Ishigaki Island’s “Torin-ji Temple”: Japan’s Southernmost and Oldest Temple in Yaeyama is a Power Spot for Revitalization

Ishigaki Island, blessed with beautiful natural scenery like the sea and mountains, is home to "Torin-ji," a hidden gem that serves as both a power spot and an unexpected tourist attraction. Have you heard of Torin-ji? Most likely, the answer is no. In this article, we’ll introduce the history and highlights of Torin-ji, along with details about its rejuvenating goshuin stamps, protective charms, and access information. Even if you rarely visit temples, why not explore Torin-ji, the southernmost temple in Japan, and the adjacent "Gongendo" to delve into their rich history?

"Torin-ji Temple" – Japan's Southernmost part and Yaeyama Islands' Oldest Temple

Torin-ji Temple, located in the city center of Ishigaki Island, Okinawa Prefecture, is the oldest temple in the Yaeyama Islands, the southernmost part of Japan. It is a Zen temple of the Myoshinji school of the Rinzai sect of Buddhism founded over 400 years ago.

Until then, there were no shrines or temples in the Yaeyama Islands, so King Sho Nei, the seventh king of the Second Sho Dynasty of the Ryukyu Kingdom, founded Torin-ji Temple in 1614 (Keicho 19) at the beginning of the Edo period, following a suggestion from the Satsuma Domain.

The building was destroyed by a large tsunami caused by the Yaeyama earthquake in 1771 but was rebuilt the following year in 1772. It has been repaired and renovated many times due to damage caused by wars and typhoons and has remained as it is today.

You may not think of a temple on Ishigaki Island, but it is conveniently located in Ishigaki City, so it is easy to stop by for a quick sightseeing trip. The red tile roofs and Ryukyu limestone stone walls give you a taste of Okinawa.

Torin-ji Temple is also known as a power spot where people can receive the blessing of warding off misfortune and reviving their fortunes, thanks to the miraculous power of the Nio statues (described below) and their resistance to disasters. We will introduce the highlights of Torin-ji Temple, including its important cultural properties and cultural properties designated by Okinawa Prefecture.

1. Sanmon Gate

The Sanmon gate of Torinji Temple, with its roof made of Ryukyu red tiles, exudes a unique Okinawan atmosphere.

Ryukyu red tiles are traditional Okinawan tiles made by mixing and baking red soil with kucha, which is found in the southern part of Okinawa. Kucha is a soil familiar to the people of Okinawa and Ishigaki, as it is also used in cosmetics. Red tiles made from such soil have the advantage of being hard to crack and highly durable.

These Ryukyu red tiles have been used for the roof of the Sanmon gate of Torinji Temple since it was first built. Placed on either side of the Sanmon gate are the oldest wooden sculptures in Okinawa, two impressive Nio statues.

2. The Nio Statue of Revival [Cultural Property Designated by Okinawa Prefecture]

On either side of the Sanmon Gate, within the vertical latticework, stand two powerful and powerful Nio statues (Kongo Rikishi statues). The Agyo statue, with its mouth open expressing its anger, and the Ungyo statue, with its mouth closed and anger hidden, are the guardian deities that protect Torin-ji Temple.

These two Nio statues are made of inlay wood made from Doshinu (Ogatama wood). They are the oldest wooden sculptures still standing in Okinawa Prefecture and are designated as cultural properties by the prefecture.

Looking through the vertical lattice, you can see that these Nio statues are damaged. The reason they look so painful is the massive tsunami caused by the Yaeyama earthquake in 1771. Along with destroying the building, these two Nio statues were swept away by the tsunami.

However, both statues were later discovered washed up in Sakieda Bay in the northwest of Ishigaki Island. Many tourists visit Torinji Temple hoping to receive the power of revival from these miraculously returned Nio statues.

3. Gongendo Hall [Important Cultural Property]

The Gongendo Hall attached to Torin-ji Temple is next door, so be sure to visit it as well. The Gongendo Hall was founded in 1614, the same year as Torin-ji Temple. The surrounding stone walls continue with Torin-ji Temple, and the attached front gate is made using unique techniques typical of Okinawan architecture.

The Gongendo Hall has also survived damage from the tsunami and war and has been restored to its current state. In 1981, it was designated an Important Cultural Property by the government as a valuable traditional building that escaped war damage.

The worship hall is a hipped roof structure. Behind the worship hall, you can see the red-walled shrine.

The shrine's sacred object is a copper mirror said to be the oldest in the Ryukyu Islands, and a wooden Buddha statue is enshrined there.

The shrine is built in the Sangensha Nagare-zukuri style and features Chinese lions painted on the balustrades on both sides of the staircase, and kirin painted on the wooden doors on both sides. You can feel the unique Okinawan atmosphere, which is different from the architectural style on the mainland.

4. Bell Tower

There is a bell in front of the main hall of Torinji Temple, and many worshippers visit on New Year's Eve and at the beginning of the year. You can also feel the tradition and history of Okinawa from the bell tower, which uses red Ryukyu tiles.

5. A Goshuin that Saves Your Life

Goshuin (stamps) are given as proof of visiting a shrine or temple and originate from the stamps given when submitting copies of Buddhist sutras (shakyo). You can get goshuin at Torin-ji Temple as well. As designs vary depending on the temple or shrine, more and more people are collecting goshuin.
At Torin-ji Temple, there is a gift shop where you can get goshuin stamps right next to the restrooms on the left side. Torin-ji Temple is said to grant the power of "revival," so why not get one as a memento of your visit to Japan's southernmost temple?

6. Fortune Telling

There are few temples and shrines on Ishigaki Island, so many people come to worship at Torin-ji Temple for the first time in the year.

When you visit a shrine for the first time in the year, you think of fortune-telling slips, right? Torin-ji Temple is the only temple on Ishigaki Island where you can get fortune-telling slips. The fortune-telling slips at Torin-ji Temple are not the type where a stick comes out of a tube, but rather you put money into an offering box and grab one from the box. The fortune-telling slips are simple, but the talismans of the Seven Lucky Gods that come with them are popular.

Torin-ji Temple is the only place where you can purchase talismans. As many people visit to pray for protection from misfortune, the most popular is the "ward off misfortune" talisman. There are also talismans for recovery from illness and talismans with the name of Gongendo inscribed on them.

7. Access/Parking

We've introduced a lot about Torin-ji Temple, but we'll also tell you how to get there. You may be wondering if it's far away and difficult to get to, but there's no need to worry.

Torin-ji Temple is located in the city center and is easily accessible. It's just under a 10-minute walk from Euglena Mall in the city center, and a few minutes by car. It's also about a 15-minute walk or 5-minute drive from the remote island terminal, so it's highly recommended as a tourist spot to use your free time.

There is also a free parking lot for visitors on the south side across the road, so you can get there easily. You can easily get there on foot or by rental car.

8. Visiting hours

The temple is open every morning from 6:30 to 18:00. While many temples require an admission fee, Torin-ji Temple is free to enter. Take a leisurely stroll through the grounds of Torin-ji Temple, where you can see traditional stone walls, buildings, and cultural assets with a long history.

Take a stroll around the surrounding area.

Next to the parking lot of Torin-ji Temple, you will see what appears to be a garden made of Ryukyu limestone. This is the Nakamoto Family Garden. The part facing the sidewalk is free to visit, so be sure to check it out!

The Ishigaki Family Garden is located a few minutes walk north of Torin-ji Temple, so it is also recommended as a walking course.

*The information listed is from December 2019.