20 Temples in Kagawa worth your time

This temple on Mt. Shiramine offers unique zodiac halls and rare architecture, plus scenic views nearby.

What it is

• Shiromineji Temple is the 81st temple on the Shikoku 88-Temple Pilgrimage.
• It is located on Mt. Shiramine, part of the Goshikidai Plateau.
• Some buildings date back to the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.

What to see

• Many mountainside halls, some dedicated to Chinese zodiac animals.
• Small statues help visitors find their zodiac sanctuary.
• Tonshoji Hall, a unique architectural solution with connected shrines.
• One shrine in Tonshoji Hall enshrines Emperor Sutoku.
• Emperor Sutoku's modest grave is next to the temple.
• Scenic lookout at Shiramine Park Center with views of Sakaide and Seto Ohashi Bridge.

Getting there

• Located between Takamatsu and Sakaide cities.
• Shiramine Park Center is a few hundred meters from the temple entrance.

Address

香川県坂出市青海町2635番地 Map

Official site

www.shiromineji.com

Read more about Shiromine-ji Temple

A mountain temple managed by local residents where visitors pray for healing, fertility, and success in school entrance exams.

What it is

• A temple of the Tendai sect situated on Mount Kubi.
• Tradition attributes the founding to the monks Gyoki or Kobo Daishi.
• Local residents rebuilt the temple in 1920 following a landslide.
• The site has no parishioners and is managed by five local associations.

What to see

• The main deity which is unveiled once a year.
• A parking lot located below the temple with space for ten cars.

When to go

• Markets are held at the temple during March and June.
• The main deity is unveiled annually on August 1st of the lunar calendar.

Getting there

• The temple is located 1.1 kilometers from the Honya bus stop.

Read more about Kubiyama Kannon Temple

A historic Shingon temple on Ibuki Island serving as the starting point for the local Shima Shikoku pilgrimage route.

What it is

• A Shingon Daikakuji school temple dedicated to the deity Yakushi Nyorai.
• Founded by the priest Sekan Risshi and originally known as Senzo-bo.
• The temple name appeared in official documents as early as 1692.
• The site serves as the starting point for the Shima Shikoku pilgrimage.

What to see

• A historic bell tower that was constructed in 1675.
• The main hall and a dedicated Kannon hall on the grounds.
• A traditional mountain gate marking the entrance to the precinct.
• A statue of Kobo Daishi located within the temple grounds.

Getting there

• The temple is accessible by foot from Maura Port on Ibuki Island.

Read more about Senzō-in Temple

This temple is the final stop on the Shikoku Pilgrimage, offering a miniature pilgrimage experience.

What it is

• 88th and final temple on the Shikoku Pilgrimage.
• Sanctuary of the Shingon school of Buddhism.
• Founded in the early eighth century by priest Gyoki.
• Associated with Kukai, founder of the Shikoku Pilgrimage.

What to see

• Repository for pilgrims' walking sticks next to Daishi Hall.
• Cave where Kukai conducted ascetic training.
• Likeness of Yakushi carved by Kukai.
• Room under Daishi Hall with 88 deity statues.
• Bags of sand from pilgrimage temples under each statue.
• Autumn foliage of ginkgo and maple trees.

When to go

• Spring and summer for ritual burning of walking sticks.
• November for autumn foliage viewing.

Address

香川県さぬき市多和兼割96番地 Map

Read more about Ōkubo-ji Temple

Shido-ji Temple is the 86th Shikoku Pilgrimage sanctuary with important cultural properties and a unique garden.

What it is

• 86th sanctuary on the 88-temple Shikoku Pilgrimage.
• Known as the “Temple of Wish Fulfilment.”
• Founded in the city of Sanuki.

What to see

• Niomon, or Gate of the Guardian Kings, from 1671.
• Statues of fierce guardian deities by master sculptor Unkei.
• Main Hall, built in 1671, designated Important Cultural Property.
• Bright red 33-meter pagoda, added in 1975.
• Muzentei, a dry garden by Shigemori Mirei.
• Datsueba statue, displayed on the 17th of each month.

