The thirty-ninth temple is Enkō-ji (延光寺), the last temple in Kōchi, which enshrines Yakushi Nyorai.
It lies about 25.8 km from the fortieth temple, near the southwestern corner of the province.
This is the entrance to Enkō-ji. The gate, built up on a stone wall, strongly emphasises the presence of the temple.
Raised above the approach, it gives the whole place a quiet sense of dignity.
A stone turtle here carries a bell upon its shell — a curious sight until you know the story.
It recalls the temple’s legend of a red sea turtle that came ashore bearing a bronze bell from the dragon palace beneath the waves.
This is the main hall, where Yakushi Nyorai is enshrined. Chanting the Heart Sutra in such fine weather, I felt sure the words were carrying through to the heavens.
Clear skies have a way of lifting even a simple recitation.
Next I recited the Heart Sutra at the Daishi-dō. I tried to hold gratitude for all things in mind, and prayed for the safety of my family and for peace in the world.
Thankfulness, I was finding, came more easily the further I walked.
On the way toward the next temple there was a beautiful beach, the water astonishingly clear.
After days inland, the sudden sight of the open sea was a welcome change.
The seawater shone a clear, transparent emerald green.
I stood a while just watching it, in no hurry to move on.
It would be wonderful, I thought, to spend a night somewhere like this under a tent.
The coast here is lovely enough to make you want to linger far longer than a pilgrimage allows.
NFT – Crypto Ohenro #50 Goshuin of Enkō-ji（延光寺） –
This is the goshuin of the thirty-ninth temple, Enkō-ji, the last seal I would receive in Kōchi.
Thirty-eight temples still remained on my journey, the long province of Tosa now behind me.
The distance to the next temple was about 72.5 km — a genuinely daunting stretch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the honzon (principal image) of Enkō-ji (Temple 39)?
The honzon (principal image) of Enkō-ji（延光寺）, Temple 39 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 Enkō-ji located?
Enkō-ji stands in Sukumo, Kōchi Prefecture, in the old province of Tosa, on the island of Shikoku, Japan. It is the thirty-ninth 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 Enkō-ji belong to?
Enkō-ji belongs to the Shingon Buddhism (Chizan school). Its mountain name (sangō), the traditional honorific title by which the temple is also known, is Shakkizan Jisan-in（赤亀山 寺山院）.
When was Enkō-ji founded?
Enkō-ji was founded by Gyōki; later associated with Kōbō Daishi (Kūkai). Its history is closely tied to the early growth of the Shikoku pilgrimage.
Which temple comes after Enkō-ji, and how far is it?
The next temple on the route is Temple 40, Kanjizai-ji (about 25.8 km). Walking in numerical order, pilgrims continue from Enkō-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.