Buddhist temple
Kōshaku-ji
香積寺（こうしゃくじ）
Tōon, Ehime Prefecture
The 7th temple of the Iyo Thirteen Buddhas pilgrimage and the 6th temple of the Iyo Twelve Yakushi pilgrimage, known by the popular name “Katade Yakushi” (隻手薬師). It enshrines a hidden Yakushi Nyorai as its principal image.
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: Yakushi Nyorai (Katade Yakushi)
History and things to know
According to the temple's tradition, it is said to have been founded by Kōbō Daishi in Daidō 4. It is said to have come to be called “Katade Yakushi” from a legend that a person who worshipped Yakushi Nyorai with one hand found that hand healed. It moved to its present site in the Genroku era, and a wooden front hall from Genroku 13 remains. It is also said to be the place where Saigō Takamori and the priest Gesshō held talks.
Introduced by this site, based on materials from the shrine or temple and public bodies.
Related kami and buddhas
Before you visit
The principal image is a hidden image, and according to the official guide it has never been shown.
Official website of the shrine or temple (may be in Japanese)
Sources (in Japanese)
- 香積寺「御祭神・御本尊・由緒の公式案内」（2026-10-22 確認）
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