Shiromine-ji Temple, Buddhist temple in Sakaide, Japan

Shiromine-ji is a Shingon Buddhist temple on the slopes of Mount Shiramine in the Goshikidai highlands. Its main hall, rebuilt in 1599, stands at the top of 99 stone steps, with the Daishido, Amida Hall and Yakushi Hall nearby. A separate Tonsho-ji hall and imperial plaque gate, rebuilt in 1680, lie below. A weathered wooden gate bears signs reading "Shikoku 88 Temples" and "No. 78".

According to temple tradition, Kūkai visited the site in 815 and buried a wish-fulfilling jewel at the summit of Mount Shiramine. In 860 Enchin carved the principal Thousand-Armed Kannon from a fragrant tree said to have appeared in the Seto Inland Sea and founded the sanctuary. In 1164 the exiled Retired Emperor Sutoku died and was cremated above the temple; his mausoleum stands nearby. A fire destroyed most of the complex in 1382, and the Tonshō-ji hall and plaque gate were rebuilt in 1680 under the Takamatsu lords Matsudaira Yorishige and Yoritsune.

The temple serves as stop 81 on the Shikoku Pilgrimage route, welcoming Buddhist practitioners who walk between the 88 sacred temples. For pilgrims, this location marks a meaningful milestone on their spiritual journey.

The temple is roughly 20 minutes by car from JR Sakaide Station, with parking available for about 200 vehicles. Getting here by vehicle is straightforward, and parking space is adequate for most visitors.

The two 13-story stone pagodas were reportedly built by Minamoto no Yoritomo for Emperor Sutoku's repose. The east tower, of granite and 5.95 m tall, dates to 1278; the west, of tuff breccia and 5.62 m tall, to 1324. Both are Important Cultural Properties.