Nagaoji Temple, the 87th sacred spot along the Shikoku Henro pilgrimage, is located in the middle of the Nagao area, and faces Nankai Road, one of the ancient thoroughfares of Japan.
Pass through the Nio Gate to find the main hall in front of the tranquil and spacious temple grounds, with the Daishido Hall on the right and the Gomado Hall on the left.
According to writings documenting the temple’s origins and history, Nagaoji Temple started when the monk Gyoki visited the area in 739, and heard a revelation from a God-Buddha in a willow tree. He then carved an image of Sho Kannon (Aryavalokitesvara) from the willow, and built a hall to enshrine it.
　This temple was later visited by Kobo Daishi (Kukai), who lit a fire to pray for safety and abundant harvest throughout the world. The tradition of giving visitors a wooden tag continues to this day as an event called Daieyo Fuku Ubai. There is another traditional event that takes place in the spacious temple grounds, in which contestants test their strength by lifting huge okagami mochi (New Year's rice cakes), weighing upwards of 150 kilograms.
　It is said that this is where Minamoto no Yoshitsune’s concubine, Shizuka Gozen, trained to become a nun, and a shrine containing a piece of her hair can be found in the precincts.
　Nagaoji Temple belonged to the Shingon sect during the Edo period (1603-1868), but converted to the Tendai sect under the rule of the Takamatsu Clan.