When to go

• July 16 to see the principal deity, Juichimen Kannon.
• 17th day of any month to see Datsueba and Enma statues.

Address

香川県さぬき市志度1102番地 Map

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Kaiganji Temple, founded by Kukai, features sumo wrestler guardians and sea views.

What it is

• Kaiganji Temple, founded in 807 by Buddhist priest Kukai.
• Dedicated to Kukai, founder of Shingon school and Shikoku Pilgrimage.
• Built on the assumed site of Kukai's mother's birthing hut.

What to see

• Niomon Gate with guardian sumo wrestlers instead of deities.
• Main Hall and monks’ quarters in the coastal zone.
• Okunoin and Daishi halls in the inland zone.
• Butsumoin Hall, site of Kukai's mother's residence.
• Views of the island-dotted sea from various points.
• Beach behind the Main Hall offers sea views.

Getting there

• Okunoin Hall on a nearby hill, 15-minute climb.

Address

本坊：香川県仲多度郡多度津町西白方997 奥の院：香川県仲多度郡多度津町大字西白方997-8 Map

Official site

kaiganji.jp

Read more about Kaigan-ji Temple

A historic temple with important cultural properties, offering a glimpse into Japan's spiritual heritage.

What it is

• A Koyasan Shingon sect temple.
• Founded as a hermitage by Shobo between 859 and 876.
• The principal image is Amida Nyorai.
• Its name changed after Emperor Sutoku visited Naoshima.

What to see

• A designated tangible cultural property main hall.
• A designated tangible cultural property guest hall.
• A designated tangible cultural property main gate.
• The principal image, Amida Nyorai, enshrined in 1384-1386.

When to go

• Nirvana Day is held annually on April 29th.

Getting there

• Access by ferry from Takamatsu.
• Access by ferry from Uno Port.

Address

香川県香川郡直島町字高田浦738番地 Map

Read more about Gokuraku-ji Temple

Yashima-ji Temple, founded in 754, is the 84th stop on the 88-temple Shikoku Pilgrimage.

What it is

• Temple founded in 754 by Chinese monk Jianzhen.
• Converted to Shingon Buddhist sanctuary by Kukai.
• 84th stop on the 88-temple Shikoku Pilgrimage.

What to see

• Statue of the Thousand-Armed Kannon in the temple museum.
• Main hall building, an Important Cultural Property.
• Temple bell from 1223, an Important Cultural Property.
• Buddhist sculptures and Battle of Yashima artifacts in museum.
• Shrine to Minoyama Daimyojin, a legendary tanuki spirit.

Getting there

• Located on the south side of the Yashima plateau.

Address

香川県高松市屋島東町字屋島峯1808番地 Map

Read more about Yashima-ji Temple

A historic Buddhist temple in Takamatsu rebuilt after wartime destruction, housing a sacred statue that survived the 1945 air raids.

What it is

• A Shinshu Otani-ha Buddhist temple founded by Rikei in 1609
• The primary deity enshrined here is Amida Nyorai
• This temple historically served the Matsudaira family of the Takamatsu Domain
• The original structures were destroyed by U.S. air raids in 1945

What to see

• The main hall which was completed and restored in 1959
• A statue of Amida Nyorai that survived the wartime bombing

Getting there

• A fifteen-minute walk from JR Takamatsu Station
• A two-minute walk from the Saiwaicho bus stop

Read more about Tokujō-ji Temple

A historic Rinzai temple founded in 1493 featuring a massive camphor tree and a unique integrated Shinto shrine.

What it is

• A temple of the Rinzai school Tofuku-ji branch founded in 1493.
• The site is dedicated to the main deity Sho-kannon.
• It was established by Hosokawa Iyonomori on the south bank of the Saita River.
• The temple mountain name is Fumonzan.

What to see

• A large camphor tree standing at the temple entrance.
• The Hagita Inari Daimyojin Shrine located within the grounds.
• The main hall where a movie theater once stood behind it.

