Shidoji Temple, the 86th sacred spot along the Shikoku Henro pilgrimage, is located on the coast facing Shido Bay.
According to writings documenting its origins and history, this temple started when Oshino Sonoko, a nun living in the area at the time, carved an image of the Eleven-Faced Kannon from a sacred tree taken from the Port of Shido, and built a hall to enshrine it in 625.
Fujiwara no Fuhito later built a grave for an ama, a professional female diver, and improved the temple grounds. His son, Fujiwara no Fusasaki, then built various buildings to help bring his mother happiness in the next world. In addition, it is said that he dedicated the Lotus Sutra to the temple, and built 1,000 stone monuments.
In the painting, "The History of Shidoji Temple", which is archived at the temple, white colored stone monuments, as well as a multi-storied pagoda and a five-ring pagoda made of white stone, are shown within the temple grounds. These are believed to be among the 1,000 monuments built by Fujiwara no Fusasaki.
In one area of the precincts is a garden featuring a meandering stream said to have been built 550 years ago during the Muromachi Period, as well as a dry landscape garden created in the Showa Period by Mirei Shigemori, called Muzentei (Immaculate Garden). This garden can be seen from the reception hall, creating a sense of tranquility. The Main Hall, Niomon Gate, the six silk scrolls depicting The History of Shidoji Temple, the silk image of the Eleven-Faced Kannon, and the wooden standing statue of the Eleven-Faced Kannon are designated as important cultural properties.