Ichinomiyaji Temple, the 83rd sacred spot along the Shikoku Henro pilgrimage, is located in the middle of the Takamatsu Plains, surrounded by countryside and residential areas.
　According to writings documenting the temple’s origins and history, Ichinomiyaji Temple was built for the Hosso sect by a monk called Gien between 701 and 704. Then, between 708 and 715, when Ichinomiya temples were built across the country, the monk Gyoki repaired the temple tower in Kagawa, and turned it into a separate temple to manage the Shinto shrine, Sanuki Ichinomiya (Ichinomiya Shrine).
Between 806 and 810, Kobo Daishi (Kukai) stayed at Ichinomiyaji Temple. During that time, Kobo Daishi established the temple buildings, carved an image of Sho Kanzeon Bosatsu (Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva), and enshrined it as the principal object of worship. He also carved and enshrined a statue in his own image, and converted the temple to the Shingon sect.
　To the left of the main hall is a small shrine, called Hell's Kettle, where the Healing Buddha is enshrined. Legend has it that if you put your head inside the shrine, your mind will open. However, it is believed that when evildoers put their heads in the shrine, the door will close making them unable to pull back, and they will hear the loud sound of Hell’s Kettle. This is a must-try for any visitor to the temple.