Yasaka Temple
The Yasaka-ji is a temple located in the Sabase region of Kaiyo and is the 4th Bekkaku (special) temple of the Shikoku pilgrimage. The temple is also referred to as Saba Daishi Honbou (Sabadaishi Head Temple) due to its association to the Saba Daishi legend involving Kobo Daishi.
In this legend, Kobo Daishi was passing through the area when he encountered a man leading a packhorse carrying dried mackerel. He asked if he could have one, but the man refused and continued on his way. The packhorse soon fell ill, and the man suspected it may have been due to refusing a holy monk. He caught up with Kobo Daishi, offered him a mackerel and begged him to heal his horse. Kobo Daishi promptly healed the horse, and then took the dried fish to the water’s edge.
Upon placing the dried fish into the water, the fish miraculously came back to life and swam away. The man was impressed by this and became a disciple of Kobo Daishi and proceeded to build a small hermitage.
Although it's unknown exactly how old the current temple is, the grounds were converted from the hermitage into a temple in the 20th century, and it was subsequently renovated in the early 90s. There are several temple buildings with statues of different deities, including one of Kobo Daishi, that visitors can pray at. There is also a pagoda, and a tunnel leading to a larger prayer hall.
———
The temple can be accessed via car, or via a 2-minute walk from JR Sabase station. Check out the temple’s website for more information about the temple’s history and the prayer services offered. (Japanese only)
Check out some of the reviews from our staff:
