no photography' signs are posted; avoid speaking loudly near praying pilgrims.
Remove footwear before entering wooden halls; maintain silence within religious buildings; do not photograph altars where prohibited.
