Yashimaji Temple & Yashimaru　屋島寺、やしまーる

Nov. 9th. 2025

Osakajo Zanseki Kinen Koen

A wet but warm night at Osakajo Zanseki Kinen Koen. The name stems from the blocks of stone that were surplus to requirements in the building of Osaka Castle. This being the area where they were quarried and dressed. I wonder if anyone got paid?

This small michi no eki is very good for an overnight stay. Few visitors, good toilets, flat and quiet. It also has a small museum dedicated to quarrying. The best place to stay on Shodoshima, in my opinion. 

Ferry to Takamatsu

We set off for Tonosho and the ferry port. Here we take Shodoshima ferry to Takamatsu. We already have a through ticket as we paid from Himeji to Takamatsu. This is about an hour trip, very few vehicles on the ferry on a Sunday morning.

Yashimaji

Arriving in Takamatsu we decide to take a look at Yashimaji. This is temple number 84 of the 88 on the Henro trail. Unsurprisingly, the temple is located on Mt. Yashima.

This was the site of a famous battle between the Genji and Heiki clans which, I gather, was the beginning of the end for the Heike. I don’t suppose it made much difference to anyone else.

The temple is an odd mix of the ancient and modern. The main hall is very old but was restored in the 1950s. There is a large marble structure with an imposing, in your face, roof arrangement. There is also significant kitsch dotted about.

Yashimaru　やしまーる

We head off to the viewing point for a view over the city and the islands of the Setonaikai. We know the view is wreathed in low cloud but are pleasantly surprised to discover Yashimaru.

This is an undulating, glass and steel passage. Its purpose was difficult to ascertain but I suspect ART was involved. This walkway had some Setouchi Triennale festival works outside. These were based on an animal/nature theme. Some of these were amusing and skillful. Ceramic pigs involved in exercise and the 7 gods of good luck, again in ceramic, as fugu. Fun, set in an intriguing piece of architecture by Suo Takashi.

Coming down the mountain, we set off for our michi no eki at Mima no sato. On the way, we stopped to have a bath at michi no eki Kotonami. The day is still damp and a fine drizzle is falling as we park next to the modern facilities.

＊Kotonami Mikado onsen ; 650 yen / adult