21/1/2014

Kiyotakiji

Temple #35 of the Ohenro 88 temple pilgrimage

Por C. Rio

Community writer

Carved figures will Ocean view in background

Temple thirty five in the Shikoku Ohenro pilgrimage is also known as the Clean Waterfall Temple. The temple’s name, Kiyotaki (pure waterfall) comes from a the legend that Kobo Daishi, after praying for an abundant harvest, struck his staff on the ground and pure water came out and turned into a waterfall. The five story pagoda was built by a prince who had stayed at Kiyotaki for a year before traveling to India. Unfortunately, he died in Indochina on the way. Legend has it that he was eaten by a tiger in Laos, but his soul remains in the pagoda and protects the temple from misfortune. To get there, catch a bus from Sakai-Machi bus terminal to Takaoka-eigyosho bus stop. From there it’s about a 50 minute walk.