Shōsan-ji is temple No. 12 on the Shikoku pilgrimage. Located at 800 m up a mountain, it’s the second highest temple on the pilgrimage, and it’s known as a nansho, or ‘difficult place’, with a lot of up and down along the way. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Awaji Island. However, the temple is frequently wreathed in cloud, making it very atmospheric. The pilgrimage trail from Temple 11, Fujii-dera to Shōsan-ji is difficult but rewarding.