Sect: Shingon Buddhism, Daikakuji School
Principal Deity: Yakushi Nyorai (Medicine Buddha)
Founded: Around 700
Goeika (Sacred Chant): “More than medicine, the taste of Dharma spreads, Bringing forth the light of life at this temple.“
Emanation Form: Puhi Kannon (Universal Compassion Kannon)
Puhi Kannon is depicted standing atop a mountain, with both hands hidden within the folds of her robes. She is known for her deep compassion, treating all beings with equal kindness. Among the many forms of Kannon, she is revered for her dignity and great virtue. In esoteric Buddhism, she is believed to be an emanation of Dainichi Nyorai (Vairocana Buddha).
○ History & Origins
Enmei-ji was founded by Gyoki Bosatsu (668–749) during the Nara period. The temple was originally located in Hanaine, Onohara, about a five-minute drive west of the current location.
During the mid-Kamakura period, the temple was relocated to its present site. A shrine to Hie Jinja (Hiyoshi Shrine)and Sanno Gongen, deities from Mount Hiei, was also established within the temple grounds.
In the Nanboku-cho period (around 1350), a fire destroyed most of the temple buildings. However, it was rebuilt during the Oei era (around 1400). In the Azuchi period (around 1570), the temple again suffered destruction due to warfare. Despite these hardships, successive head priests dedicated themselves to its restoration.
In 1854 (Ka’ei 7), Enmei-ji received imperial gifts from Daikakuji, the former imperial palace in Kyoto. These included a lantern bearing the imperial crest and elaborate green silk curtains, recognizing the temple as a place of prayer for peace in the realm and bountiful harvests.
Today, Enmeiji is known as a Temple of Flowers, holding sutra-copying gatherings on the 8th of each month at 8 AM and Goma fire rituals on the 28th at the Daishi Hall.
○ Message from the head priest
In February, red and white weeping plum blossoms bloom throughout the temple grounds. In April, Somei Yoshino cherry trees, over 100 years old, bloom in full glory. We warmly welcome you to visit and experience the beauty of our temple.
○ Access
Address: 1076 Kunitacho Hinoe, Kannonji, Kagawa, 768-0040, Japan
Phone Number: 0875-25-3234
Large Buses: Permitted
Microbuses: Permitted