Temple No. 45: Kaigan-san Iwaya-ji Temple

A temple built deep in the mountains where seven kinds of sacred birds are said to live This temple is the 45th temple of the 88 sacred places of Shikoku. Seven kinds of sacred birds are said to live here: the Sanbocho, the Jibiseicho, the Gokkocho, the Drumcho, the Jibishincho, the Suzudori, and the Fuetori. The temple is built deep in the mountains and the mountain itself is the principal image. After passing through the mountain gate and climbing the steep 600m approach called "henro korogashi", the main hall comes into view. The Daishi Hall, which juts out from the rock, is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan and is worth seeing. Also, if you go up the slope from the main hall for another 300m, go through the rocks and climb the chain ladder to the top of the rocky mountain, you will find the remains of Kobo Daishi's training ground, "Sakowari Zenjo".