[Tosashimizu City, Kochi Prefecture] Visiting Shrines and Temples (Ashizuri Peninsula Part 1)
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This is the first in a series introducing shrines and temples in Tosashimizu city, including the 38th temple, Kongofukuji, which is a famous temple representing Tosashimizu city.
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The Hata region of Kochi Prefecture is located at the southwestern tip of Shikoku, and is a peninsula that juts out into the Pacific Ocean, facing Tosa Bay to the east and Bungo Channel to the west. It is made up of three cities, two towns, and one village: Hara Village. It is a natural powerhouse rich in blessings, including the nationally famous Shimanto River and Cape Ashizuri, the blessings of the Kuroshio Current that flows along the coast, and the blessings of mountains that boast the largest area of forests in the country.
Introduction
The most famous temple in Tosashimizu is the 38th temple, Kongofukuji.
In addition, there are many shrines and temples that are deeply rooted in everyday life.
In this series, we will introduce some of these shrines and temples.
We have picked out shrines and temples that are as easy to access as possible.
This is the first installment, Part 1 of the Ashizuri Peninsula.
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Table of Contents
- Kongofukuji Temple, an ancient temple founded 1200 years ago, Temple No. 38
- Ryugu Shrine, located in the spectacular scenic spot of Usubae
- in conclusion
- Related article
Kongofukuji Temple, an ancient temple founded 1200 years ago, Temple No. 38
Kongofukuji Temple is located near the southern tip of the Ashizuri Peninsula and is known as the longest and most difficult part of the Shikoku Pilgrimage.
Founded by Kukai (Kobo Daishi) in 822 AD, it has a history of over 1,200 years here at Cape Ashizuri.
The vast grounds are dotted with various historic and stately buildings, making it a very spectacular temple.
Detailed information on Kongofukuji Temple
For more information about Kongofukuji Temple, please see the link below.
Overview of Kongofukuji Temple
Visiting hours are from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. (Previously the shrine opened at 7:00 am, but this will change from April 2024.)
The gates are closed after 5pm.
Parking
There is a parking lot in front of the gate, but it is shared with other spots around Cape Ashizuri.
Parking is free, but there are only about 20 parking spaces available.
It may not be available during busy periods such as consecutive holidays, Obon, and the New Year holidays.
There is a large parking lot called the East Parking Lot about 500 meters away.
That is also available.
About the toilets
There are no toilets for visitors within the temple grounds.
Public toilets in the parking lot in front of the gate, or
Please use the public toilets in the square in front of the Nakahama Manjiro statue.
access
Access by car
It is about 20 minutes from Tosashimizu city center via Prefectural Route 27.
The only one-way lane route for the entire section is the westbound route of Prefectural Route 27 (towards Nakahama and Ohama).
It can also be accessed from the eastbound Prefectural Route 27 (towards Kubotsu).
Please be aware that there are several places along the way where the road becomes very narrow.
As mentioned above, the main parking lot has limited capacity.
If the parking lot is full, please do not park on the shoulder of the road, but go to the "Ashizuri Cape East Parking Lot."
Access by public transport
About 1 minute walk from Kochi Southwest Bus "Ashizuri Misaki" stop
About 30 minutes by car from Tosashimizu city
Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes ride from Shimanto City (Tosa Kuroshio Railway Nakamura Station)
Ryugu Shrine, located in the spectacular scenic spot of Usubae
About 7km west of Cape Ashizuri, at the end of a winding one-lane old road
Park your car in the parking lot, then go through a long mountain path to
One of the most famous scenic spots in Tosashimizu City is Usubae, and at the end of the promenade is
This is Ryugu Shrine.
If you pull back the camera, you'll see that this shrine is in an extraordinary location.
It is said that this shrine was built to pray for good catches and safe voyages for local fishermen.
Overview of Ryugu Shrine
There are no facilities to manage the shrine, so you can visit 24 hours a day.
There are no lights on the approach to the shrine, and it is a very steep hilly area.
We strongly recommend visiting during daylight hours.
This torii gate marks the entrance.
The distance is 400m.
The ups and downs are very steep and it usually takes more than 10 minutes.
If you are not confident in your physical strength, it may be difficult to access.
Parking
You cannot approach the site by vehicle.
Please use the parking lot along the old Prefectural Route 27.
Parking is available free of charge.
About the toilets
There are no toilets around Ryugu Shrine.
There is a public toilet at the Usube parking lot.
Please use this.
access
Google Maps
Access by car
It takes about 20 minutes by car from Tosashimizu city center.
As the section includes the old Prefectural Route 27, there are places where vehicles cannot pass each other.
Also, please be aware that this is on a bus route. From Tosashimizu City, take Prefectural Route 27, go through the Matsuo Tunnel and turn right at the first intersection. (Signboard: Towards Usube and Matsuo, take the old road.)
From there it is about 2km to Usubae Parking Lot.
Access by public transport
Take the Kochi Southwest Bus and get off at "Usubae"
Access is only available on the westbound route to Cape Ashizuri (via Nakahama and Ohama).
Please note that the eastbound route (via Kubotsu) does not pass through this bus stop.
The ride takes about 25 minutes from Plaza Pal, the terminal in Tosashimizu City.
in conclusion
This time, we have introduced two of the most well-known shrines and temples in Tosashimizu city.
Next time, we will introduce some spots that are a bit more off the beaten path than the shrines and temples we introduced this time.
Related article
The Hata region of Kochi Prefecture is located at the southwestern tip of Shikoku, and is a peninsula that juts out into the Pacific Ocean, facing Tosa Bay to the east and Bungo Channel to the west. It is made up of three cities, two towns, and one village: Hara Village. It is a natural powerhouse rich in blessings, including the nationally famous Shimanto River and Cape Ashizuri, the blessings of the Kuroshio Current that flows along the coast, and the blessings of mountains that boast the largest area of forests in the country.
The contents on this page may partially contain automatic translation.
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