The eighth temple is Kumadani-ji (熊谷寺), dedicated to Senju Kannon, the thousand-armed Kannon of compassion.
It stands about 2.4 km from the ninth temple, set against the wooded hills of Awa.
This is the entrance to Kumadani-ji. Lanterns hang from the gate, and magnificent Kongō Rikishi guardian statues stand to either side — fittingly, for this is said to be the largest two-storey gate of all the eighty-eight sacred sites.
Walking up to something so grand makes a real impression after the smaller gates of the earlier temples.
This is the main hall, where Senju Kannon is enshrined. It is a plain, unadorned hall, but there is a real appeal in its simplicity.
I stopped before it, offered incense, and recited the sutra in the quiet.
Next, at the Daishi-dō, I recited the Heart Sutra before the statue of Kōbō Daishi.
I prayed for peace in the world, and gave thanks that I had been able to come this far on the pilgrimage without trouble or injury.
On the way up to the temple, there is a curious sight: a row of stone pillars standing in line along the side of the path.
I was not sure of their purpose, but they added to the feeling that this is a place layered with long history.
There is also a colourful tahōtō pagoda and garan here, vivid enough to make you stop and admire them before moving on.
Several of the temple’s buildings are designated cultural properties, and it shows in their careful, dignified appearance.
NFT – Crypto Ohenro #81 Goshuin of Kumadani-ji（熊谷寺） –
This is the goshuin of the eighth temple, Kumadani-ji, pressed fresh beside the day’s earlier seals.
Seven temples were left to go, and a contented, steady rhythm had taken hold.
The distance to the next temple was about 4.2 km, an easy walk among the wooded hills of Awa.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the honzon (principal image) of Kumadani-ji (Temple 8)?
The honzon (principal image) of Kumadani-ji（熊谷寺）, Temple 8 of the Shikoku 88 pilgrimage, is Senju Kanzeon Bosatsu（千手観世音菩薩）. 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 Kumadani-ji located?
Kumadani-ji stands in Awa, Tokushima Prefecture, in the old province of Awa, on the island of Shikoku, Japan. It is the eighth 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 Kumadani-ji belong to?
Kumadani-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 Fumyōzan Shinkō-in（普明山 真光院）.
When was Kumadani-ji founded?
Kumadani-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 Kumadani-ji, and how far is it?
The next temple on the route is Temple 9, Hōrin-ji (about 2.4 km). Walking in numerical order, pilgrims continue from Kumadani-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.