Godaisan is a small mountain to the east of Kochi's downtown. It was named after a Chinese mountain by Buddhist priests visiting from China.
The same visiting priests established Chikurinji Temple on Godaisan, which has since become an important stop on the Shikoku Pilgrimage. Number 31 of the 88 temples along the pilgrimage, Chikurinji attracts pilgrims as well as students because of its reputation as a scholastic institution.
Small shrine at Chikurinji
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Pagoda at Chikurinji
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Chikurinji's temple grounds feature an interesting array of halls and structures, including a beautiful five-storied pagoda. A treasure hall displays several Buddhist statues and scrolls of importance to the temple, and paid entrance to the hondo (main hall) offers a view of the building's interior and a nicely kept garden.
Not far from Chikurinji is Makino Botanical Garden, named after Dr. Makino Tomitaro, a botanist from Kochi. The spacious garden includes extensive walking paths, outdoor parks, a greenhouse and several large museum halls with excellent information and displays on Dr. Makino and his field of study.
Makino Botanical Garden
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