The History of Unpenji Temple
Founded by Kobo Daishi
The origins of Unpenji Temple date back to 789, during the Heian period. According to tradition, the Buddhist monk Kobo Daishi, also known as Kukai, climbed Mount Unpenji in search of timber for the construction of Zentsuji Temple. Recognizing the spiritual significance of the mountain, he established a place of worship there.
In 807, Kobo Daishi is said to have performed a secret Buddhist initiation ritual at the site. In 818, under an imperial order from Emperor Saga, he reportedly carved the principal Buddhist image and conducted a ceremony honoring the Seven Buddhas. These traditions helped establish Unpenji as an important center of Buddhist practice, earning it the nickname “Shikoku’s Koya” in reference to Mount Koya, one of Japan’s most celebrated centers of esoteric Buddhism.
Destruction by Fire and Reconstruction
In 1098, a major fire destroyed the temple complex. According to temple tradition, a hunter named Yonari was deeply moved by the majesty of Kannon and undertook the reconstruction of the buildings.
During the Kamakura period (1185–1333), the temple received support from Sasaki Tsunetaka, also known as Keiren, the military governor of Awa Province. With this patronage, Unpenji flourished as an important religious institution in the region.
Modern Developments
Access to the temple improved significantly in 1987, when a ropeway opened on the Kannonji City side of Kagawa Prefecture. The service made it much easier for pilgrims and visitors to reach the mountain sanctuary without undertaking the entire climb on foot.
In 2019, commemorating the 1,230th anniversary of the temple’s founding, the principal Buddhist image was displayed publicly, attracting many worshippers. This milestone highlighted the temple’s enduring importance as a place of faith and cultural heritage.
Highlights of the Temple Grounds
Niomon Gate
The imposing Niomon Gate marks the entrance to the temple grounds. A purification basin stands nearby, and beyond the gate, stone steps lead visitors toward the temple’s various halls and religious buildings. Passing through the gate offers a traditional approach to the sanctuary and introduces the solemn atmosphere of this mountaintop pilgrimage site.
The Main Hall
The present main hall was newly constructed in 2009. Inside, the principal display image of the Thousand-Armed Kannon stands at the center, flanked by standing statues of Black Fudo Myoo and Black Bishamonten. These Buddhist figures contribute to the hall’s powerful spiritual atmosphere.
A treasure hall behind the main building houses valuable Buddhist statues and other religious artifacts. The collection offers visitors an opportunity to appreciate the temple’s artistic and historical heritage alongside its role as an active place of worship.
The Daishido Hall and Inner Sanctuary
The temple grounds also include the Daishido, dedicated to Kobo Daishi. Its worship hall and inner sanctuary are connected by an exterior corridor, allowing visitors to approach the inner building as part of their visit.
A sloping path near the front-left side of the Daishido worship hall leads toward the main hall and continues to other facilities, including the Goma Hall, the office for pilgrimage stamps, and the temple’s main residence. Together, these buildings form a complex that serves both religious practice and the needs of visiting pilgrims.
Bishamonten Observation Pavilion
At the highest point of the temple grounds, approximately 927 meters above sea level, stands the Bishamonten Observation Pavilion. From its rooftop, visitors can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and landscapes of Shikoku. On clear days, the view extends toward the Seto Inland Sea.
The elevated location makes the pavilion a memorable place to pause and appreciate the scale of the surrounding landscape. It also provides a striking contrast to the quieter, contemplative atmosphere of the temple buildings below.
Otanaminasu: A Place to Make Wishes
Otanaminasu is a distinctive feature of the temple grounds. Visitors write their wishes on paper and attach the notes to a stone monument, following a local custom associated with prayers for wishes to come true. Related protective charms are also available.
This unusual tradition adds a personal element to a visit, allowing pilgrims and other travelers to express their hopes while exploring the sacred mountain sanctuary.
Seasonal Scenery and Other Attractions
Hydrangeas, Autumn Leaves, and Winter Snow
Unpenji is celebrated for its natural beauty throughout the year. It is particularly well known for its hydrangeas, which bloom in summer and bring vivid color to the mountain grounds. In autumn, the surrounding forests turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold, while winter can transform the temple and its surroundings into a snow-covered landscape.
The changing scenery makes the temple worth visiting in different seasons. The mountain setting also gives the grounds a distinctive atmosphere, with cool summer air and views across the forested slopes.
Five Hundred Rakan Statues and Other Sacred Features
Among the other sights within the grounds are statues of the Five Hundred Rakan, representing the enlightened disciples of the Buddha, and a statue of the reclining Buddha, Shakyamuni, depicting the Buddha entering final nirvana. The grounds also feature three celebrated giant sacred trees, regarded locally as spiritually significant old trees.
These features provide further opportunities to explore Buddhist symbolism and the traditions that have shaped the temple over many centuries.
Cultural Properties and Historic Pilgrimage Routes
Unpenji preserves several important cultural assets. The wooden seated statue of the Thousand-Armed Kannon and the wooden standing statues of Fudo Myoo and Bishamonten are designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan, reflecting their historical and artistic significance.
The Unpenji pilgrimage route is also recognized as a historic site. Following in the footsteps of earlier pilgrims offers a deeper appreciation of the temple’s role in the development of religious travel across Shikoku.
How to Get to Unpenji Temple
By Train and Ropeway
Unpenji is approximately 10.5 kilometers from JR Minawa Station on the Dosan Line. Kannonji Station in Kagawa Prefecture is also an access point, around 11–12 kilometers away, with a taxi journey taking approximately 24 minutes according to the supplied information.
Many visitors choose to use the Unpenji Ropeway from the Kagawa side to reach the mountain. The ropeway provides a convenient alternative to the steep mountain approach and is a popular way to enjoy the surrounding scenery.
By Car
From the Tokushima side, visitors can approach the temple via National Route 192 and drive to the parking area near the temple grounds, subject to local road conditions.
From Kagawa Prefecture, take the Takamatsu Expressway to Ohnohara Interchange, then follow National Route 11 and Kagawa Prefectural Route 8 to the ropeway’s lower station. The drive from the interchange takes approximately 25 minutes. The ropeway station has a free parking area with space for approximately 800 vehicles.
Unpenji on the Shikoku 88-Temple Pilgrimage
Unpenji is the 66th temple on the Shikoku 88-Temple Pilgrimage, a historic Buddhist route associated with Kobo Daishi and followed by pilgrims from across Japan and beyond. It is also part of the Awa Saigoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage, another regional circuit dedicated to Kannon worship.
The previous temple on the Shikoku pilgrimage is Sankakuji, approximately 18.1 kilometers away, while the next temple, Daikoji, is approximately 9.4 kilometers away. For pilgrims traveling on foot, the mountain location makes Unpenji a particularly notable stop on the route.
A Mountain Temple Where Faith Meets Spectacular Views
Unpenji Temple combines centuries of Buddhist history with the natural beauty of a high mountain setting. Its historic halls, important Buddhist statues, traditional pilgrimage routes, and distinctive seasonal scenery make it a rewarding destination for both religious travelers and visitors interested in Japanese culture.
Whether you arrive as part of the Shikoku pilgrimage or take the ropeway for a scenic excursion, Unpenji offers a chance to experience a quieter side of Shikoku. From the hydrangeas of summer to the colorful forests of autumn and the occasional winter snow, this mountaintop sanctuary invites visitors to slow down, explore its sacred grounds, and take in sweeping views across the island.