Zenigata is a 350m-circumference coin-shaped sculpture in the sand dating from 1633. The coin and its inscription are formed by huge trenches dug in the sand, and are said to have been dug overnight by the local population as a welcome present to their feudal lord. For the best views of the impressive sculpture, drive or climb the hill to the observation point in Kotohiki-kōen, directly behind Temple 68. There is a track up from the back of the temple.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
29.26 MILES
If you're travelling along Rte 439, it's not a matter of 'blink and you'll miss it', but blink, and blink again, because you may have a hard time…
10.27 MILES
Konpira-san or, more formally, Kotohira-gū, was originally a Buddhist and Shintō temple dedicated to the guardian of mariners. It became exclusively a…
26.76 MILES
One of the most beautiful gardens in the country, Ritsurin-kōen dates from the mid-1600s and took more than a century to complete. Designed as a walking…
22.23 MILES
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9.98 MILES
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8.23 MILES
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10.67 MILES
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13.86 MILES
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Nearby attractions
1. Temples 68 & 69: Jinne-in & Kanon-ji
0.39 MILES
These two temples, said to have been founded in AD 703, are notable in that this is the only point on the pilgrimage trail where two of the 88 Temples…
8.23 MILES
Unpen-ji, aptly meaning 'Temple of the Surrounding Clouds', is the highest of the 88 Temples at 900m. Surprisingly, it actually sits in Tokushima…
8.54 MILES
Temple 73 on the 88 Temple Circuit, Shusshaka-ji was moved to the valley 200 years ago to make it more accessible to pilgrims. Before that, it was up a…
9.98 MILES
Zentsū-ji, Temple 75 of the sacred 88, is the largest of the temples – most of the other 87 could fit in its car park. This is where Kōbō Daishi was born,…
10.19 MILES
The short final ascent at Konpira-san, which is the most beautiful leg of the walk, brings you to Gohonsha.
10.2 MILES
Ema-dō is filled with maritime offerings ranging from pictures of ships and models to modern ship engines.
10.21 MILES
Built in 1837, this large hall is dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu, and is noted for its ornate wood-carving.
10.27 MILES
Konpira-san or, more formally, Kotohira-gū, was originally a Buddhist and Shintō temple dedicated to the guardian of mariners. It became exclusively a…