Setouchi Tourism Lemon 
Inside the beautiful mountain peak with the name of five colors. The arrangement of halls that takes advantage of the differences in elevation is a unique feature of Yamadera.
What are the highlights of the 81st temple “Shiramineji”?
The buildings include two thirteen-story stone pagodas, the Sanmon Gate (Seven Gates), the Onarimon Gate, the Imperial Envoy Gate, the reception hall, the Chokugakumon Gate, the Tonsho-ji Hall, the Yakushi-do Hall, the Gyoja-do Hall, the Amida-do Hall, the main hall, and the Daishi-do Hall.As for the works of art, the “Tonsho-ji Temple” plaque is an important cultural property of the country, and there are many other designated cultural properties.
Shiramine-ji Temple is located halfway up Mt. Shiramine, one of the sacred sites of Goshikidai, where the tomb of the retired Emperor Sutoku is located. The principal image is the Senju Kanzeon Bodhisattva, and the sect is the Omuro school of the Shingon sect. As a sacred site connected to Kobo Daishi and Chisho Daishi, many pilgrims visit throughout the year.
Hymn: “In the cold, cold and white temple, the voices of the law proclaim the name.”
Three points to visit Shiramineji Temple
① Best time to visit the shrine
The temple grounds change with the seasons, with cherry blossoms in the spring, green leaves in the summer, red leaves in the fall, and silence in the winter, giving it a different feel no matter when you visit. Especially the fresh green leaves in May and the autumn leaves in November are perfect for photography.
② Suggested time needed
Approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour to visit the shrine, pray, and walk around the temple grounds. It is crowded on weekends and during the spring and autumn pilgrimage seasons, so we recommend visiting early in the morning and planning your visit with plenty of time.
③ Necessary items for the pilgrimage and process of worshiping
Basic information about Shiramineji Temple
How to access Shiramineji Temple
By car: From the nearest IC on the Takamatsu Expressway/Matsuyama Expressway, head towards Sakaide City. For details, please refer to the address in the basic information.
Public transportation: Take a taxi or bus from the nearest JR station. It is also convenient to take a taxi to visit sacred sites or a pilgrimage bus tour.
Nearby temples that you should visit along with Shiramineji Temple
It is common to visit the 88 sacred sites in Shikoku in numerical order. You can have a more fulfilling pilgrimage experience by visiting the temples before and after Shiramineji Temple, as well as the temples in Sakaide City.
Frequently asked questions about Shiramineji Temple/Pilgrimage
Q1. What is the delivery time (goshuin stamp reception time)?
Pilgrimage delivery times are usually 7:00-17:00 (officially 7:00-17:00). Goshuin stamps and Buddhist sutras cannot be received outside of these hours, so please plan your visit accordingly.
Q2. Are there admission fees and parking fees?
You can visit the shrine grounds for free, but there are some temples that require a separate parking fee (about 200 to 500 yen for a regular car) and entrance fee to the treasure hall.
Q3. What are the benefits of visiting the shrine in pilgrimage costumes?
Pilgrimage costumes such as a white robe, a robe, and a vajra cane are not only formal, but also have benefits such as making it easier to receive entertainment and calming your mind. Rentals and purchases are possible at temples such as Ryozen-ji Temple, the No. 1 temple.
Q4. Where can I receive a Goshuin (Nokyo)?
You can receive it for about 500 yen at the nokyo office of each temple. Many people visit with a three-piece set that includes a notebook, a white coat, and a hanging scroll, and a notebook can be purchased for around 700 to 2,000 yen.
Q5. Which is better: a pilgrimage by car or a walking pilgrimage?
Choose according to your time and physical strength. A car pilgrimage can be completed in 10 to 14 days, while a walking pilgrimage takes 40 to 50 days, but offers a more profound experience. Rental cars, bus tours, and taxi pilgrimages are also popular.
Q6. Can a beginner start the pilgrimage?
Of course it is possible. In addition to the toruuchi, which visits 88 locations all at once, it is also common to perform the pilgrimage in sections. You can play the game in either order, starting from number 1, or reverse the game, allowing you to play at your own pace.
Summary | Shiramine-ji Temple is the 81st temple you must visit on your pilgrimage
The 81st temple of the 88 Sacred Sites in Shikoku, Shiramine-ji Temple, is located halfway up Mt. Shiramine, one of the sacred sites of Goshikidai, where the tomb of the retired Emperor Sutoku is located. If you come to Sakaide City, Kagawa Prefecture, please make this a day of your pilgrimage. Time to calm your mind and experience the history and Buddhist culture of Shikoku awaits you.
Photo provided by:shikoku-guide.com
