Chionji is a Buddhist temple at the southern end of the sandbar, right beside Amanohashidate Station. It houses a famous image of Monju Bosatsu — the bodhisattva of wisdom — and is one of three sites in Japan that claim the honour of possessing the most important Monju image. Students and examination-takers come here to pray for academic success.
The temple is attractive and accessible, and it makes a natural first stop before setting off onto the sandbar. The grounds are shaded and quiet early in the morning. The temple gate faces the water, which gives the whole complex a pleasantly open feeling.