Is there any accommodation nearby?

There are various accommodation options in Kochi City, ranging from hotels to traditional ryokan inns. Some visitors also stay in temple lodgings (shukubo) offered by nearby temples.

How do I get to Chikurinji Temple?

You can reach Chikurinji Temple by taking a bus from Kochi Station to the Godaisan stop, followed by a short walk. Alternatively, you can drive or take a taxi.

What is the best time of year to visit Chikurinji Temple?

Chikurinji Temple is beautiful year-round, but many visitors particularly enjoy the spring cherry blossoms and the autumn foliage. Each season offers a unique experience.

Is Chikurinji Temple wheelchair accessible?

The temple grounds include some steps and uneven paths, which may pose challenges for wheelchair users. However, efforts are made to accommodate visitors with mobility issues, so it's best to contact the temple in advance for specific accessibility information.

Kochi

Chikurinji Temple

4.4 (1764)Buddhist TempleTourist AttractionPlace Of WorshipAssociation Or OrganizationPoint Of InterestEstablishment

Last updated May 23, 2026

Kochi Castle, located in Kochi Prefecture, stands as one of the few original castles in the country, having survived fires, wars, and natural disasters. Constructed between 1601 and 1611, it served not only as a military fortification but also as a residence for the Yamauchi lords who ruled the area. The castle features a main keep, which offers a panoramic view of the surrounding city and countryside.

Visitors can explore various parts of the castle, including the well-preserved main tower, gates, and stone walls. The main tower houses a museum with historical artifacts and displays about the castle's history and the Yamauchi family. Kochi Castle is renowned for its architectural beauty, especially the intricate wooden interiors and the strategic layout designed for defense.

The castle grounds are a popular spot for hanami (flower viewing) in the spring and are surrounded by lush gardens and cherry blossom trees. The castle’s rich history, coupled with its picturesque setting, makes it a must-visit destination for history buffs and tourists alike.

Hours

Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Phone

+81 88-882-3085

Website

www.chikurinji.com

Overview

Address

3577 Godaisan, Kochi, 781-8125, Japan

Places & attractions near Chikurinji Temple

A sunny park scene with a dirt path, blooming cherry blossom trees, green shrubs, pine trees, and wooden benches under a clear blue sky.

Godaisan Park

The Kochi Prefectural Makino Botanical Garden

A scenic view of a quiet road curving past a bush, with traditional houses to the right and a lush, green forested hill rising in the background under a bright blue sky.

Mount Godai (Godaisan)

A white lighthouse stands atop a rocky, green cliff overlooking a vast, blue ocean with scattered rocks and gentle waves under a partly cloudy sky.

Cape Ashizuri

Places & attractions near Chikurinji Temple

Godaisan Park

The Kochi Prefectural Makino Botanical Garden

Mount Godai (Godaisan)

Cape Ashizuri

Frequently Asked Questions

Traveler reviews

MUST VISIT THIS PLACE DURING THE FALL! It's the MOST GORGEOUS temple of all the 88 temples in Shikoku, especially if you like autumn leaves and dislike big crowds. The temple is a perfect place to wander about and to take photos everywhere. It's huge, and needs about 1.5 to 2 hours to completely explore, including the Skydeck that's a 5-min walk from the main entrance. We arrived here at 10am on a weekday in mid-Dec and were blown away at how peaceful this place was and how GORGEOUS the autumn fall leaves were... just look at my photos! We spent 2 weeks visiting >10 temples across the island and was stunned at how lovely the autumn leaves were here. Parking is also free which is an added bonus. This place will forever leave great memories in my heart... such a special and serene place to reflect, pray and to take photos. Come here during the fall... if you love the autumn leaves and want to get good photos, you must NOT MISS this temple!

Jason C

Dec 14, 2025

Chukurin Ji Temple in Kochi. It was clean, nice and serene climate. Lots of walking on the rugged hills, terrains and uneven paths to the different parts of the temple.

A beautiful temple. The surrounding grounds are also very nice.

Very beautiful and calm, one of my favorite temples so far. And the pretty Japanese garden that is on temple grounds was absolutely worth a visit.

There is a special exhibition of paintings to celebrate the 1300th anniversary of the Temple. The sound system is bearly audible, perhaps to enjoy only in solitude. The little garden nearly looks like a painting, too. The Temple itself has nice setting. A pity the great Buddha images were cordoned off so one can only seen them from quite a distance. The other Buddha images are outdoor, and one can see them closely.