Hello, I’m “Taka,” the owner of this blog.
I completed the Shikoku Pilgrimage on foot twice, including both the clockwise and counterclockwise routes.
In this article, I’ll introduce recommended accommodations in the first half of the route from Iwamotoji Temple (Temple 37) to Kongofukuji Temple (Temple 38), mainly around the Kuroshio and Shimanto areas of Kochi Prefecture.
From guesthouses and family-run inns suitable for walking pilgrims to hotels convenient for pilgrims traveling by car, this guide focuses on accessibility, comfort, and practical travel distances.
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Accommodations Around Kuroshio Town
Tosa Saga Onsen Kobushi no Sato
| Nearest Temple | No. 37 (10 km) |
| Nearest Station | Kaina (1 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
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New Shirahama
| Nearest Temple | No. 37 (22 km) |
| Nearest Station | Tosa Shirahama (0.3 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
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Ohana
| Nearest Temple | No. 37 (27 km) |
| Nearest Station | Ariigawa (1 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
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Takahama
| Nearest Temple | No. 37 (27 km) |
| Nearest Station | Ariigawa (0.2 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
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Umibozu
| Nearest Temple | No. 37 (27 km) |
| Nearest Station | Ariigawa (0.2 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
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Tabi no Tochu
| Nearest Temple | No. 37 (30 km) |
| Nearest Station | Tosa Kamikawaguchi (0.3 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
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Miyako
| Nearest Temple | No. 37 (30 km) |
| Nearest Station | Umi no Omukae (0.3 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
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Surf House Realista
| Nearest Temple | No. 37 (33 km) |
| Nearest Station | Ukibuchi (1 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
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Nest West Garden Tosa
| Nearest Temple | No. 37 (35 km) |
| Nearest Station | Tosa Irino (0.5 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
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Accommodations Around the Shimanto River
Suzu
| Nearest Temple | No. 38 (34 km) |
| Nearest Station | Nakamura (1 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
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Koban
| Nearest Temple | No. 38 (34 km) |
| Nearest Station | Nakamura (1 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
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Nakamura Daiichi Hotel
| Nearest Temple | No. 38 (34 km) |
| Nearest Station | Nakamura (0.1 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
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New Minshuku Nakamura
| Nearest Temple | No. 38 (34 km) |
| Nearest Station | Nakamura (0.2 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
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Cocomo
| Nearest Temple | No. 38 (34 km) |
| Nearest Station | Nakamura (0.2 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
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Sunriver Shimanto
| Nearest Temple | No. 38 (34 km) |
| Nearest Station | Nakamura (0.2 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
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Crown Hills Nakamura
| Nearest Temple | No. 38 (34 km) |
| Nearest Station | Nakamura (0.2 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
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Highlights of This Area
The route from Iwamotoji Temple (Temple 37) to Kongofukuji Temple (Temple 38) covers approximately 80 km, making it one of the longest sections of the Shikoku Pilgrimage. This area represents the first half of that long-distance route.
Along the way, accommodations and small shops are scattered throughout the town of Kuroshio, making it relatively manageable for walking pilgrims to secure places to stay as they travel. Pilgrims with enough stamina may also choose to continue farther on to central Shimanto City.
Because this is a long-distance section, it is recommended to avoid overexertion and travel at a steady pace while taking breaks in the towns along the route.
Recommended Accommodation for Pilgrims Traveling by Car
Hotel Cocomo
Located close to central Shimanto City and Nakamura Station, Hotel Cocomo is a convenient base for pilgrims traveling by car. The hotel features separate large public baths and saunas for men and women, providing a relaxing place to recover after a long day on the pilgrimage route.
The property is also equipped with convenient amenities such as free Wi-Fi and coin laundry facilities. With free parking available, it is an easy and practical option for travelers driving through the area. Its reasonable rates and comfortable facilities make it a popular and accessible choice for pilgrims.
Top Recommended Stay: Nest West Garden Tosa
The route from Iwamotoji Temple (Temple 37) to Kongofukuji Temple (Temple 38) is a long-distance section of about 80 km, making accommodation planning important for both walking pilgrims and those traveling by car. One of the most convenient places to stay along the midpoint of this route is Nest West Garden Tosa.
The hotel is known for its open location overlooking the Pacific Ocean and its spacious public bath, offering a relaxing environment to recover from the fatigue of the pilgrimage journey. Facilities such as Wi-Fi and laundry services are also available, making long stays more comfortable.
For walking pilgrims, the hotel offers special pilgrimage discounts and early morning bento meal options, while its convenient access and comfortable facilities also make it a popular stop for pilgrims traveling by car.
Frequently Asked Questions
- QHow far is it from Iwamotoji Temple (Temple 37) to Kongofukuji Temple (Temple 38)?
- A
The distance between Temple 37 and Temple 38 is approximately 80 km. It is known as one of the longest sections of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, and many walking pilgrims stay overnight around Kuroshio Town or Shimanto City along the way.
- QWhere is it recommended to stay for walking pilgrims?
- A
For walking pilgrims, it is common to stay around Kuroshio Town for one night, and if energy levels allow, continue on toward central Shimanto City. Kuroshio Town has several guesthouses and family-run inns, making it easier to divide the long-distance route into manageable sections.
- QAre there any accommodations convenient for pilgrims traveling by car?
- A
Around Nakamura Station in Shimanto City, there are many hotels with parking facilities. In particular, Hotel Cocomo and Sunriver Shimanto are convenient stopover options for pilgrims heading toward Kongofukuji Temple (Temple 38).
- QAre there accommodations with laundry facilities?
- A
Yes. Many of the accommodations introduced in this article offer coin laundry machines or washing facilities. For long-term walking pilgrims, choosing lodging with laundry access can be very convenient.
- QAre there accommodations with English support?
- A
Some guesthouses, such as Ohana and Tabi no Tochu, provide English support. Many accommodations in this area are accustomed to hosting international pilgrims, making it a traveler-friendly region for overseas visitors as well.
- QShould I stay in Kuroshio Town or Shimanto City?
- A
For walking pilgrims, it is generally recommended to stop in Kuroshio Town based on your physical condition and pace. On the other hand, pilgrims traveling by car or those planning longer travel days may find Shimanto City more convenient due to its larger number of accommodations and restaurants.
Summary
The route from Iwamotoji Temple (Temple 37) to Kongofukuji Temple (Temple 38) is known as one of the longest sections of the Shikoku Pilgrimage.
Around Kuroshio Town, there are several guesthouses and family-run inns suited for walking pilgrims, making it easier to divide the journey into manageable stages without overexertion. Meanwhile, continuing on to central Shimanto City provides access to a larger number of hotels and restaurants, making it a convenient base for pilgrims traveling by car as well.
In particular:
- For walking pilgrims: Tabi no Tochu
- As a convenient midway base: Nest West Garden Tosa
- For pilgrims traveling by car: Hotel Cocomo
are all especially practical accommodation choices.
Since this is a long-distance section, it is best to avoid pushing yourself too hard and instead plan your accommodations according to your own walking pace and travel style.
Related Articles
Shikoku Pilgrimage Accommodation Guide: Shimanto to Cape Ashizuri.
Recommended Accommodation: Temples 37–38 Part 2
Shikoku Pilgrimage Accommodation Guide: Temples 29–35 in Kochi.
Recommended Accommodation: Temples 29–35 in Kochi
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