Mondo Yakujin Tokoji Temple

This Buddhist temple is about 10 minutes by taxi from Hankyu Nishinomiya Kitaguchi Station. One of Japan's three Yakujin temples, it enshrines Yakujin Myoo, who is said to ward off all misfortune. Features besides the front gate which was completely destroyed by the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake and then rebuilt include an inner tower gate and the Yakujindo sub-shrine. Besides Yakujin Myoo, the temple also honors Fudo Myoo, Aizen Myoo, Daikokuten, the principal object of worship Yakushi Ruriko Nyorai, and Kukai, later known as Kobo Daishi, the founder of Shingon sect of Buddhism. The spacious precincts feature an area with sand from each of the stops on Shikoku's 88 Temple Pilgrimage along with representations of their principle objects of worship, giving you a chance to replicate the pilgrimage with ease.