A really beautiful shrine with lots to see. They also sell amulets and fortunes. Some famous tombs too
This shrine is located south of Ozu Shrine, past the elevated railway bridge of the Dosan Line.
There was a seated statue of the enshrined deity, the monk Kaoru, and he had a rather stern face. He was falsely accused of a crime by Lord Yamauchi Tadayoshi of the Tosa Domain and died in prison. It is said that the monk passed away after angrily vowing, "I will curse the Yamauchi family for seven generations!" This shrine was built to appease his anger, but has it been calmed? The prison where he died has been relocated to Kaoru Shrine, and its history is quite interesting.
I also received a limited edition goshuin (shrine stamp) for the Year of the Horse, making for a very pleasant visit.
Located just within walking distance of Kochi Station, Kunteki Shrine is a shrine worth visiting together with Ozu Shrine to the north.
The nearest station is Iruma Station on the Dosan Line, one stop west of Kochi, but with infrequent trains, it's best to walk. Exiting south from Kochi Station, simply head west along the Dosan Line's elevated tracks and turn left at the intersection with the third traffic light. Though located in the city center, the grounds include a small hill with a commanding view behind the shrine. While shrines that retain the syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism are not uncommon nationwide, this shrine is anything but syncretistic; it enshrines a Buddhist monk (Kunteki-no-Okami) as its main deity, a unique tradition rarely heard of. From the Meiji period until just after the end of the war, the shrine was called Horagashijima Shrine. However, since Kunteki Osho was enshrined there and the shrine had been affectionately referred to as "Kunteki-san," the name was apparently changed to Kunteki Shrine for clarity. Temples, Zuioji Temple to the north and Anrakuji Temple to the east, are embedded within the grounds themselves, and the main shrine building faces south with its back to the north. Numerous branch shrines are scattered within the grounds. Kunteki Osho died during his imprisonment, and his prison building remains intact on the east side of the grounds (moved from Harimayacho).
As you approach, you'll see the Ohyakudoishi stone at your feet. The most prominent feature is the two side-by-side shrines, Awashima-sama (south) and Osabae-sama (north), located immediately to the left after passing through the torii gate. A bridge spans this area. To the right and behind the main shrine is Shiratsubaki Shrine, dedicated to Kunteki Osho's teacher and believed to cure eye ailments. Directly behind it is the "Niraimi Stone" (glaring stone), where Kun'teki's grudge resides, and if you go around from the west and climb the mound, you will find a sacred light tower that serves as Kun'teki's grave, from which the smoke of incense never ceases. In the building to the right of the main hall is a shop selling offerings. Perhaps because of the Hyakudo Stone, the grounds are open 24 hours a day, and lights are kept on at the offering office and the main hall.
A Place to Encounter the Memories of Those Who Stood True to Their Convictions
Review
I visited Kunteki Shrine in Kochi City.
The story of Kunteki, a monk who remained true to his beliefs despite being falsely accused of a crime, remains here.
The grounds are quiet and serene.
Walking around the remains of the prison and the shrine, I realized it was more than just a tourist spot; it was a place where I could sense a way of life.
I especially recommend this place to those who seek out the depth of history and quiet energy, rather than just the voices of others and trendy spots.
I had the time to reexamine my core and what strength is.
