If you come to Ishigaki Island, visit Torinji Temple.

If you come to Ishigaki Island, Torinji is recommended 😊

Torinji Temple is the southernmost Zen temple in Japan and the oldest wooden Buddhist temple (founded in 1614, Rinzai Myoshinji school) in the yaeyama Islands in Okinawa Prefecture. It is located in the center of Ishigaki Island and is famous for the Nio statue designated by the prefecture as a tangible cultural property. It was built by King Shonei of the Ryukyu Kingdom at the suggestion of the Satsuma clan, and has a history of Buddhist culture rooted in the yaeyama area, and is also known as a power spot that is said to be beneficial for avoiding evil and rejuvenating.

The main features and attractions of Torinji Temple

Foundation and History: Founded in 1614 (Keicho 19) by the Ryukyu Kingdom (King Shang Ning), it is the first Buddhist temple in yaeyama, originally a Shingon sect but later converted to the Rinzai sect.

Nio statues: The two Nio statues enshrined at the mountain gate are the oldest wooden sculptures in Okinawa made in 1737 and are designated as tangible cultural properties by the prefecture.

Cultural Properties: Torinji Temple and Gongen-do Hall are designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan as the oldest wooden buildings in Okinawa.

Access: Located in the center of Ishigaki Island, it is easily accessible, about a 15-minute walk from the remote island terminal, and there is a parking lot.

Power spot: As the southernmost Zen temple in Japan, it is also popular as a power spot for good luck and good luck.

In the precincts, events such as zazen, Shichi-go-san pilgrimage, and Setsubun-e are also held, and it is a temple rooted in the area.

Point of visit.

You can enjoy historical buildings and a tropical atmosphere.

Omikuji and limited amulets are popular.

As the southernmost Zen temple in Japan, it is also ideal for making memories of your trip.