The twenty-second temple is Byōdō-ji (平等寺), whose name means “Equality,” after the ideal that all beings are saved alike. It enshrines Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of healing.
It stands about 20.7 km from the twenty-third temple, a long walk through the hills of Anan.
This is the entrance to Byōdō-ji. The gate at the top of the stone steps is old enough to make you feel its history, with large red Kongō Rikishi guardians waiting to left and right.
They make an imposing welcome for so tranquil a temple.
From the gate you must climb a long staircase to reach the main hall.
The steady ascent has a way of clearing the mind before you arrive at the top.
Five-coloured cloths, reminiscent of Tibetan prayer flags, are strung up from the gate — a rare and striking sight at a Japanese temple.
Their bright colours flutter against the green of the hillside, lending the approach an unexpectedly festive air.
The main hall stands at the end of the stairs, where Yakushi Nyorai is enshrined, the five-coloured Buddhist flags vivid all around it.
I offered incense and recited the sutra, grateful to have reached the top.
Next, at the Daishi-dō, I prayed for the safety of my family and for peace in the world, and recited the Heart Sutra.
The temple’s famous well of “white water” lies in these grounds, long revered for the healing it is said to bring.
Among the buildings are name-slips left here by pilgrims of long ago, layered up over the years.
They are a quiet record of the countless travellers who climbed these same steps before me.
NFT – Crypto Ohenro #67 Goshuin of Byōdō-ji（平等寺） –
This is the goshuin of the twenty-second temple, Byōdō-ji, earned at the top of its long staircase.
Twenty-one temples still remained on my journey, and the road carried me steadily on.
The distance to the next temple was about 11.7 km, a good half-day’s walk.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the honzon (principal image) of Byōdō-ji (Temple 22)?
The honzon (principal image) of Byōdō-ji（平等寺）, Temple 22 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 Byōdō-ji located?
Byōdō-ji stands in Anan, Tokushima Prefecture, in the old province of Awa, on the island of Shikoku, Japan. It is the twenty-second 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 Byōdō-ji belong to?
Byōdō-ji belongs to the Kōyasan school of Shingon Buddhism. Its mountain name (sangō), the traditional honorific title by which the temple is also known, is Hakusuizan Iō-in（白水山 医王院）.
When was Byōdō-ji founded?
Byōdō-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 Byōdō-ji, and how far is it?
The next temple on the route is Temple 23, Yakuō-ji (about 20.7 km). Walking in numerical order, pilgrims continue from Byōdō-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.