The fifty-sixth temple is Taisan-ji (泰山寺), which enshrines Jizō Bosatsu and is tied to a story of taming a flood-prone river.
It stands about 3.1 km from the fifty-seventh temple, in the Imabari countryside.
This temple too has no gate; large stone statues to the left and right stand in its place.
The plain, open entrance suits a temple rooted in the everyday welfare of the local people.
This is the main hall, where Jizō Bosatsu is enshrined. The building has real impact, thanks above all to its splendid roof.
Kōbō Daishi is said to have carved this Jizō after building a levee with the villagers to hold back the floods.
This is the Daishi-dō. Praying for the safety of my family and for peace in the world, I recited the Heart Sutra.
A prayer for safety felt especially fitting at a temple born of protecting people from disaster.
NFT – Crypto Ohenro #33 Goshuin of Taisan-ji（泰山寺） –
This is the goshuin of the fifty-sixth temple, Taisan-ji, a quiet seal from this temple born of holding back the floods.
Fifty-five temples still remained on my journey, the road easy through the Imabari plain.
The distance to the next temple was about 3.0 km, a short and pleasant walk.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the honzon (principal image) of Taisan-ji (Temple 56)?
The honzon (principal image) of Taisan-ji（泰山寺）, Temple 56 of the Shikoku 88 pilgrimage, is Jizō Bosatsu（地蔵菩薩）. 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 Taisan-ji located?
Taisan-ji stands in Imabari, Ehime Prefecture, in the old province of Iyo, on the island of Shikoku, Japan. It is the fifty-sixth 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 Taisan-ji belong to?
Taisan-ji belongs to the Shingon Buddhism (Buzan school). Its mountain name (sangō), the traditional honorific title by which the temple is also known, is Kinrinzan Chokuō-in（金輪山 勅王院）.
When was Taisan-ji founded?
Taisan-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 Taisan-ji, and how far is it?
The next temple on the route is Temple 57, Eifuku-ji (about 3.1 km). Walking in numerical order, pilgrims continue from Taisan-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.