Negoro-ji Temple, Buddhist temple in Takamatsu, Japan
Negoro-ji is a Tendai temple on the 357.9 m summit of Aomine, the main peak of the Goshikidai. A broad flight of rough stone steps leads up to the wooden main hall, which stands on a stone base with dark timber posts, a lattice panel and central doorway, and a gray-tiled curved roof. A white stone lantern inscribed 奉 and 燈 stands to the left of the steps.
Kūkai founded the Kazōin hall on Mount Aomine during the Kōnin era (810–824), enshrining the Five Great Vidyarajas. In 832 his nephew Enchin carved a Thousand-Armed Kannon from fragrant wood found in Rengedani and built the Senjūin. The two halls together became known as Negoro-ji. After a fire in 1718, the halls were rebuilt in the 18th century, and the temple was converted from Shingon to Tendai in 1664.
This place is an important site for worshipping Kannon, the goddess of compassion, and visitors can observe how this figure holds meaning in local spiritual practice today.
The temple stands on the slope of Aomine, the main peak of the Goshikidai, at an elevation of 357.9 m; the approach from the gate climbs in stages, with 25 steps down after the gate and then 135 steps up to the main hall. Free parking is available in front of the temple gate. The temple has no lodging for pilgrims. In autumn the maples draw crowds and the car park becomes congested.
This place houses a wooden statue of the Thousand-Armed Kannon that is revealed only once every 33 years. This rare viewing draws pilgrims who may see it just a few times in their lifetime.
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