The eighty-seventh temple is Nagao-ji (長尾寺), which enshrines a Shō Kannon and is the last temple before the journey’s end.
It lies about 12.3 km from the eighty-eighth temple, in the town of Nagao.
At the entrance to Nagao-ji a bell hangs at the gate, with large straw sandals to left and right.
The familiar sandals felt almost like old companions by this point.
This is the main hall, where Shō Kannon is enshrined.
By tradition the image was carved by Gyōki from a willow that grew by the road.
From another angle, the main hall is an impressive structure. First I recited the Heart Sutra here.
It is said that Shizuka Gozen, Yoshitsune’s beloved, took the tonsure at this temple.
Next, at the Daishi-dō, I again recited the Heart Sutra, praying for the safety of my family and for peace in the world.
With the end of the journey so near, the prayer felt especially full.
A little way back along the road before the temple stands a pilgrims’ information centre.
It is an inviting place to pause before the final stretch.
I stopped in on my way past, drawn by the chance to learn more.
Such centres quietly enrich the journey for those who take the time.
By visiting it you can study the pilgrimage in detail and learn its long history.
Understanding the route’s past gives the walking a deeper meaning.
They also display goshuin from around a hundred and fifty years ago, brushed quite differently from those of today.
Seeing how the seals have changed over time was genuinely fascinating.
Here too is shown the attire worn for the pilgrimage — the very kind of dress in which I walked the route myself.
Seeing it laid out brought home how far I had come.
NFT – Crypto Ohenro #02 Goshuin of Nagao-ji（長尾寺） –
This is the goshuin of the eighty-seventh temple, Nagao-ji — impressive indeed, and the last seal before the journey’s end.
Eighty-six temples still remained on my journey, the final temple now almost within reach.
The distance to the next temple was about 12.3 km — the last leg of the road ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the honzon (principal image) of Nagao-ji (Temple 87)?
The honzon (principal image) of Nagao-ji（長尾寺）, Temple 87 of the Shikoku 88 pilgrimage, is Shō Kanzeon Bosatsu（聖観世音菩薩）. It is enshrined in the temple's main hall (hondō), where pilgrims offer incense, recite the Heart Sutra, and receive the temple's goshuin (hand-brushed seal).
Where is Nagao-ji located?
Nagao-ji stands in Sanuki, Kagawa Prefecture, in the old province of Sanuki, on the island of Shikoku, Japan. It is the eighty-seventh of the eighty-eight temples of the Shikoku Henro, the circular Buddhist pilgrimage walked in the path of Kōbō Daishi (Kūkai).
Which Buddhist sect does Nagao-ji belong to?
Nagao-ji belongs to the Tendai school of Buddhism. Its mountain name (sangō), the traditional honorific title by which the temple is also known, is Fudarakusan Kannon-in（補陀落山 観音院）.
When was Nagao-ji founded?
Nagao-ji was founded by Gyōki; later converted to the Tendai school. Its history is closely tied to the early growth of the Shikoku pilgrimage.
Which temple comes after Nagao-ji, and how far is it?
The next temple on the route is Temple 88, Ōkubo-ji (about 12.3 km). Walking in numerical order, pilgrims continue from Nagao-ji to keep visiting each of the 88 temples and collecting their goshuin.
📖 See the full list of all 88 Shikoku temples →
Can’t make the pilgrimage yourself?Ohenro Gift can walk the 88 temples on your behalf (daisan) and deliver the completed nokyocho.