#64 （25th Temple） Shinshō-ji
津照寺

The twenty-fifth temple is Shinshō-ji (津照寺), known to pilgrims as Tsu-dera, the “Port Temple,” above the harbour of Murotsu.

It lies about 3.8 km from the twenty-sixth temple, a short walk along the Muroto coast.

This is the entrance to Shinshō-ji. Painted a bright red like a shrine torii, it scarcely looks like a temple gate at all.

The vivid colour stands out cheerfully against the little port town below.

The stone steps up to the main hall are long, and you tire just climbing them — though it is, I told myself, very good for the health.

From partway up, the harbour opens out behind you, a fine reward for the effort.

This is the main hall, where the rare Kajitori Enmei Jizō is enshrined. The building is modern and, frankly, does not look much like a temple.

This is the “rudder-taking” Jizō said to have steered a storm-tossed ship safely into Murotsu harbour centuries ago.

This is the Daishi-dō. Here I recited the Heart Sutra, wishing for the safety of my family, peace in the world, and safe passage on my own travels.

A prayer for safe journeys felt especially apt at a temple so tied to the sea.

On the way toward the next temple there is a cave where Kōbō Daishi is said to have trained and reached enlightenment.

To walk the same coast he once did gives the road a quiet significance.

The cliffside cave, now at risk of collapse, was closed off. I would have liked to sit there myself, but there was nothing for it but to give the idea up.

Some places, it seems, are best left to the imagination.

NFT – Crypto Ohenro #64 Goshuin of Shinshō-ji（津照寺） –

This is the goshuin of the twenty-fifth temple, Shinshō-ji, brushed on the rise above the little port of Murotsu.

Twenty-four temples still remained on my journey, the sea now a constant companion.

The distance to the next temple was about 6.4 km, a short walk along the Muroto shore.