Kannon-ji

Kannon-ji is a Buddhist temple in Tokushima with a main hall dedicated to Senju Kannon, a deity with a thousand arms depicted in Buddhist imagery. The temple displays traditional Japanese wooden architecture and is surrounded by garden spaces designed for prayer and meditation.

The temple was founded during Emperor Shomu's reign between 701 and 756 and ranks among the older religious establishments in the region. It was reconstructed during the Manji era with support from the Hachisuka clan and survived destruction during the Tensho period conflicts.

This temple serves as the 16th station on the Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage route and receives regular visits from Buddhist pilgrims throughout the region. The route gives the place a special role in religious practice and connects it to a larger network of sacred sites.

Visitors can explore the temple grounds independently or join Buddhist ceremonies depending on the time of day and availability. Early morning hours offer the best experience, when the grounds are quieter and the light is ideal for walking through the space.

The temple owes its survival partly to the protective actions of the Hachisuka clan, who initiated its reconstruction during a period of widespread destruction. This backing made it one of few temples that endured such turmoil and retained its importance over centuries.