The fifty-third temple is Enmyō-ji (圓明寺), a town temple in Matsuyama enshrining Amida Nyorai.
It lies a long 34.4 km from the fifty-fourth temple, marking the move on toward Imabari.
This is the entrance gate of Enmyō-ji. Though it stands in the middle of town, it is a fine gate with real presence.
It draws the eye amid the ordinary streets around it.
Stepping inside, you come to a smaller, rather older gate.
Passing through the two in turn gives the compact grounds a layered, welcoming feel.
This is the main hall, where Amida Nyorai is enshrined. A red banner stands before it, and a group of women were chanting the sutra in a lively, warm atmosphere.
The temple is also known for a rare hidden-Christian stone lantern carved with the figure of the Virgin Mary.
Next is the Daishi-dō. Pilgrims with children had come too. Shutting out the noise from beyond the walls, I recited the Heart Sutra with a clear and open heart.
It was heartening to see families making the journey together.
NFT – Crypto Ohenro #36 Goshuin of Enmyō-ji（圓明寺） –
This is the goshuin of the fifty-third temple, Enmyō-ji. Each character is carefully brushed, and it is very fine.
Fifty-two temples still remained on my journey, the last of the Matsuyama temples now done.
The distance to the next temple was about 2.5 km, an easy walk to follow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the honzon (principal image) of Enmyō-ji (Temple 53)?
The honzon (principal image) of Enmyō-ji（圓明寺）, Temple 53 of the Shikoku 88 pilgrimage, is Amida Nyorai（阿弥陀如来）. 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 Enmyō-ji located?
Enmyō-ji stands in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, in the old province of Iyo, on the island of Shikoku, Japan. It is the fifty-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 Enmyō-ji belong to?
Enmyō-ji belongs to the Shingon Buddhism (Buzan school). Its mountain name (sangō), the traditional honorific title by which the temple is also known, is Sushūzan Shōchi-in（須賀山 正智院）.
When was Enmyō-ji founded?
Enmyō-ji was founded by Gyōki; rebuilt in 1636 in the Ninna-ji line. Its history is closely tied to the early growth of the Shikoku pilgrimage.
Which temple comes after Enmyō-ji, and how far is it?
The next temple on the route is Temple 54, Enmei-ji (about 34.4 km). Walking in numerical order, pilgrims continue from Enmyō-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.