The “Kajitori Jizō” (Steersman Jizō) for Safety at Sea

• Name: Hōshu-zan Shingon-in Shinshō-ji
• Main Deity: Kajitori Enmei Jizō Bosatsu (Kṣitigarbha)
• Goeika (Pilgrimage Song):
• Will the ship of the Dharma enter or depart this port temple?
• Please let my wandering self board it.

Access From Temple No. 24, Hotsumisaki-ji:

• On foot: Follow National Route 55 along the coast. Approx. 7 km, 2 hours.
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• By Car: Same route as walking. Approx. 15 minutes.
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• Public Transport: From Murotomisaki Bus Stop, take the Kōchi Tōbu Kōtsū Bus bound for Kōchi (25 min) and get off at Muroto.

A Temple on a Hillock Overlooking the Sea and Port

Located in the center of Muroto City, about 6 km along the coastal road from Cape Muroto, this temple stands on a hill overlooking Murotsu Port (Muroto Port). Built on an elevated hill, it is highly visible from the sea. Because of this, it has a history of being deeply revered as the “Lighthouse of Buddha” in Muroto, serving as a landmark for sailors who called it “Tsudera” (Port Temple). Passing through the vermilion-lacquered gate at the foot of the hill, you will find the Daishi-dō and the Nōkyōjo (temple stamp office) on the right, and a long flight of stone steps continuing straight ahead. Halfway up the steps is the Ryūgū-mon (Dragon Palace Gate), and climbing further leads to the Hondō (Main Hall). From the Hondō built atop the hill, you have a sweeping view of the port town of Murotsu and the sea. The distinctively tropical sunlight reflects sparklingly on the waves, dazzling the eyes.

The Jizō That Saved Yamauchi Katsutoyo

Looking into the Hondō, your eyes will be drawn to the Mantai Jizō-son (Ten Thousand Jizō Statues) tightly lined up across the entire wall. The principal image, Enmei Jizō Bosatsu, is a hidden Buddha (hibutsu). However, a mysterious episode has been passed down concerning this principal image, featuring Yamauchi Katsutoyo, the lord of the Tosa domain known for the success story supported by his wife’s devotion. While Yamauchi Katsutoyo was sailing off the coast of Muroto, he was struck by a severe storm and nearly shipwrecked. Suddenly, a single monk appeared, took the helm, and brilliantly steered the ship, guiding it safely to port. But as soon as they arrived at the port, the monk vanished. Wondering about this, Katsutoyo visited this temple at the port, only to find the principal image of Jizō Bosatsu completely drenched in seawater. Since then, this Jizō has come to be called the “Kajitori Jizō” (Steersman Jizō) and has been deeply worshipped as a guardian Buddha for the safe voyage of seafarers traversing the ocean. Originally, it is said to be a Jizō carved by Kōbō Daishi to pray for safety at sea and a bountiful catch. The term “Kajitori” (steering) implies not only steering a ship but also “taking away fires” (kaji o toru), and it is believed to bring the blessing of warding off fire disasters.

DATA

Address: 2652-i Murotsu, Muroto City, Kōchi Prefecture, Japan
Phone: 0887-23-0025
Access: From Nahari Station on the Tosa Kuroshio Railway Gomen-Nahari Line, take the Kōchi Tōbu Kōtsū Bus bound for Murotomisaki (25 min), get off at Muroto, then walk 10 min.
Parking: None (Parking available at the plaza in front of the port, a 5-minute walk away)
Lodging: None

Your Pilgrimage, Your Art

Completing the Shikoku Pilgrimage is a once-in-a-lifetime journey—but what if you could preserve it in a form that lasts forever?

Many pilgrims collect red stamps and calligraphy from each temple on a special silk scroll called a nōkyōjiku.

This sacred record of your path can be transformed into a kakejiku—a traditional Japanese hanging scroll—not only preserving the memories, but turning them into a work of cultural and spiritual art.

It’s more than a souvenir—it’s a way to honor your journey, your prayers, and your growth.

To learn more about how a nōkyōjiku becomes a kakejiku, and what makes this transformation so meaningful, please refer the below link.