Godaisan Chikurinji Travel Guide

Top Highlights at Chikurin-ji Temple

Chikurin-ji was founded in 724 by the priest Gyoki under an imperial decree from Emperor Shomu. It belongs to the Shingon sect and is the only temple among the Shikoku 88 to enshrine Monju Bosatsu, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom. Students visit year-round to pray for academic success, earning it the affectionate nickname 'Chie no Monju-san.'

The Main Hall, known as Monju-do, dates from the late Muromachi period and is a National Important Cultural Property. Its cypress-bark roof and carved eave brackets reveal the craftsmanship of several centuries ago. The broader Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage route that connects this hall to 87 other temples covers 1,200 kilometres across the island.

The five-storey pagoda, rebuilt in 1980, stands 31.2 metres tall and is crafted entirely from cypress wood in an early Kamakura-period style. Its vermilion exterior makes it the most photographed structure on the mountain, especially against November maple foliage. The Treasure Hall beside the mountain gate preserves 17 Buddhist statues from the Fujiwara to Kamakura periods, all designated Important Cultural Properties.

• Main Hall (Monju-do)
  • Designated a National Important Cultural Property from the late Muromachi period.
  • The only Shikoku pilgrimage temple to enshrine Monju Bosatsu as its principal deity.
  • Pilgrims in white robes may be chanting inside, so keep your voice low.
• Five-Storey Pagoda
  • Rebuilt in 1980 from cypress wood, standing 31.2 metres tall.
  • The only five-storey pagoda in Kochi Prefecture, styled after the early Kamakura period.
  • Best photographed against autumn maple foliage from mid-to-late November.
• Scenic Garden and Treasure Hall
  • The pond-viewing garden is a National Site of Scenic Beauty designated in 2004.
  • Attributed to Zen master Muso Soseki and best appreciated slowly from the veranda.
  • Combined garden-and-Treasure Hall ticket costs 800 yen for adults and 400 yen for students.

Makino Botanical Garden Next Door

Makino Botanical Garden lies just across the parking lot from Chikurin-ji's main gate. It was established in 1958 to honour Dr. Tomitaro Makino, a Kochi-born botanist who named over 1,500 plant species in his lifetime. Dr. Makino once declared that Mount Godaisan would be an ideal site for a botanical garden, and the city fulfilled his wish a year after his death.

The garden spreads across 20 acres and features more than 3,000 plant species, from rare tropical flowers to endemic varieties discovered by Dr. Makino. A glass conservatory arranged around an interior waterfall and pond is the standout feature for most visitors. The adjoining museum tells Dr. Makino's story through botanical illustrations and life-sized exhibits, compelling even without reading Japanese.

Plan at least 45 to 60 minutes here, or longer if you linger in the conservatory. Admission is priced separately from temple fees, so check the Makino Botanical Garden official website for current entry prices and seasonal opening hours. The MY-YU sightseeing bus covered in our guide to getting around Kochi stops near both sites on the same loop.

Getting to Godaisan by Bus or Car

The easiest car-free option is the MY-YU sightseeing loop bus from JR Kochi Station. Board at Kochi Tabi Hiroba, just outside the station entrance, and ride to the Chikurin-ji-mae stop. The temple gate is a two-minute walk from the stop.

By car, the drive from JR Kochi Station takes roughly 20 minutes following signs toward hilltop Godaisan. Drivers from the expressway should exit at the Kochi IC and head toward the Kochi North Loop Line. Free parking for about 100 regular vehicles is available on site.

• MY-YU Sightseeing Bus
  • Departs from Kochi Tabi Hiroba just outside JR Kochi Station.
  • Alight at Chikurin-ji-mae stop and walk two minutes to the temple gate.
  • The same loop bus continues to Katsurahama and other city landmarks.
• By Car
  • Drive takes approximately 20 minutes from JR Kochi Station or the Kochi IC.
  • Free on-site parking accommodates around 100 regular vehicles.
  • Follow road signs toward Godaisan and take the mountain approach road left.

Hours, Fees, and Visit Planning Tips

Temple grounds are open from 8:00 to 17:00 daily. The scenic garden and Treasure Hall open at 8:30, with last entry at 16:30. Certain ceremonies may temporarily restrict public access, so check the official Chikurin-ji temple website before you travel.

A combined garden-and-Treasure Hall ticket costs 800 yen for adults and 400 yen for junior high students and younger. The garden alone is 500 yen for adults; the Treasure Hall alone is 400 yen. Preschool children enter both areas free of charge.

Autumn is the most popular season, when maple foliage frames the red pagoda from mid-to-late November. Spring greenery draws photographers too, and arriving before 10:00 helps avoid tour groups. For broader seasonal timing across Kochi's sights, see our Best Time To Visit Kochi, Japan: 2026 Guide guide.

Photography inside the Main Hall inner sanctuary and Treasure Hall may be restricted, so always follow posted signs. Keep noise to a minimum throughout the grounds, as pilgrims and local worshippers are often present. To arrange nearby lodging, search for stays in Kochi Prefecture before your trip.