Visit temples in Shikoku by aerial cable car

There are four temples in shikoku that you can visit by cable car. Three of them are aerial cable cars. All are religious and spiritual yet so pleasant and enjoyable.

Here are some pics from a visit to Unpen-ji temple in Tokushima Pref. on the island of shikoku. 

The cable cars are operated in Kagawa but the temple lies just a short distance away from the border between Kagawa and Tokushima and stands in Tokushima. In fact, the two prefectures are divided by a road and on the road are the borderline and the names of the two prefectures painted.

The cable car ride is fantastic with great views. Down below are seen the city of Kan-on-ji with great many reservoirs, the inland sea, and the islands. When it's sunny and clear, part of Hiroshima Prefecture on Honshu island is visible beyond the sea. The summit area is 6 to 7 degrees Celsius cooler than the bottom. So refreshing and mind-cleansing. It's good to pray quietly once in a while even if you are not seriously following Buddhism. A precious opportunity to tidy yourself up.

The temple is splendid with very impressive statues of disciples of the historical Buddha. It's one of the Shikoku 88 pilgrimage temples. The pilgrimage route and temples are believed to be established by Kukai, the founder of shingon true-word school of esoteric buddhism who was active in the 9th century. People clad in a white jacket and a conical straw hat are frequently seen. They are touring from one Kukai's temple to another though the tour does not have to be in strict order and they can visit according to their plan. You could be even a one-day pilgrim and join those who are praying in front of the main hall and kukai's hall of the temple.