The eighty-first temple is Shiromine-ji (白峯寺), set on a peak of the Goshikidai range and enshrining Senju Kannon.
It lies about 5.0 km from the eighty-second temple, deep in the wooded hills.
This is the entrance to Shiromine-ji.
The cool of the surrounding cedars greets you as you arrive.
Going further in, you come to another gate, though repair banners rather spoil the atmosphere just now.
Even so, the layered approach has its own quiet appeal.
A splendid bell hangs here too, looking as though it would ring with a fine, deep tone.
Bells like this give a mountain temple its voice.
There are stone structures shaped like small five-storey pagodas, lending a pleasant atmosphere.
Weathered by the years, they add to the temple’s sense of age.
A curious sight: rows of small beckoning cats lined up together.
Their cheerful little faces are an unexpected, charming touch.
This is the main hall, where Senju Kannon is enshrined — long revered here as a Kannon who takes on the sufferings of those who pray.
I offered incense and recited the sutra before it.
From another angle, the main hall is genuinely impressive.
Its dignified lines suit a temple of such solemn history.
Next is the Daishi-dō, though the trees screen it so that it does not quite fit in the photo. There I offered my prayers.
Within these grounds also lies the tomb of Emperor Sutoku, who died in exile in this province.
There is an udon restaurant near the temple, especially good even by Kagawa’s high standards — the long queues tell you as much.
Kagawa is, after all, the udon capital of Japan.
The udon I had for lunch was truly delicious.
A good bowl of noodles is no small reward partway through a long day’s walking.
NFT – Crypto Ohenro #08 Goshuin of Shiromine-ji（白峯寺） –
This is the goshuin of the eighty-first temple, Shiromine-ji — like a dragon or a snake, and quite splendid.
Eighty temples still remained on my journey — only eight to go, with the tomb of Emperor Sutoku resting nearby.
The distance to the next temple was about 5.0 km, a steady walk along the Goshikidai ridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the honzon (principal image) of Shiromine-ji (Temple 81)?
The honzon (principal image) of Shiromine-ji（白峯寺）, Temple 81 of the Shikoku 88 pilgrimage, is Senju Kanzeon Bosatsu（千手観世音菩薩）. 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 Shiromine-ji located?
Shiromine-ji stands in Sakaide, Kagawa Prefecture, in the old province of Sanuki, on the island of Shikoku, Japan. It is the eighty-first 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 Shiromine-ji belong to?
Shiromine-ji belongs to the Shingon Buddhism (Omuro school). Its mountain name (sangō), the traditional honorific title by which the temple is also known, is Ryōshōzan Dōrin-in（綾松山 洞林院）.
When was Shiromine-ji founded?
Shiromine-ji was founded by Kōbō Daishi and Chishō Daishi. Its history is closely tied to the early growth of the Shikoku pilgrimage.
Which temple comes after Shiromine-ji, and how far is it?
The next temple on the route is Temple 82, Negoro-ji (about 5.0 km). Walking in numerical order, pilgrims continue from Shiromine-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.