Buddhist temple
Gōshō-ji
郷照寺（ごうしょうじ）
Utazu, Ayauta District, Kagawa Prefecture
The 78th temple of the Shikoku Eighty-eight Temple pilgrimage, familiar as “Yakuyoke Utazu Daishi.” Its principal image is an Amida Nyorai said to have been carved by Gyōki, and it follows both the Shingon and the Ji schools.
English pages are the site’s own translations of its Japanese pages. The sources cited are in Japanese. 日本語で読む
Prayers associated with this place
Principal image: Amida Nyorai
History and things to know
According to the temple's tradition, it was founded by Gyōki in Jinki 2 (725) and was first called Bukkōzan Dōjō-ji. It is said that later Kōbō Daishi visited, carved an image of himself and vowed to ward off misfortune, and that in Shōō 1 (1288) the nenbutsu teaching was added by Ippen Shōnin. After burning in warfare in the Sengoku period, it was restored by Matsudaira Yorishige, lord of the Takamatsu domain, who renamed it Gōshō-ji.
Introduced by this site, based on materials from the shrine or temple and public bodies.
Related kami and buddhas
Before you visit
Opening hours, access, areas open to visitors, and events can change. Please check the latest guidance from the shrine or temple itself before you go.
Official website of the shrine or temple (may be in Japanese)
Sources (in Japanese)
- 郷照寺「御祭神・御本尊・由緒の公式案内」（2026-10-22 確認）
This site is independent of the shrines, temples, and other websites mentioned. No partnership or endorsement is implied.