The 87th sacred site of the Shikoku 88 pilgrimage, founded in 673 by imperial order in Sanuki City. Kobo Daishi is said to have trained here and carved the principal image. One step before the final 88th temple, pilgrims arrive with deep emotion. A rare Tendai-school temple on this circuit, with a bell, Daishi-do, and three-story pagoda amid the town center.

Nagaoji Temple is traditionally said to have been founded in 673, at the behest of Emperor Tenmu. Its establishment is attributed to the monk Gien, who enshrined the Sho Kannon (Holy Kannon) as the principal object of worship. In the early Heian period, the monk Kukai (Kobo Daishi) is said to have v…