Shidoji (志度寺) is Temple 86 of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, located in Sanuki, Kagawa Prefecture. The temple’s principal image is Juichimen Kannon (十一面観世音菩薩), the Eleven-Faced form of Kannon Bodhisattva, known for seeing and relieving the suffering of all beings.
This temple is rich in folklore. According to legend, it is linked to the tale of a tragic undersea pearl diver, a noblewoman who sacrificed herself—an origin story deeply tied to compassion and rebirth.
The photos highlight the temple’s character:
The main hall adorned with purple curtains and intricate woodwork above the entrance.
A stone stele carved with rows of seated Buddhas and inscriptions, likely honoring past devotees.
A triad of bronze Buddha statues, each sitting serenely under tree shade.
A wide shot of the main hall plaza, complete with incense burners and ema boards.
The towering Niō gate guarded by fearsome statues and giant woven waraji sandals.
A brilliant five-story pagoda rising above the complex, one of the few on the Shikoku route.
Shidoji blends sacred scale with detailed elegance. The atmosphere here feels peaceful yet storied—an important stop for both pilgrims and history lovers.
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