Panduan
Kanonji Temple, located in Kanonji City, Kagawa Prefecture, is a temple of the Shingon So-kakuji sect and is famously known as the 69th station of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage. Its mountain name is Shippozan. The temple enshrines Sho Kanon Bosatsu (Sacred Avalokitesvara) as its principal deity. The temple grounds are characterized by several historical structures, most notably the Nio Mon gate, which is uniquely flanked by two stone monuments designated as Japan Heritage. The main deity is a 'hidden Buddha' (hibutsu), and during rare special unveiling ceremonies—such as those recorded in 2014 and 2023—large crowds of devotees gather to witness it. A special unveiling is currently planned to occur once every 10 years.
The history of this temple dates back to the Taiho era (701–704 AD). Legend tells of a monk named Nissho who, while practicing at Mt. Kotan, saw an old man rowing a boat on the sea. Upon realizing the figure was Hachiman Daimyojin, the legend of the boat and the koto (Japanese harp) began, leading to the history of the nearby Kotan Hachiman-gu Shrine. Later, Kobo Daishi (Kukai) arrived as the 7th chief priest. Following the model of Kofuku-ji Temple in Nara, he developed the temple complex, including the Chukin-do (Main Hall) for Sho Kanon Bosatsu, the Saikin-do for Yakushi Nyorai, and the Tokindo for Miroku Bosatsu. The name 'Shippozan Kanonji' is said to have originated from the practice of burying precious stones like lapis lazuli, coral, and agate in the pagoda. The temple has played a significant role throughout history, including the era when Doon Daisho, son of Ashikaga Takauji, served as the chief priest for 45 years.
The temple grounds feature various halls, each with its own unique character. At the entrance stands the Nio Mon gate, flanked by Japan Heritage stone monuments. As you walk up the stone steps of the approach, you will find the Aizen-do directly ahead, the Daishi-do to the left, and the Bell Tower (Shoro-do) to the right. The Main Hall (Chukin-do) houses the sacred hidden Buddha, which can only be seen during special unveiling periods. The Saikin-do houses a large statue of Yakushi Nyorai, while the Kaizan-do (East Hall) enshrines Miroku Bosatsu. Visitors can also explore the Shingyo-den (Sutra Hall) and the Treasure Hall, which houses the important cultural property, the Nirvana Shakyamuni statue. Additionally, between the Main Hall and the Yakushi-do, there is a beautiful arrangement of replicas of the 33 Saigoku Kannon stone statues, built in 1840.
It is most common to visit Kanonji Temple during daylight hours. Because the grounds are filled with numerous stone statues and halls, visiting under natural sunlight allows you to appreciate the intricate details and textures of the architecture. While there is no specific 'best season,' it is a popular stop for those following the Shikoku pilgrimage route. If you wish to witness the rare unveiling of the hidden Buddha, it is highly recommended to check the official schedule in advance, as this offers a much more profound spiritual experience than a standard visit.
As part of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, visitors can experience the profound traditions of Japanese Buddhism. You can connect with the diverse Buddhist figures such as Sho Kanon Bosatsu, Aizen Myoo, Yakushi Nyorai, and Miroku Bosatsu, as well as the unique stone Buddha replicas. For a moment of rest, the 'Gotou-an' cafe located within the temple grounds offers a space to relax and purchase pilgrimage-related goods and souvenirs.
The area around Kanonji Temple offers several other interesting spots. This includes the Zenigata Sunae (sand art) and Koya Shrine, known for its 'Sky Torii' gate. The temple is also part of a continuous pilgrimage flow, situated near the 68th station, Shoe-in, making it a seamless part of the journey from the 68th to the 70th station (Honzan-ji).
Please observe the following guidelines when visiting: