The twenty-sixth temple is Kongōchō-ji (金剛頂寺), the “West Temple” of Muroto, dedicated to Yakushi Nyorai.
It stands about 27.5 km from the twenty-seventh temple, high in the woods above the cape.
This is the entrance to Kongōchō-ji, with large straw sandals hung to left and right of the old gate.
Such giant sandals, offered for strong legs and safe walking, are a welcome sight to a foot-weary pilgrim.
There are many steps up to this gate, a climb tough enough to test even the young and fit.
By the top, the quiet of the forested grounds makes the effort feel worthwhile.
This is the main hall, where Yakushi Nyorai is enshrined — a large hall with an imposing outer structure.
Its scale speaks to the long importance of this “West Temple” among the Muroto three.
This is the Daishi-dō, where I prayed calmly for the safety of my family and for peace in the world.
The temple keeps the famous rice pot said to have multiplied grain to save people from starvation — a fitting emblem for a place of compassion.
There was a spot here set aside for praying against cancer, which gave me pause — I wondered just what the object of worship was meant to be.
Temples gather such modern hopes alongside their ancient ones, and there is something touching in that.
NFT – Crypto Ohenro #63 Goshuin of Kongōchō-ji（金剛頂寺） –
This is the goshuin of the twenty-sixth temple, Kongōchō-ji, earned after the climb to the West Temple of Muroto.
Twenty-five temples still remained on my journey, the cape’s three temples now complete.
The distance to the next temple was about 3.8 km, a short walk through the coastal woods.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the honzon (principal image) of Kongōchō-ji (Temple 26)?
The honzon (principal image) of Kongōchō-ji（金剛頂寺）, Temple 26 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 Kongōchō-ji located?
Kongōchō-ji stands in Muroto, Kōchi Prefecture, in the old province of Tosa, on the island of Shikoku, Japan. It is the twenty-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 Kongōchō-ji belong to?
Kongōchō-ji belongs to the Shingon Buddhism (Toyoyama school). Its mountain name (sangō), the traditional honorific title by which the temple is also known, is Ryūzuzan Kōmyō-in（龍頭山 光明院）.
When was Kongōchō-ji founded?
Kongōchō-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 Kongōchō-ji, and how far is it?
The next temple on the route is Temple 27, Kōnomine-ji (about 27.5 km). Walking in numerical order, pilgrims continue from Kongōchō-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.