Tōrin-ji

Yaeyama Islands


Founded in 1614, the Zen temple of Tōrin-ji, near the intersection of Shimin-kaikan-dōri and Rte 79, is home to the 18th-century guardian statues of Deva kings.

Adjacent to the temple is Gongen-dō, a small shrine rebuilt after being destroyed by a tsunami in 1771.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Yaeyama Islands attractions

1. Gongen-dō

0.02 MILES

Adjacent to the temple Tōrin-ji is Gongen-dō, a small shrine rebuilt after being destroyed by a tsunami in 1771.

2. Miyara Dōnchi

0.33 MILES

The unique home of a Ryūkyū kingdom official dates from 1819; walk north along Sanbashi-dōri until you see signs in English. The house is still an actual…

3. Ishigaki City Yaeyama Museum

0.47 MILES

This modest museum has exhibits on the culture and history of the island, which are quite well presented with English explanations. Notable among the more…

4. Fusaki Beach Aqua Garden

3.18 MILES

Nonguests of the adjacent resort can pay to enter this massive 'aqua garden' complex with a beachfront pool, bar-restaurant, yoga lessons and a huge range…

5. Nishitō Utaki

4.45 MILES

This shrine is dedicated to a 16th-century ruler of the Yaeyama Islands who was born on Taketomi-jima, and whose tomb lies behind the shrine.

6. Taketomi Mingei-kan

4.49 MILES

This is the workshop where the island's woven minsā belts and other textiles are produced.

7. Nagomi-no-tō

4.51 MILES

Roughly in the centre of the village, this modest lookout tower has good views over the red-tiled roofs of the pancake-flat island.

8. Kihōin Shūshūkan

4.59 MILES

At the west of the village, this private museum houses a diverse collection of local folk artefacts.