Taisan-ji

Taisan-ji is a Buddhist pilgrimage temple located in Kamiita at the starting point of the Shikoku 36 Fudō pilgrimage route, featuring traditional structures including a gate tower and covered corridors. The complex displays buildings from different periods, with wooden structures from the Edo era and later additions.

The temple was established as the starting point of the Shikoku pilgrimage route and became an important sanctuary for Buddhist practitioners over time. Key structures date from the Edo period, with the main hall from the middle of that era and another building completed in 1863.

The temple honors Senjū Kannon as its principal deity, and visitors can observe Shingon Buddhist practices through daily prayers and ceremonies held throughout the year.

Visitors should be prepared for a hillside location, as the temple sits on elevated ground accessible by walking paths. Sturdy footwear is recommended, and allow time to explore the various buildings and grounds at a leisurely pace.

A significant find from the 12th century lies beneath a bronze canister that holds historical documents, and the container has been officially recognized as an important cultural artifact. This discovery offers insights into the temple's earliest period and its place in the region's religious history.