Hello, I’m Taka, the creator of this blog.
I completed the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage twice on foot, both clockwise and counterclockwise.
The area covering Temples 12 to 19 in Tokushima Prefecture is considered one of the most challenging sections in the first half of the pilgrimage, including the steep mountain route to Shōsan-ji. For walking pilgrims especially, choosing where to stay before and after Shōsan-ji can make a big difference. In this article, I’ll introduce recommended accommodations for both walking pilgrims and travelers by car, organized by temple area in an easy-to-follow format.
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Accommodation near Temples 12-13
Sudachi An
| Nearest Temple | No. 12 (3.5 km) |
| Nearest Station | – |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
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Uemura
| Nearest Temple | No. 12 (10 km) |
| Nearest Station | – |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
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Kamiyama Onsen Hotel Shiki no Sato
| Nearest Temple | No. 12 (12 km) |
| Nearest Station | – |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
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Myozai Ryokan
| Nearest Temple | No. 13 (0.1 km) |
| Nearest Station | – |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
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Accommodation near Temples 16-17
Komai An
| Nearest Temple | No. 16 (0.1 km) |
| Nearest Station | Ko (1.1 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
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Uroko Ro
| Nearest Temple | No. 16 (0.2 km) |
| Nearest Station | Ko (1 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
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Guesthouse Goodrich
| Nearest Temple | No. 17 (2.5 km) |
| Nearest Station | Kuramoto (1 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
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Self Inn Tokushima
| Nearest Temple | No. 17 (3.5 km) |
| Nearest Station | Kuramoto (0.1 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
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Room 202
| Nearest Temple | No. 17 (5 km) |
| Nearest Station | Sako (0.5 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
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Accommodations Around Tokushima Station
Hotel Sunshine Tokushima
| Nearest Temple | No. 17 (6 km) |
| Nearest Station | Tokushima (0.5 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
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CYCLE&STAY
| Nearest Temple | No. 17 (7 km) |
| Nearest Station | Tokushima (0.5 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
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Accommodation near Temples 18-19
Tokushima Komatsushima Natural Hot Springs
| Nearest Temple | No. 18 (4 km) |
| Nearest Station | Chuden (1 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
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Chiba
| Nearest Temple | No. 18 (0.2 km) |
| Nearest Station | Awa Akaishi (2 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
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Funa no Sato
| Nearest Temple | No. 19 (0.5 km) |
| Nearest Station | Tatsue (1 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
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Temple 19: Tatsue-ji
| Nearest Temple | No. 19 (0 km) |
| Nearest Station | Tatsue (0.3 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
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Key Points of This Area
The biggest challenge in this section is Shōsan-ji, Temple No. 12, located at an elevation of about 700 meters. Surrounded by deep mountains, it is often called “the first major challenge” of the pilgrimage.
The distance from Temple No. 11 to Shōsan-ji is about 13 km, but the steep mountain trails can make the journey take anywhere from 6 to 9 hours on foot. In addition, the route from Shōsan-ji to the next temple, Dainichi-ji (Temple No. 13), is about 21 km and can take more than 6 hours to walk.
Because this area is deep in the mountains, travel takes much longer than expected, making it one of the toughest sections of the entire pilgrimage. However, accommodations along the route are introduced at the beginning of this article, so planning ahead will help you travel with peace of mind.
Once you pass the Shōsan-ji area, the route gradually enters more urban areas where accommodations become easier to find, making the rest of the journey much more manageable.
Recommended Accommodation for Pilgrims Traveling by Car
Temple 19: Tatsue-ji Temple Lodging
One highly recommended place to stay for pilgrims traveling by car is the temple lodging at Tatsue-ji. Located directly beside Temple No. 19, it offers convenient access to the next two temples, Kakurin-ji (Temple No. 20) and Tairyū-ji (Temple No. 21).
Both temples are famous mountain temples known as “Henro Korogashi,” or difficult pilgrimage routes, so being able to relax nearby the night before is a major advantage. The quiet and peaceful atmosphere unique to temple lodging also makes it an ideal base for pilgrims traveling by car.
Top Recommended Accommodation: Myozai Ryokan
Located near Dainichi-ji (Temple No. 13), this inn is a popular place to stay after crossing the challenging mountain route to Shōsan-ji. Guests can relax in a quiet environment, and the inn also offers convenient facilities such as Wi-Fi and laundry services, making it comfortable even for long pilgrimage journeys. It is especially recommended for pilgrims who want to fully rest and recover after a demanding day of walking.
Frequently Asked Questions
- QIs it better to stay near Shōsan-ji?
- A
Yes. Since Temple No. 12, Shōsan-ji, is located deep in the mountains, walking pilgrims often face long travel hours. Staying either before or after visiting the temple is highly recommended. In particular, the route from Shōsan-ji to Dainichi-ji (Temple No. 13) is quite long, so planning a reasonable schedule is important.
- QWhich areas have the most accommodations in the Temples 12–19 section of Tokushima Prefecture?
- A
After Temple No. 13, the route gradually approaches the city area of Tokushima, so accommodations become more common around Temples 16–17 and near Tokushima Station. There are many options available, ranging from guesthouses to business hotels.
- QAre there any accommodations recommended for pilgrims traveling by car?
- A
Yes. The temple lodging at Tatsue-ji (Temple No. 19) is highly recommended. It offers convenient access to Kakurin-ji (Temple No. 20) and Tairyū-ji (Temple No. 21), making it an excellent base before visiting these mountain temples.
- QAre there accommodations suitable for beginner walking pilgrims?
- A
Yes. Places such as Myozai Ryokan and Komai-an are popular among pilgrims and are known for their relaxing atmosphere. Choosing accommodations with laundry facilities and Wi-Fi can make a long pilgrimage journey much more comfortable.
- QShould I book accommodations near the Shōsan-ji area in advance?
- A
Yes. Since there are only a limited number of accommodations around Shōsan-ji, it is best to book early during busy seasons and holidays. Rooms can fill up quickly, especially during the peak walking pilgrimage season.
Summary
The Temples 12–19 section in Tokushima Prefecture is considered one of the most challenging parts of the first half of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, especially because of the mountain route to Shōsan-ji.
For walking pilgrims in particular, where you choose to stay before and after Shōsan-ji can greatly affect the overall difficulty of your journey.
Since accommodations around Shōsan-ji are limited, booking in advance is highly recommended. On the other hand, after Temple No. 13, the route gradually approaches more urban areas where accommodations become easier to find.
Choose your accommodations carefully based on your physical condition and pilgrimage style, and plan a comfortable, manageable journey.
Related Articles
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Recommended Accommodation: Temples 20–22 in Tokushima
Best Accommodation for Shikoku Pilgrimage Temples 1–11 in Tokushima.
Recommended Accommodation: Temples 1–11 in Tokushima
A detailed guide to accommodation options on the Shikoku Pilgrimage, including costs and how to choose the right place to stay.
Shikoku Pilgrimage Accommodation Guide