The temple was originally established by the monk Ganjin in 754 on a different location before being moved to the plateau by Kobo Daishi.
It is one of the few temples on the pilgrimage that features a collection of tanuki (raccoon dog) statues, specifically representing the Yashima-no-hage-tanuki, one of the three great tanuki of Japan.
The temple treasure house contains a suit of armor traditionally attributed to Minamoto no Yoshitsune.
During the Edo period, the temple was a popular destination for travelers visiting the nearby Yashima Shrine.
The temple architecture displays distinct influence from the early modern era, particularly in the structural preservation of the Hondo (Main Hall).
No. 84 Yashima Temple is the 84th stop on the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, located atop the lava plateau of Yashima in Takamatsu. The current temple layout dates back to the Edo period, featuring an main hall reconstructed in 1618. The site is situated on a plateau that served as the location of the 1185 Battle of Yashima between the Taira and Minamoto clans. Visitors can access a panoramic lookout point that offers views over Takamatsu City and the Seto Inland Sea. The temple grounds house a treasure museum containing relics from the Genpei War. The site is a designated National Historic Site. It is situated within the boundaries of Setonaikai National Park.
The viewing platform near the temple entrance looking down over the Takamatsu urban sprawl and the archipelago.
Explore the nearby walking paths around the Yashima lava plateau to view the battle sites from the Gempei War.
Visit the temple museum to see artifacts that are not displayed in the main hall area.
Check the weather before ascending as the plateau is highly exposed to wind from the Seto Inland Sea.
Do not attempt to hike the steep mountain paths if you are not prepared for a strenuous climb, as the terrain is rugged.
Maintain silence, remove hats when entering temple buildings, and refrain from taking photos of the interior altar.
