Overview
Sairin-ji is a temple of the Buzan school of Shingon Buddhism in Takai, Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture. Known by the mountain name Seiryu-zan and the cloister name Anyo-in, it enshrines an Eleven-headed Kannon as its principal image. It is Temple No. 48 of the Shikoku 88-Temple Pilgrimage and also the 8th site of the Iyo Thirteen Buddhas pilgrimage. Set in a quiet corner of the Matsuyama Plain, this old temple has long been cherished by pilgrims, local residents, and devotees of Kannon alike.
Highlights
- ●Temple No. 48 of the Shikoku 88-Temple Pilgrimage, of the Shingon Buzan school
- ●Enshrines an Eleven-headed Kannon; also 8th of the Iyo Thirteen Buddhas
- ●Pure spring water and the inner sanctuary Tsue-no-fuchi, tied to Kobo Daishi's cane
- ●A historic temple with a pilgrim's verse that spells out its name
History
As Temple No. 48 of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, Sairin-ji is counted among the sacred sites associated with Kobo Daishi (Kukai). According to legend handed down at the temple, a clear stream running beside it was made to spring forth when Kobo Daishi struck the ground with his cane, a story tied to the temple's inner sanctuary, Tsue-no-fuchi. Belonging to the Buzan school of Shingon Buddhism, it also serves as a Kannon site of the Iyo Thirteen Buddhas pilgrimage. For details on its founding, please check official sources.
Access
Sairin-ji stands in Takai, Matsuyama City, in the southern part of the Matsuyama Plain. Visitors reach it by car from central Matsuyama or as part of the pilgrimage route, visiting it together with the neighboring temples. For public transport, parking, and the hours for receiving the pilgrim's seal, please confirm the latest official information before your visit.
Best season
The temple can be visited year-round, but spring to early summer, when the grounds are lush and green, and autumn, with its clear air, are especially pleasant. For those walking the pilgrimage, the mild weather of spring and autumn is popular. Prepare for heat in summer and cold in winter for a comfortable visit.
Map
33.7937, 132.8139 · Wikidata
Suggested itinerary
- 1Head to Sairin-ji from central Matsuyama
- 2Pass through the gate and pray before the Eleven-headed Kannon
- 3Receive the pilgrim's seal and savor the quiet of the grounds
- 4Reflect on the legend of the spring at the inner sanctuary, Tsue-no-fuchi
Did you know?
💡 Its mountain name is Seiryu-zan and cloister name Anyo-in. The pilgrim's verse for the temple invites those seeking the world of Amida Buddha to visit 'the temple of the western grove,' weaving in the name Sairin ('western grove'). The inner sanctuary, Tsue-no-fuchi, is famed for the pure water said to have been drawn forth by Kobo Daishi.
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