Sect: Rinzai School, Myoshinji Sect
Principal Deity: Yakushi Nyorai (Medicine Buddha)
Founded: Unknown
Goeika (Sacred Chant): “Behold Mount Potalaka, Facing the Uwajima Inlet—Waves crash upon the rocks, Whitecaps rise in the distance.“
Emanation Form: Itoku Kannon (Virtuous Kannon)
This form of Kannon is depicted sitting on a rock with the left knee raised, holding a lotus flower in the left hand while gazing at the water. The Lotus Sutra describes Kannon as a “Wheel-Turning Sacred King” (a ruler of supreme wisdom in ancient Indian philosophy) who preaches the Dharma. The name “Itoku” signifies dignity and great virtue.
○ History & Origins
Originally, this temple belonged to the Obaku School of Zen Buddhism. In 1717 (Kyoho 2), the monk Kanryu was invited from Ryugezan Togakuji Temple in Uwajima (approximately 1 km east of Uwajima Castle, a 20-minute drive from Rinkoji), marking the temple’s founding and its transition to the Myoshinji branch of the Rinzai School.
The Hon-Konishi and Higashi-Konishi families became major patrons, leading to the construction of a grand main hall measuring eight ken (approximately 14.5 meters) in each direction. The principal image, Yakushi Nyorai, was enshrined, and additional structures such as the temple gate, priest’s quarters, and memorial hall were built, shaping the temple as it stands today.
Until the mid-Edo period (around 1720), Rinkoji remained part of the Obaku School, and to this day, it is still referred to as “Obaku-sama’s Temple.” Every year on August 17, the Rinkoji Obon Segaki Memorial Service is held to honor lost souls. Additionally, the “Obaku Festival”—now renamed the “Tsushima Summer Festival”—continues to be cherished by the local community.
○ Message from the head priest
Rinkoji is one of the few Zen temples among the sacred sites of this pilgrimage. We invite you to experience the unique atmosphere of our main hall and temple grounds.
○ Access
Address: 830 Iwamatsu, Tsushima, Uwajima, Ehime, 798-3301, Japan
Phone Number: 0895-32-2703
Large Buses: Not permitted
Microbuses: Permitted
Official website