The forty-third temple is Meiseki-ji (明石寺), unusual on the route as a Tendai temple rather than a Shingon one, enshrining a Senju Kannon.
It lies a long 61.9 km from the forty-fourth temple, in the hills of Seiyo.
This is the entrance to Meiseki-ji. The old gate appears never to have been repaired, standing just as it always has.
That unrestored, weathered look only adds to its quiet appeal.
This is the main hall, where Senju Kannon is enshrined. It too is old, and you can feel the atmosphere of long-ago days within it.
The site has been held sacred since ancient times, with a legend that Kannon appeared here as a young girl.
This is the Daishi-dō. Here I prayed for the safety of my family, for peace in the world, and in simple gratitude.
Standing among such old timber, thankfulness comes naturally.
A very tall “couple cedar” grows in the temple grounds, two great trunks rising side by side.
Its height and age make it a quietly impressive presence over the precincts.
NFT – Crypto Ohenro #46 Goshuin of Meiseki-ji（明石寺） –
This is the goshuin of the forty-third temple, Meiseki-ji, a seal from this rare Tendai temple.
Forty-two temples still remained on my journey, the old cedars towering overhead.
The distance to the next temple was about 10.6 km, a fair walk through the hills of Seiyo.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the honzon (principal image) of Meiseki-ji (Temple 43)?
The honzon (principal image) of Meiseki-ji（明石寺）, Temple 43 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 Meiseki-ji located?
Meiseki-ji stands in Seiyo, Ehime Prefecture, in the old province of Iyo, on the island of Shikoku, Japan. It is the forty-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 Meiseki-ji belong to?
Meiseki-ji belongs to the Tendai Jimon school of Buddhism. Its mountain name (sangō), the traditional honorific title by which the temple is also known, is Genkōzan Enshu-in（源光山 円手院）.
When was Meiseki-ji founded?
Meiseki-ji is of ancient origin; later restored by Kōbō Daishi (Kūkai). Its history is closely tied to the early growth of the Shikoku pilgrimage.
Which temple comes after Meiseki-ji, and how far is it?
The next temple on the route is Temple 44, Daihō-ji (about 61.9 km). Walking in numerical order, pilgrims continue from Meiseki-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.