Jikoji Temple (Onomichi Seven Buddha Pilgrimage 7) | A temple near the station where you can find a National Treasure, Nigiri-butsu (hand-squeezed Buddha), and healing to conclude your trip [#SummerTravelogue]
I visited Jikoji Temple, known for its Nigiri-butsu experience. In the quiet temple grounds watched over by the National Treasure Amida Buddha, I brought my Seven Buddha pilgrimage to a close.
The last stop on my Onomichi Seven Buddha pilgrimage was Jikoji Temple, located quite close to Onomichi Station.
(Click here for my previous article on Senkoji Temple👇)
As I climbed the stone steps, a gate with a calm atmosphere welcomed me.
The temple grounds have a comforting atmosphere. A stone monument inscribed with "Nichirin-zan Jikoji Temple" stands there, giving a strong sense of history.
It is said that Jikoji Temple was founded in 866 by Jiko Shonin, a disciple of Dengyo Daishi. It later converted to the Jodo sect and was also called "Gokoin," but it is said that the name was changed back to the original "Jikoji" during the Edo period.
The principal image enshrined in the main hall is the "Goko Shii Amida Nyorai Zazo" (Amida Buddha sitting in contemplation for five kalpas). It depicts the Amida Buddha who contemplated the salvation of all living beings for an unimaginably long time, and it is characterized by its voluminous, raised hair. It is even designated as a National Treasure.
Now, Jikoji Temple is famous for its "Nigiri-butsu" (hand-squeezed Buddha) experience. You can squeeze clay to make your very own Buddha statue, but...
On this day, some children were energetically participating in the experience✨ Watching the lively scene from the side, I was already at the limit of my legs and energy (lol). This time, I skipped the experience and just received the "Onomichi Seven Buddha Pilgrimage" seal paper at the temple office.
On the way to the station, while reflecting on the encounters of the day, I quietly whispered "Thank you" in my heart. Thus, the Onomichi Seven Buddha pilgrimage came to a quiet and fulfilling conclusion.
(Date of visit: July 20, 2025)
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