Buddhist temple
Motoyama-ji
本山寺（もとやまじ）
Mitoyo, Kagawa Prefecture
A temple of the Kōyasan Shingon school in Mitoyo, Kagawa Prefecture, and Temple No. 70 of the Shikoku 88-temple pilgrimage. Its principal image is Batō Kannon, the only one among the Shikoku pilgrimage temples, with Yakushi Nyorai and Amida Nyorai enshrined as attendants.
English pages are the site’s own translations of its Japanese pages. The sources cited are in Japanese. 日本語で読む
Prayers associated with this place
Principal image: Batō Kannon (attendants: Yakushi Nyorai and Amida Nyorai)
History and things to know
According to the temple's tradition, it was founded in Daidō 2 (807) by Kōbō Daishi for the protection of the nation, at the request of Emperor Heizei. In precincts of about 20,000 square meters stand many halls and pagodas, including the main hall, a National Treasure, and the Niōmon gate, an Important Cultural Property of the nation, and the five-story pagoda rebuilt in the Meiji period can be seen from afar as the symbol of the temple. The principal image, Batō Kannon, is a hidden image said to have been carved by Kōbō Daishi with three bows for every stroke of the knife.
Introduced by this site, based on materials from the shrine or temple and public bodies.
Related kami and buddhas
Before you visit
Opening hours, access, areas open to visitors, and events can change. Please check the latest guidance from the shrine or temple itself before you go.
Official website of the shrine or temple (may be in Japanese)
Sources (in Japanese)
- 本山寺「御祭神・御本尊・由緒の公式案内」（2026-10-21 確認）
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