Experience making your own "fragrance bag" at a temple associated with two great figures in Japanese Buddhism, Kukai and Enchin (Zentsuji City, Kagawa Prefecture)

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[A customized experiential museum for the entire town]
Zentsuji City in Kagawa Prefecture is the birthplace of Kobo Daishi Kukai, a great figure in the world of Japanese Buddhism known to all Japanese people. Born 1,250 years ago, Kukai trained and attained enlightenment in the magnificent natural surroundings of his hometown, Shikoku. Even now, more than 1,200 years after his time of activity, many worshippers who admire Kukai visit from all over the world and follow the pilgrimage route he left behind.
At the five temples in Zentsuji City associated with Kukai, we offer experiential content that allows you to confront yourself and hone your five senses, with themes of Mandala Temple (touch), Deshakka Temple (sight), Koyama Temple (hearing), Zentsuji (taste), and Kanakura Temple (smell).
In the city, where the culture of "Osentai," where local residents show hospitality to pilgrims, is deeply rooted, we offer experiences such as enjoying the region's traditional crafts and local cuisine.
Zentsuji City is a place where nature and faith are close at hand and you can get a glimpse of simple, everyday life; the entire city is truly an experiential museum!
Why not experience authentic Japan while experiencing the culture that has been cherished and nurtured by people since ancient times?


About Kinzo-ji Temple Although it is a Tendai Buddhist temple, Kinzo-ji Temple is one of the 88 Shikoku Pilgrimage Sites, which consists of 88 temples associated with Kukai, the founder of Shingon Buddhism. It is the birthplace of Enchin, Kukai's nephew and a notable Tendai Buddhist monk, and houses a statue of Kobo Daishi (Kukai) along with a statue of Chisho Daishi (Enchin). The temple also enshrines Kariteibo (the goddess who protects Buddhists), affectionately known as "Okuruten-san" by local residents. Kariteibo holds a child in her left hand and a pomegranate in her right hand, which is a symbol of prosperity, and she has been worshiped as the guardian deity of fertility, safe childbirth, and children and women.

* Take home a unique fragrance that will evoke memories of your trip - At Kinzoji Temple, you can experience making an incense bag in a special room that is not open to the public.

Fragrance is an essential element in Buddhism, such as the incense sticks used by monks to purify themselves and the incense sticks burned in temples.
At Kinzoji Temple, the scent of pomegranate incense, specially made in honor of Hari Teimu, is popular.

While listening to explanations about each fragrance from the monk and incense master, you will taste each fragrance one by one and mix it to your liking.

You can choose the base scent from either the pomegranate, the symbol of Kinzo-ji Temple, or the lotus, the symbol of Buddhism, depending on your preference. Knowing the efficacy and meaning of each scent, we will be using the guest hall that was the lodging of General Nogi Maresuke, the famous commander of the 11th Division of the Imperial Japanese Army, about 120 years ago. In the room facing the beautiful garden where Nishikigoi carp swim, items related to General Nogi are still carefully stored, and you can see the magnificent painting of a dragon on the ceiling and the tiger on the sliding doors along with the items.