Doryuji Temple

Doryuji is the 77th stop on the Shikoku 88-temple pilgrimage, and its main approach is lined with 255 bronze Kannon statues representing compassion in many forms. Some honor deities from temples across Japan, while others are dedicated to specific prayers, including one for the souls of stillborn children. The temple traces its history to 712 and enshrines Yakushi, the Buddha of medicine. A blind Edo-period man named Kyogoku reportedly regained his sight after praying here, and later became a physician specializing in vision ailments. His tomb is in the Sentokuinden Hall.