Emon Saburō

Emon Saburō (衛門三郎): legend regards him as the first pilgrim, who set out in search of the monk Kūkai (Kōbō Daishi) to beg for his forgiveness.

Having refused alms to Kūkai, Emon Saburō, who was very wealthy and miserly, saw all his sons die. He is said to have walked around Shikoku 20 times searching for the monk. Finally he undertook one last journey in the reverse direction and fell gravely ill near temple 12, where he met Kūkai, who granted him forgiveness.

More information in the More tab of temple 12 Shōsan-ji (焼山寺)