Kounomine-ji

Kounomine-ji is a Buddhist temple located at approximately 450 meters elevation on Mount Konomine, featuring traditional temple buildings with gardens and ocean views. The complex includes multiple structures arranged across the hillside, with pathways connecting different areas of worship and contemplation.

The temple has ancient origins and was originally dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami, the sun goddess in Japanese tradition, before becoming a Buddhist temple. Over time, it became integrated into the Shikoku Pilgrimage network as a key spiritual station.

This temple serves as the 27th station on the Shikoku Pilgrimage, a sacred circuit where Buddhist pilgrims walk in white robes and carry wooden staffs. The buildings and gates here reflect the spiritual role the place holds for those following this centuries-old devotional journey.

Reaching the temple requires a steep climb through mountainous terrain with stairs and forest paths along the way. Local buses from Yasuda station connect to the base of the mountain, from where the uphill journey starts.

Behind the temple's bell tower flows the Ishimizu spring, known locally as Konomine's Water, which is said in local tradition to have healing qualities. Visitors and pilgrims often collect water from this spring as part of their visit to the site.