Getting there

• The site is a nine-minute walk from Kanonji Station.

Read more about Jōren-ji Temple

Ancient temple, part of two pilgrimages, with unique statues and cultural properties.

What it is

• Founded by Gyōki during the Wadō era, Nara period.
• Belongs to the Shingon-shu Daikakuji-ha sect.
• Main deity is Amida Nyorai.
• 24th temple of the New Shikoku Mandala Pilgrimage.

What to see

• Sanmon, Hondō, Goma-dō, Ebisuten-dō, and Tahōtō buildings.
• Byakue Kannon Bosatsu statue by Kitamura Seibō.
• Gochi Nyorai enshrined in the Goma-dō.
• Shaka Nyorai, Monju Bosatsu, Fugen Bosatsu in the Tahōtō.
• Ebisu-ten enshrined as one of the Shikoku Sanshu Shichifuku-ji.
• Designated cultural properties on the grounds.

Address

香川県観音寺市豊浜町和田浜1289の1 Map

Read more about Sōrin-ji Temple

This mountainside Buddhist hall offers unique rock carvings and ancient artifacts, perfect for history enthusiasts.

What it is

• A Buddhist hall in Mitoyo City, Kagawa Prefecture.
• It is an Okunoin of Jūharamitsu-ji temple.
• Dedicated to Hokushin Myōken Daibosatsu.
• The main hall was rebuilt in 1691.

What to see

• Kūkai carved a statue of Kokūzō Bosatsu on a rock face.
• The main hall has a roof stone and a canopy stone.
• The Daishidō houses a stone statue of Kōbō Daishi.
• The Gumonji-dō enshrines a stone statue of Kokūzō Bosatsu.
• The Kannon-dō is the first of 33 mini pilgrimage sites.
• Artifacts from 1200 years ago were excavated.

Address

香川県三豊市仁尾町仁尾戊1107 Map

Read more about Iwaya Myōken-gū

Kōshō-ji Temple: a historic Rinzai temple with a unique mini-pilgrimage and Buddha's footprint.

What it is

• A Rinzai sect Tofuku-ji school temple.
• Founded by Kūkai.
• Formerly a Shingon Esoteric Buddhism training hall.
• The place where Yamazaki Sōkan died.

What to see

• A main gate rebuilt in 1683.
• A grave site for Yamazaki Sōkan.
• An 88-mini-pilgrimage course.
• A Buddha's footprint stone.
• The footprint stone is a replica from Yakushi-ji.
• The footprint stone is a City Tangible Folk Cultural Property.

When to go

• The pilgrimage course takes about one hour.

Address

香川県観音寺市八幡町二丁目7番2号 Map

Read more about Kōshō-ji Temple

Zentsū-ji Temple is a historic Shingon Buddhist temple founded by Kukai, offering two distinct precincts.

What it is

• Temple of the Shingon school of Buddhism.
• Founded in 807 by Kukai, who restored his family's ancestral temple.
• Consists of two adjacent sanctuaries: To-in and Sai-in.

What to see

• Kondo or Golden Hall at To-in, housing a wooden statue of Yakushi.
• Five-story pagoda at To-in, assembled over 60 years.
• Main South Gate at To-in, commemorating the Russo-Japanese War.
• Two majestic camphor trees, over a thousand years old.
• Mieido Hall at Sai-in, built on Kukai's birthplace.

Address

〒765-8506 香川県善通寺市善通寺町 3-3-1 Map

Official site

www.zentsuji.com

Read more about Zentsū-ji Temple

Mandara-ji Temple: a historic Shingon temple, 72nd on the Shikoku pilgrimage, founded in 596.

What it is

• A Shingon sect temple, 72nd on the Shikoku 88-temple pilgrimage.
• Founded in 596 as the clan temple of the Saeki family.
• Renamed Mandara-ji by Kukai after his return from Tang China.
• Its formal names are Gahashizan and Enmeiin.

What to see

• The principal image is Dainichi Nyorai.
• Temple grounds are a national historic site.
• A wooden standing statue of Sho Kannon is a prefectural cultural property.

