The sixty-third temple is Kichijō-ji (吉祥寺), the only temple on the route to enshrine Bishamonten as its principal image.
It stands about 3.2 km from the sixty-fourth temple, in the town of Saijō.
This is the entrance to Kichijō-ji, with a charming little stone elephant standing before the gate.
The small, friendly figure is an unexpected and endearing touch.
This is the main hall, where Bishamonten is enshrined — the only such principal image among all eighty-eight temples, revered here for fortune and prosperity.
I offered incense and recited the sutra before this guardian deity.
Small though the temple is, it has its Daishi-dō, where I prayed for the safety of my family, for peace in the world, and for safe travels.
The temple is also known for its Jōju-ishi, a wish-granting stone reached, eyes shut, with a pilgrim’s staff.
NFT – Crypto Ohenro #26 Goshuin of Kichijō-ji（吉祥寺） –
This is the goshuin of the sixty-third temple, Kichijō-ji. It looks as though it was written in something of a hurry.
Sixty-two temples still remained on my journey, the only Bishamonten temple now behind me.
The distance to the next temple was about 1.4 km, a short and easy walk.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the honzon (principal image) of Kichijō-ji (Temple 63)?
The honzon (principal image) of Kichijō-ji（吉祥寺）, Temple 63 of the Shikoku 88 pilgrimage, is Bishamonten（毘沙門天）. 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 Kichijō-ji located?
Kichijō-ji stands in Saijō, Ehime Prefecture, in the old province of Iyo, on the island of Shikoku, Japan. It is the sixty-third 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 Kichijō-ji belong to?
Kichijō-ji belongs to the Shingon Buddhism (Tōji school). Its mountain name (sangō), the traditional honorific title by which the temple is also known, is Mikkyōzan Taizō-in（密教山 胎蔵院）.
When was Kichijō-ji founded?
Kichijō-ji was founded by Kōbō Daishi (Kūkai), early 9th century. Its history is closely tied to the early growth of the Shikoku pilgrimage.
Which temple comes after Kichijō-ji, and how far is it?
The next temple on the route is Temple 64, Maegami-ji (about 3.2 km). Walking in numerical order, pilgrims continue from Kichijō-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.