Unlike most pilgrimage temples, you descend steps to reach Sairinji after crossing a bridge over a stream. This rare layout makes it one of the few temples on the 88-temple circuit where you walk downward rather than climb up to enter.

A haiku by famous poet Masaoka Shiki is carved on a stone at the temple gate, mentioning teiregi, a water plant that grows in the clear streams here. This plant is now designated a Natural Treasure by Matsuyama City.

The temple grounds feature Kokotake, or 'filial piety bamboo,' where parent and child bamboo stalks grow intertwined. This natural formation has become a symbol of family happiness for pilgrims visiting the 48th sacred site.

西林寺は弘法大師がこの地で水を見つけたという伝説に結びついており、真言宗の重要人物との縁で知られます。