67 Daikō-ji

Daikō-ji — also known as Komatsu-ji — is a Shingon Buddhist temple in Mitoyo on the island of Shikoku, and marks the 67th station of the celebrated Shikoku Pilgrimage, a circuit of 88 temples dedicated to the monk Kūkai (774–835), founder of Shingon Buddhism in Japan. Tradition holds that Kūkai walks alongside every pilgrim on the route, a belief that draws both devout henro pilgrims in white robes and secular walkers seeking a meditative long-distance trail. The temple grounds are compact and quietly atmospheric, with incense smoke drifting past stone lanterns and rows of votive plaques left by those who have completed the circuit. Opening hours run from 07:00 to 17:00, though early-morning arrivals are common among pilgrims continuing the multi-week journey.