The temple's name, 'Maegamiji,' translates to 'The Temple Before the Hair' or 'Fore-Hair Temple' due to a legend involving the monk Kobo Daishi cutting his hair to offer as a sacred relic.
Maegamiji is uniquely positioned at the foot of Mount Ishizuchi, which is considered one of Japan’s seven holy mountains.
Unlike many lowland temples on the pilgrimage, this site serves as a vital transition point for those transitioning from urban paths to mountain asceticism.
The temple grounds are integrated into the geography of Saijo, a region renowned for 'Uchinuki' water, where pressurized groundwater naturally surfaces.
It is one of the temples along the pilgrimage route that emphasizes the connection between Buddhism and mountain worship, a syncretic practice known as Shugendo.
Maegamiji is the 64th temple of the 88-temple Shikoku Pilgrimage, situated at the base of the Ishizuchi mountain range. The temple grounds house a main hall dedicated to Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of medicine. Historically known as the 'Temple before the Mountain,' it served as a spiritual gateway for practitioners preparing to ascend Mount Ishizuchi. The site features a notable wooden gate and stone structures that reflect the austere aesthetic of Shingon Buddhism. It is located in Saijo, a city famously known for its high-quality spring water flowing from the nearby mountains. Pilgrims often stop here before or after visiting the challenging mountain temples further along the trail.
The entrance gate framed by the backdrop of the Ishizuchi mountain range.
Bring a personal stamp book (noko-cho) to collect official calligraphy seals from the temple office.
Ensure your footwear is suitable for walking on gravel and stone paths.
Fill a water bottle in the nearby town of Saijo, which is celebrated for its pristine mountain-fed spring water.
Do not step directly on the center of the temple thresholds, as this is traditionally reserved for priests; always step over them.
Maintain silence, do not photograph the interior of the main hall, and refrain from using mobile phones near prayer areas.
