Temple 69: Kanonji

Goshuin

Basic Information

Accommodation

History & Highlights

Kanonji Temple is a rare pilgrimage temple that shares the same grounds as Jinnein Temple. Its origins can be traced back to a shrine-temple complex founded in 703.
According to tradition, Kobo Daishi enshrined Sho Kannon Bosatsu (Holy Avalokitesvara) here and renamed the temple “Shichihoszan Kanonji.” The Main Hall, built during the Muromachi period, is designated as an Important Cultural Property.

Kanonji Temple is one of the few pilgrimage temples in Japan that shares its grounds with another temple. Temple 68, Jinnein, and Temple 69, Kanonji, stand within the same precincts.

At the temple gate, plaques bearing the names “Temple 68 Jinnein” and “Temple 69 Kanonji” are displayed side by side. Seeing two pilgrimage temples within a single temple complex is a rare sight unique to this location.

Since the Nokyo Office is shared, pilgrims usually visit both temples first and then receive the goshuin of Jinnein and Kanonji together.

The temple grounds also attract many visitors who come to explore nearby Kotohiki Park, making it a place frequented by both pilgrims and sightseers.

Behind the temple grounds lies Kotohiki Park.

The park is famous for its enormous sand sculpture depicting the Kan’ei Tsuho coin, one of the best-known landmarks in Kagawa Prefecture. Viewed from the observation deck, the design resembles a gigantic coin drawn across the sandy landscape.

I visited the park myself, but unfortunately the timing was not ideal, and I was unable to see the Kan’ei Tsuho inscription clearly. Even so, the views of the Seto Inland Sea from Kotohiki Park were memorable and well worth the visit.