32 Zenjibu-ji

Zenjibu-ji is located in Nankoku city, Kōchi Prefecture, and serves as the 32nd temple on the Shikoku 88-temple pilgrimage, one of the most significant Buddhist pilgrimage routes in Japan. The temple belongs to the Buzan branch of Shingon Buddhism, an esoteric tradition traced back to the monk Kūkai — revered as Kōbō Daishi — who is said to have established the Shikoku circuit in the early 9th century. Its mountain name Hachiyōzan and sub-temple name Gumonji-in reflect the specific ritual lineage of the site. Pilgrims completing the full circuit on foot walk roughly 1,200 kilometers over 40 to 60 days, many dressed in traditional white robes carrying a wooden staff symbolizing Kūkai's companionship. Like all 88 stations, Zenjibu-ji sees a steady flow of both devout henro pilgrims and secular walkers, maintaining a contemplative atmosphere rooted in centuries of unbroken practice.