16 Kan'on-ji

Kan'on-ji is a small Buddhist temple in Tokushima affiliated with the Kōyasan branch of Shingon Buddhism. It holds significance as the 16th temple on the Shikoku Pilgrimage, an 88-temple circuit across Shikoku island that draws thousands of devout walkers — known as henro — who travel the full route of roughly 1,200 kilometers. The circuit is traditionally associated with the monk Kūkai (Kōbō-Daishi), who introduced Shingon Buddhism to Japan in the 9th century and is said to accompany every pilgrim in spirit. The temple offers a quiet stop for reflection, and visitors often encounter pilgrims in traditional white robes making their rounds.