Kan'on-ji Temple

Overview

Kan'on-ji Temple stands in the heart of Kan'onji City in Kagawa Prefecture. Belonging to the Daikakuji branch of Shingon Buddhism and carrying the mountain name Shippozan, it enshrines Sho Kannon as its principal image and holds the position of the 69th temple on the Shikoku Pilgrimage. Its grounds are shared with the neighboring 68th temple, Jinne-in, an unusual arrangement that lets pilgrims pay respects at two numbered temples in a single visit.

Highlights

• ●The main hall enshrining the principal image, Sho Kannon
• ●The Shippozan mountain name attached to the temple
• ●Shared temple grounds with the 68th temple, Jinne-in
• ●The nokyo stamp bearing the image of Aizen Myoo

History

One notable quirk tied to the temple concerns its name: the city that grew up around it, Kan'onji, is read with a slightly different pronunciation from the temple's own name, Kannon-ji, a distinction that can trip up visitors reading maps or signage. Because it shares a single precinct with Jinne-in, the two temples are often treated as one stop along the pilgrimage route.

Map

34.1345, 133.6475 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Check pilgrimage etiquette at the gate before heading to the main hall
2. 2Pay respects to the principal image, Sho Kannon
3. 3Walk over to the adjoining Jinne-in within the same grounds
4. 4Stop at the nokyo office to have your pilgrimage stamp book sealed

Did you know?

💡 The temple's principal mantra is recorded as 'On arorikya sowaka,' and its pilgrim hymn (goeika) includes a verse invoking Kannon's great compassion to lift away heavy sins. The temple's nokyo (pilgrimage stamp-book) seal, notably, depicts Aizen Myoo rather than the main image.

Nearby spots