The twenty-ninth temple is Tosa Kokubun-ji (土佐国分寺), the ancient provincial temple of Tosa, enshrining Senju Kannon.
It stands about 6.9 km from the thirtieth temple, on the plain near the old provincial capital.
An old but truly splendid gate marks the entrance to Tosa Kokubun-ji.
Weathered by centuries, it sets the tone for grounds that still breathe the air of the Nara period.
This is the main hall, where Senju Kannon is enshrined. The building is old, yet large and very fine, and I chanted the sutra here together with a passing pilgrim tour.
Joining unfamiliar voices in the same words gave the moment a warm, shared feeling.
Next I recited the Heart Sutra at the Daishi-dō. This too is an old building, and it keeps a wonderful, time-worn atmosphere.
There is a quiet dignity to these aged halls that newer architecture can never quite match.
Unusually, the temple enshrines a “Sake Jizō,” a Jizō prayed to by those who wish to stop drinking — a rare and rather human touch.
It is a reminder that temples have always met people where their real troubles lie.
NFT – Crypto Ohenro #60 Goshuin of Tosa Kokubun-ji（土佐国分寺） –
This is the goshuin of the twenty-ninth temple, Tosa Kokubun-ji, its Sanskrit seed-letter beautifully drawn.
Twenty-eight temples still remained on my journey, here amid the old provincial capital of Tosa.
The distance to the next temple was about 7.5 km, an easy walk across the plain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the honzon (principal image) of Tosa Kokubun-ji (Temple 29)?
The honzon (principal image) of Tosa Kokubun-ji（土佐国分寺）, Temple 29 of the Shikoku 88 pilgrimage, is Senju Kanzeon Bosatsu（千手観世音菩薩）. It is enshrined in the temple's main hall (hondō), where pilgrims offer incense, recite the Heart Sutra, and receive the temple's goshuin (hand-brushed seal).
Where is Tosa Kokubun-ji located?
Tosa Kokubun-ji stands in Nankoku, Kōchi Prefecture, in the old province of Tosa, on the island of Shikoku, Japan. It is the twenty-ninth of the eighty-eight temples of the Shikoku Henro, the circular Buddhist pilgrimage walked in the path of Kōbō Daishi (Kūkai).
Which Buddhist sect does Tosa Kokubun-ji belong to?
Tosa Kokubun-ji belongs to the Shingon Buddhism (Chizan school). Its mountain name (sangō), the traditional honorific title by which the temple is also known, is Manizan Hōzō-in（摩尼山 宝蔵院）.
When was Tosa Kokubun-ji founded?
Tosa Kokubun-ji was founded in 741 by Gyōki as Tosa’s provincial temple; Kūkai practised here in 815. Its history is closely tied to the early growth of the Shikoku pilgrimage.
Which temple comes after Tosa Kokubun-ji, and how far is it?
The next temple on the route is Temple 30, Zenraku-ji (about 6.9 km). Walking in numerical order, pilgrims continue from Tosa Kokubun-ji to keep visiting each of the 88 temples and collecting their goshuin.
📖 See the full list of all 88 Shikoku temples →
Can’t make the pilgrimage yourself?Ohenro Gift can walk the 88 temples on your behalf (daisan) and deliver the completed nokyocho.