The thirty-sixth temple is Shōryū-ji (青竜寺), named for the great temple in Chang’an where Kōbō Daishi studied, and enshrining Fudō Myōō.
It stands a long 58.5 km from the thirty-seventh temple, out near the Yokonami coast.
The gate of Shōryū-ji, nestled in the forest, gives off an atmosphere almost like the entrance to another world.
The deep green and the hush of the trees make the threshold feel genuinely sacred.
As I climbed the steps, a beautiful red three-storey pagoda came into view among the trees.
Its vivid colour against the green was a striking sight on the way up.
To reach the main hall you must climb a steep flight of stone steps — well over a hundred of them, by the look of it.
This is the same long stairway on which a famous sumo champion is said to have trained.
At the top, the main hall of Shōryū-ji comes into view, where Fudō Myōō is enshrined.
I caught my breath and offered incense and the sutra before the fierce, protective Buddha.
Next, at the Daishi-dō, I recited the Heart Sutra, praying as always for the safety of my family and for the peace and health of the world.
The climb behind me, the prayer felt all the more heartfelt.
On the way to the temple I passed a hotel built in the style of the Greek island of Santorini, white and bright above the sea.
It was an unexpected, almost surreal sight on the Tosa coast.
I found myself thinking I would like to come and stay here at some time other than on pilgrimage.
The coastline around here is beautiful enough to deserve a slower, less hurried visit.
NFT – Crypto Ohenro #53 Goshuin of Shōryū-ji（青竜寺） –
This is the goshuin of the thirty-sixth temple, Shōryū-ji, earned after climbing its long stone stairway.
Thirty-five temples still remained on my journey, the coast of Yokonami opening out nearby.
The distance to the next temple was about 13.9 km, a fair stretch along the shore.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the honzon (principal image) of Shōryū-ji (Temple 36)?
The honzon (principal image) of Shōryū-ji（青竜寺）, Temple 36 of the Shikoku 88 pilgrimage, is Fudō Myōō（不動明王）. 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 Shōryū-ji located?
Shōryū-ji stands in Tosa, Kōchi Prefecture, in the old province of Tosa, on the island of Shikoku, Japan. It is the thirty-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 Shōryū-ji belong to?
Shōryū-ji belongs to the Shingon Buddhism (Toyoyama school). Its mountain name (sangō), the traditional honorific title by which the temple is also known, is Dokkozan Ishana-in（独鈷山 伊舎那院）.
When was Shōryū-ji founded?
Shōryū-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 Shōryū-ji, and how far is it?
The next temple on the route is Temple 37, Iwamoto-ji (about 58.5 km). Walking in numerical order, pilgrims continue from Shōryū-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.