journeys in japan

This week on journeys in japan, Bene continues on the fourth stage of her pilgrimage, through Kagawa Prefecture, the area where Kobo Daishi was born.

To learn more about Kobo Daishi, Bene meets up with David Moreton, a college lecturer who has been studying the ohenro pilgrimage for 20 years. He takes her to see the Mannoike Reservoir, an irrigation pond associated with Kobo Daishi.

They also visit Zentsu-ji, a temple that stands on the spot where Kobo Daishi was born. Bene begins to understand Kobo Daishi not just as a saint but as a real person, someone who helped the people of Kagawa and whose influence remains alive in them to this day.

Temple 71: Iyadani-ji
This temple stands on the side of a mountain, at an altitude of about 400 meters. Since ancient times, it was believed that the spirits of the dead gather here on this mountain.
http://www.geocities.jp/ryogot1010/ (in Japanese only)

Sanuki Plain
This fertile plain is the largest in all of Shikoku. Even though the area gets insufficient rain, it has been farmed since ancient times, thanks to a sophisticated irrigation system. Even today there are still over 16,000 reservoirs in this area.

Mannoike Reservoir
The largest irrigation reservoir in Japan, it was rebuilt extensively under the direction of Kobo Daishi, based on engineering skills he acquired in China.

Temple 75: Zentsu-ji
Because this temple is built on the site of Saint Kobo Daishi's birth, it is always full of pilgrims and other visitors. There are numerous buildings in the spacious precincts, and many stories connected with Kobo Daishi.
http://www.zentsuji.com/english/

Temple 85: Yakuri-ji
This temple in Takamatsu offers extensive views over the city.

Jinan (osettai rest station)
This rest house was set up privately five years ago. Pilgrims walking the trail are invited to come in and are offered refreshments.
Open from 10 am to 4 pm.

Temple 88: Okubo-ji
This temple in Sanuki City is Bene's final destination on her pilgrimage.

Links in English about the ohenro pilgrimage:
David Moreton: The Shikoku Pilgrimage Route
http://www.davidmoreton.com/Shikoku-Pilgrimage-Route.php

David L. Turkington walked Shikoku ohenro from March to May in 1999.
http://www.shikokuhenrotrail.com/"http://www.shikokuhenrotrail.com/

Traveler: Bene