Unpenji Temple and Sanuki Fuji: Kagawa's Famous Peaks and the Highest Temple of the 88 Sacred Sites

Unpenji Temple: The Highest Sacred Site Among Shikoku 88 Temples

Unpenji Temple straddling Kanonji City in Kagawa Prefecture and Miyoshi City in Tokushima Prefecture is the 66th sacred site of the Shikoku 88 Temples, located near the summit at 927 meters elevation. It is said the name "Unpenji" (Temple at the Edge of Clouds) comes from its height, also called the "Roof of Shikoku."

Ropeway Access

From the Kanonji City side, the mountain station can be reached by ropeway (approximately 7 minutes one way). Near the summit, walking paths are maintained, allowing hiking to the precincts while enjoying seasonal nature.

Highlights of Unpenji Temple

The precincts feature the overwhelming "Rakan-san" with over 500 stone statues called "Five Hundred Arhats" lined up. The sight of stone statues with various expressions standing in the moss-covered precincts is mysterious. On clear days, the Sanuki Plain can be viewed at a glance from the precincts.

Sanuki Fuji (Mt. Iino)

"Mt. Iino (Iinoyama)," located roughly in the center of Kagawa Prefecture, is affectionately called "Sanuki Fuji" from its beautiful perfectly conical mountain shape at 422 meters elevation. Hiking courses are maintained at approximately 2 hours, popular with citizens as an easily climbable mountain.

Access

To Unpenji Ropeway base station by bus or car from JR Kanonji Station. Mt. Iino (Sanuki Fuji) is accessible by car from Marugame City and Zentsuji City.