Getting there

• 4.5 km from Zentsuji Station.

Address

香川県善通寺市吉原町字曼荼羅寺1380番地1 Map

Read more about Mandara-ji Temple

Negoro-ji Temple, the 82nd Shikoku pilgrimage site, offers history and autumn colors.

What it is

• Tendai sect temple in Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture.
• Also known as Aominesan and Senjuin.
• 82nd temple of the Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage.
• Kukai visited the area between 810 and 824.

What to see

• Principal image is Senju Kannon Bosatsu.
• Main hall's principal image is a hidden Buddha.
• Enchin carved a Senju Kannon statue in 832.

When to go

• Known for its autumn leaves.
• Hidden Buddha opens every 33 years.
• Principal image scheduled to open in 2036.

Address

香川県高松市中山町1506番地 Map

Official site

www1.plala.or.jp

Read more about Negoro-ji Temple

Ancient temple with important statues, part of a sacred pilgrimage, worth visiting for its art.

What it is

• Shingon-shu Zentsu-ji school temple.
• Established in 937 by Meikai Shonin.
• Built as a betto-ji for Wanigawa Shrine.
• 33rd Fudasho of the Shikoku 36 Fudo Sacred Sites.

What to see

• Principal image is Amida Nyorai.
• Large Fudo Myoo statue called Raifudo-son.
• Main hall's Amida Sanzon by Kaikei.
• Sanmon and Hondo.
• Fudo-do and Shaka-do.
• Shoro-do and Kuri.

Getting there

• 2.2km from Kofunmyo Station.
• Parking available in front of the Fudo-do.

Address

香川県木田郡三木町井戸429 Map

Read more about Jōdo-ji Temple

Visit this historic temple, the 80th on the Shikoku pilgrimage, to see ancient cultural properties.

What it is

• A Shingon-shu Omuro-ha temple.
• The 80th temple of the Shikoku 88-temple pilgrimage.
• Successor to the Nara period Sanuki Kokubun-ji.
• Main deity is the Eleven-faced Senju Kannon Bosatsu.

What to see

• Temple grounds overlap original Kokubun-ji complex.
• Temple complex ruins are a National Special Historic Site.
• Main hall is an Important Cultural Property.
• Wooden Senju Kannon statue is an Important Cultural Property.
• Bronze bell is an Important Cultural Property.

Address

香川県高松市国分寺町国分2065 Map

Official site

sanukikokubunji.jp

Read more about Sanuki Kokubun-ji Temple

Ancient Shingon temple, part of a pilgrimage, with important statues and cultural properties.

What it is

• Shingon-shu Omuro-ha sect temple.
• Founded in the mid-8th century, restored in 868.
• Principal image is a Yakushi Nyorai.
• 31st temple of the Sanuki 33 Kannon Pilgrimage.

What to see

• Main hall houses a stone statue of Yakushi Nyorai.
• Daishi-do hall has a statue of Kobo Daishi.
• Kannon-do hall contains a standing statue of Senju Kannon.
• Wooden Senju Kannon statue is a National Important Cultural Property.
• Main hall is a tangible cultural property of Utazu Town.

Address

香川県綾歌郡宇多津町2805 Map

Read more about Shotsu-ji Temple

Saikyo-ji Temple: ancient pilgrimage site with unique cliff Buddha carvings.

What it is

• Founded by Gyoki at the end of the Nara period.
• Belongs to the Shingon-shu Zentsu-ji sect.
• Principal image is Amida Nyorai.
• 8th Fudasho of the New Shikoku Mandala Pilgrimage.

What to see

• Cliff Buddha carved by Kukai on Mt. Hiyama.
• Cliff Buddha is the temple's Oku-no-in.
• Rokumen Sekido is a cultural property.
• Cliff Buddha is a designated cultural property.

Getting there

• Taxi from Sanuki-Tsuda Station.
• Taxi from Kanzaki Station.

Address

香川県さぬき市大川町富田東1809 Map

Read more about Saikyo-ji Temple