Enmei-ji is temple No. 54 on the Shikoku pilgrimage, or Henro. Located in the outskirts of Imabari, it’s dedicated to children lost in childbirth (or aborted). What to see When you enter the temple from the main road, an agricultural pond and the temple graveyard make a strong impression. The graveyard has many of the…
Enmyo-ji, The Temple of the Ring of Light, is temple No. 53 on the Shikoku Pilgrimage or Henro. It’s one of the eight pilgrimage temples in Matsuyama. Located in a built-up area on the outskirts of the city, it has dynamic tile sculptures on the roofs of its buildings. What to see The first point…
Taisan-ji, The Temple of the Big Mountain, is temple No. 52 on the Shikoku pilgrimage, or Henro. Located in the outskirts of Matsuyama, it has wonderful views of the Shikoku Mountains on clear days. The main building is one of the more spectacular on the pilgrimage. What to see The approach to Taisan-ji is very…
Ishite-ji is temple No. 51 on the Shikoku pilgrimage, or Henro. It’s situated in Matsuyama, not far from Dōgo Onsen, so it’s as popular with tourists as with pilgrims. In 2009, it was given one star in the Michelin Guide. Ishite-ji excites both amazement and revulsion. Some find it appealing in its eclectic zaniness, others…
Hanta-ji is temple No. 50 on the Shikoku pilgrimage, or Henro. A winding road up a little slope brings you to Hanta-ji, tucked against a hillside.
Jōdo-ji, The Temple of the Pure Land, is No. 49 on the Shikoku Pilgrimage, or Henro. It’s located in a residential area at the foot of a hill that faces to the south offering a view of Mt. Ishizuchi. The main building is built in the Chinese style of architecture, with a rustic and weathered…
Sairin-ji, The Temple of the Western Forest, is temple No. 48 on the Shikoku pilgrimage, or Henro. It sits on a low-lying plain next to a little river. From the temple, you can see Mt. Ishizuchi, the highest mountain in western Japan. In winter, its snowy peaks present a fine sight. What to see An…
Yasaka-ji, The Temple of the Eight Slopes, is temple No. 47 on the Shikoku pilgrimage, or Henro. It stands on a hill in the south of Matsuyama. What to see A long, straight road leads up to the temple past farmhouses, and from a distance, the temple has a festive, colourful look about it. The…
Joruri-ji, The Temple of the Pure Lapis Lazuli, is temple No. 46 on the Shikoku pilgrimage. It stands among fields on a gentle slope in the south of Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture. The temple building is largely hidden from view by the tall trees that surround it. These ancient junipers are thought to be about 1,000…
Iwaya-ji, The Temple of the Rock Hermitage, is temple No. 45 on the Shikoku Pilgrimage, or Henro. If there’s one temple on the pilgrimage you really should visit in Ehime Prefecture, Iwaya-ji is it. The temple is located on Kuma Highland in a gorge formed of conglomerate rock. It inspires awe, from the trek up…