Okuboji Temple

Okubo-ji is a temple in Sanuki City, Kagawa Prefecture, and the 88th (final) temple of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage. Its nōkyō stamp is marked as the “Ketsuganjo” (place of pilgrimage completion). It is said that only after completing the circuit and reaching Okubo-ji will your wishes be fulfilled. For a fee, you can also receive a completion certificate. The wooden seated Yakushi Nyorai statue and an iron shakujo staff are designated Tangible Cultural Properties of the prefecture. Women were allowed to enter the mountain from an early period, and it has a history as a “Nyonin Koya” (a Koya-san for women). You can dedicate pilgrimage items such as the walking staff used throughout the journey. Right in front is “Sanuki Uchi-te Udon 88-an,” where you can eat one last bowl of udon while reflecting on your Shikoku journey. There are also souvenirs. Another udon shop, “Hienkaku,” is known for uchikomi udon, and if reserved in advance, you can also eat shōjin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) or a Mangwan set meal. While Okubo-ji is commonly considered the last temple, in leap years the “reverse pilgrimage” (gyaku-uchi) is considered especially auspicious, and some say starting at Okubo-ji is the proper way in leap years. Access is about 30 minutes by car from Kotoden Nagao Station.