The fortieth temple is Kanjizai-ji (観自在寺), the first temple in Ehime and the farthest of all from where the pilgrimage begins. It enshrines Yakushi Nyorai.
It lies a long 50.2 km from the forty-first temple — the distances out here are not to be taken lightly.
This is the entrance to Kanjizai-ji. The gate is fairly ordinary, but the day was glorious, with a cloudless blue sky overhead.
Some days the weather alone is enough to make a temple feel welcoming.
The balance between the deep blue of the sky and the colour of the gate was simply beautiful.
I paused to take it in before stepping through.
Along the way to the main hall, small Buddha images are lined up upon a stone wall.
Each one, weathered and quiet, adds to the devotional feel of the approach.
This is the main hall, where Yakushi Nyorai is enshrined. Reciting the sutra on so sunny a day felt wonderfully comfortable.
Kōbō Daishi is said to have carved the image here for Emperor Heizei, who gave the temple its mountain name.
Next I recited the Heart Sutra at the Daishi-dō. I gave thanks for a fine start to the day and for the splendid weather.
Crossing now into Iyo, it felt like the opening of a new chapter of the journey.
NFT – Crypto Ohenro #49 Goshuin of Kanjizai-ji（観自在寺） –
This is the goshuin of the fortieth temple, Kanjizai-ji, the first of the Ehime temples.
Thirty-nine temples still remained on my journey, and crossing into Iyo felt like a new chapter.
The distance to the next temple was about 25.8 km, a long walk up the coast.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the honzon (principal image) of Kanjizai-ji (Temple 40)?
The honzon (principal image) of Kanjizai-ji（観自在寺）, Temple 40 of the Shikoku 88 pilgrimage, is Yakushi Nyorai（薬師如来）. 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 Kanjizai-ji located?
Kanjizai-ji stands in Ainan, Ehime Prefecture, in the old province of Iyo, on the island of Shikoku, Japan. It is the fortieth 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 Kanjizai-ji belong to?
Kanjizai-ji belongs to the Shingon Buddhism (Daikakuji school). Its mountain name (sangō), the traditional honorific title by which the temple is also known, is Heijōzan Yakushi-in（平城山 薬師院）.
When was Kanjizai-ji founded?
Kanjizai-ji was founded by Kōbō Daishi (Kūkai) in 807, by order of Emperor Heizei. Its history is closely tied to the early growth of the Shikoku pilgrimage.
Which temple comes after Kanjizai-ji, and how far is it?
The next temple on the route is Temple 41, Ryūkō-ji (about 50.2 km). Walking in numerical order, pilgrims continue from Kanjizai-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.