The sixty-ninth temple is Kannon-ji (観音寺), which enshrines Shō Kannon and shares its very grounds with the sixty-eighth temple.
The two temples stand together in one precinct on Mt. Kotohiki — the only such pair on the whole pilgrimage.
This is the entrance to Kannon-ji, set within the same Kotohiki grounds as the temple before it.
Having just visited the sixty-eighth temple, I simply walked on through the shared precinct to reach it.
This is the main hall, where Shō Kannon is enshrined.
I offered incense and recited the sutra before this Kannon, long revered here on the hillside above the town.
This is the Daishi-dō. Here I recited the Heart Sutra, praying for the safety of my family and for peace in the world.
Sharing its grounds with another sacred site gives this temple a quietly special atmosphere.
NFT – Crypto Ohenro #20 Goshuin of Kannon-ji（観音寺） –
This is the goshuin of the sixty-ninth temple, Kannon-ji, brushed here on Mt. Kotohiki beside its twin temple.
Sixty-eight temples still remained on my journey, the great sand coin of Zenigata not far below.
The next temple lay only about 4.5 km away, an easy walk to follow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the honzon (principal image) of Kannon-ji (Temple 69)?
The honzon (principal image) of Kannon-ji（観音寺）, Temple 69 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 Kannon-ji located?
Kannon-ji stands in Kan’onji, Kagawa Prefecture, in the old province of Sanuki, on the island of Shikoku, Japan. It is the sixty-ninth 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 Kannon-ji belong to?
Kannon-ji belongs to the Shingon Buddhism (Daikakuji school). Its mountain name (sangō), the traditional honorific title by which the temple is also known, is Shippōzan（七宝山）.
When was Kannon-ji founded?
Kannon-ji is of ancient origin as the temple of Kotohiki Hachimangū. Its history is closely tied to the early growth of the Shikoku pilgrimage.
Which temple comes after Kannon-ji, and how far is it?
The next temple on the route is Temple 70, Motoyama-ji (about 4.5 km). Walking in numerical order, pilgrims continue from Kannon-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.