The twenty-seventh temple is Kōnomine-ji (神峰寺), which enshrines an Eleven-Headed Kannon high on its mountain.
It stands about 37.5 km from the twenty-eighth temple, and is famous for one of the steepest climbs in all of Tosa.
This is the entrance to Kōnomine-ji. The aged, nostalgic grain of the wood is wonderfully cool to the eye, and bright red Kongō Rikishi guardians stand to left and right, as if watching to keep the wicked out.
After the brutal climb up, the gate feels like a true threshold reached at last.
Beautiful spring water flows here as well, said to be good for the body if you drink it.
Cool and clear, it is a welcome thing indeed after the long ascent.
This is the main hall, where the Eleven-Headed Kannon is enshrined. Like the gate, it is striking for the aged beauty of its timber.
I offered incense and recited the sutra in the mountain quiet.
Next I chanted the sutra at the Daishi-dō. I prayed for the happiness and safety of my family, my friends and all those around me, and for peace in the world.
Up here, far above the coast, those wishes seemed to carry a little further.
NFT – Crypto Ohenro #62 Goshuin of Kōnomine-ji（神峰寺） –
This is the goshuin of the twenty-seventh temple, Kōnomine-ji. The sharp, dynamic characters are wonderful.
Twenty-six temples still remained on my journey, the hard climb to this peak well rewarded.
The distance to the next temple was about 27.5 km — a long road back down toward the plain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the honzon (principal image) of Kōnomine-ji (Temple 27)?
The honzon (principal image) of Kōnomine-ji（神峰寺）, Temple 27 of the Shikoku 88 pilgrimage, is Jūichimen Kanzeon Bosatsu（十一面観世音菩薩）. 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 Kōnomine-ji located?
Kōnomine-ji stands in Yasuda, Kōchi Prefecture, in the old province of Tosa, on the island of Shikoku, Japan. It is the twenty-seventh 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 Kōnomine-ji belong to?
Kōnomine-ji belongs to the Shingon Buddhism (Toyoyama school). Its mountain name (sangō), the traditional honorific title by which the temple is also known, is Chikurinzan Jizō-in（竹林山 地蔵院）.
When was Kōnomine-ji founded?
Kōnomine-ji was founded by Kōbō Daishi (Kūkai) in 809. Its history is closely tied to the early growth of the Shikoku pilgrimage.
Which temple comes after Kōnomine-ji, and how far is it?
The next temple on the route is Temple 28, Dainichi-ji (about 37.5 km). Walking in numerical order, pilgrims continue from Kōnomine-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.