Kichijoji Temple Information
Goshuin
- Omie
- 1,200th Anniversary Edition
Basic Information
| Principal Deity | Bishamonten |
| Elevation | 10 m |
| Google Maps | MAP |
Accommodation
| Shukubo (Temple Lodging) | Not Available |
| Tsuyado (Free Pilgrim Shelter) | Not Available |
History & Highlights
Kichijoji is a temple said to have been founded by Kōbō Daishi, who carved an image of Bishamonten from a sacred tree. It is the only temple among the 88 Sacred Sites of the Shikoku Pilgrimage with Bishamonten as its principal image, and the deity has long been worshipped as a protector who relieves people from poverty and hardship. The temple also preserves many valuable historical treasures.
Notes
There is no private parking available at Kichijoji. If visiting by car, please use a nearby paid parking facility. (Parking fee: ¥300)
Route Map, Distance & Travel Time
You can switch between the tabs to view the routes to the previous and next temples.
Select “Driving Route” from the map’s upper-left menu to display the driving route.
Click the Full Screen icon in the upper-right corner of the map to open it in Google Maps for a larger, easier-to-view map.
- From Previous Temple
- To Next Temple
Previous Temple: Hojuji
| Distance | 1.4 km |
| Walking | 20 min |
| Driving | 5 min |
Next Temple: Maegamiji
| Distance | 3.2 km |
| Walking | 50 min |
| Driving | 10 min |
My Walking Experience
Kichijoji is located about 1 km (0.6 miles) east of Hojuji. It is near Iyo-Himi Station on the JR Yosan Line, and Maegamiji, the next temple on the pilgrimage route, is only about 3 km (1.9 miles) further east, making this a convenient section for visiting the surrounding temples.
After completing the challenging mountain trail of Yokomineji, this short and mostly flat stretch felt like a relaxing part of the pilgrimage where I could take my time and visit the temple without pressure.
The History and Highlights of Kichijoji
The Only Temple in the Shikoku Pilgrimage with Bishamonten as Its Principal Image
Kichijoji is the only temple among the 88 Sacred Sites of the Shikoku Pilgrimage where Bishamonten is enshrined as the principal image.
Bishamonten is one of the Four Heavenly Kings and is worshipped as a guardian deity who protects Buddhism and brings blessings such as prosperity, good fortune, and victory.
The words “The only Bishamonten statue in Shikoku” displayed on the temple gate are a symbol of Kichijoji’s unique character.
According to temple tradition, when Kōbō Daishi traveled through this area, he discovered a cypress tree emitting a mysterious light and sensed a sacred presence within it.
He is said to have carved a statue of Bishamonten from this sacred tree and founded the temple with the wish of relieving people from poverty and hardship.
Jōjuseki Stone and the Kuzuryū Tennyo Passage
The temple grounds also feature unique spots associated with blessings and wishes.
To the right of the purification basin stands the Jōjuseki Stone, a stone about 1 meter high with a hole approximately 30–40 cm in diameter near its base. It is believed that wishes will come true if pilgrims pass their kongō-zue (pilgrimage staff) through the opening.
Another highlight is the statue of Kichijo Tennyo, the consort of Bishamonten.
Kichijo Tennyo is the deity from whom the temple’s name is derived and is worshipped as a figure who removes poverty and brings wealth, happiness, and good fortune.
It is said that passing beneath the statue brings blessings, and this practice is affectionately known as the “Kuguri Tennyo” (passing-under Tennyo).
Nearby Accommodation
If you plan to stay near Kichijoji or between the surrounding pilgrimage temples, see the article below.
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