Kichijou-ji, Buddhist temple in Saijō, Japan
Kichijou-ji is a Buddhist temple in Ehime Prefecture on Shikoku island, surrounded by trees and featuring traditional wooden buildings with curved tiled roofs. Several structures are arranged around a central open area that visitors can walk through freely.
The temple is number 63 on the Shikoku Pilgrimage, a circuit of 88 temples associated with the Buddhist monk Kukai. The route took shape in the early medieval period and has been walked by pilgrims ever since.
Kichijou-ji follows the Shingon Buddhist tradition, and visitors can watch monks perform daily prayers and rituals. Incense smoke drifts through the grounds and is part of the everyday presence of the place.
The temple is located in Saijō and is easiest to reach by car or taxi, as public transport connections nearby are limited. Comfortable walking shoes are a good idea since parts of the grounds have uneven paths.
Walking the full Shikoku Pilgrimage takes about two months, and this temple sits near the end of that long journey. Some pilgrims arrive here visibly moved, knowing they are close to completing a circuit they may have walked for years before attempting.
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