Hello, I’m Taka, the owner of this blog.
I have completed the Shikoku Pilgrimage on foot twice, including both the clockwise and counterclockwise routes.
The section from the 37th temple, Iwamoto-ji, to the 38th temple, Kongōfuku-ji, is one of the longest stretches of the pilgrimage route at approximately 80 km.
Since there are no train services beyond Shimanto, pilgrims traveling on foot need to carefully check accommodation locations and bus routes in advance.
In this article, I’ll introduce accommodations for pilgrims between Shimanto and downtown Tosashimizu, along with information on access and facilities.
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Accommodations Around Shimanto City
Pension Hirano ＆ Cafe SORA
| Nearest Temple | No. 38 (40 km) |
| Nearest Bus Stop | Nabeshimamiya Mae (1 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
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Shimanto no Yado
| Nearest Temple | No. 38 (40 km) |
| Nearest Bus Stop | Iyashi no Sato (0.1 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
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Hotori
| Nearest Temple | No. 38 (30 km) |
| Nearest Bus Stop | Hatsuzaki Bunki (0.3 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
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Yamamizuki
| Nearest Temple | No. 38 (33 km) |
| Nearest Bus Stop | Hatsuzaki Bunki (4 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
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Accommodations Around Shimonokae and Ōki Coast
Anshuku
| Nearest Temple | No. 38 (23 km) |
| Nearest Bus Stop | Shimonokae Shimoura (0.1 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
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Isaribi
| Nearest Temple | No. 38 (20 km) |
| Nearest Bus Stop | Kumomo (0.4 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
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Kumomo
| Nearest Temple | No. 38 (20 km) |
| Nearest Bus Stop | Kumomo (0.1 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
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Oki no Hama
| Nearest Temple | No. 38 (19 km) |
| Nearest Bus Stop | Kohama (0.1 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
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Kaiyu
| Nearest Temple | No. 38 (19 km) |
| Nearest Bus Stop | Kaiyu no Yu Mae (0.1 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
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Oki Marine
| Nearest Temple | No. 38 (19 km) |
| Nearest Bus Stop | Kaiyu no Yu Mae (0.2 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
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Yurutto
| Nearest Temple | No. 38 (12 km) |
| Nearest Bus Stop | Iburi (0.1 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
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Accommodations Around Tosashimizu City
Ashizuri Club
| Nearest Temple | No. 38 (13 km) |
| Nearest Bus Stop | Echizen Cho (0.3 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
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Hayakawa
| Nearest Temple | No. 38 (13 km) |
| Nearest Bus Stop | Echizen Cho (0.1 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
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Naiki
| Nearest Temple | No. 38 (12 km) |
| Nearest Bus Stop | Shimizu Shikoku Denryoku Mae (0.2 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
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Shimizu
| Nearest Temple | No. 38 (12 km) |
| Nearest Bus Stop | Asahi cho (0.2 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
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Mikan no Ie
| Nearest Temple | No. 38 (10 km) |
| Nearest Bus Stop | Midorigaoka (0.2 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
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Hibi
| Nearest Temple | No. 38 (13 km) |
| Nearest Bus Stop | Urashiri Ipponmatsu (0.1 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
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Key Points About This Area
The route from the 37th temple, Iwamoto-ji, to the 38th temple, Kongōfuku-ji, is approximately 80 km long, making it one of the longest sections of the Shikoku Pilgrimage. There are no railway lines between downtown Shimanto and Cape Ashizuri, so buses are the main form of transportation in this area.
Around Tosashimizu, there are several towns and small settlements where pilgrims can stay overnight. Using accommodations along the route is highly recommended for planning a comfortable and manageable itinerary.
In this area, many pilgrims also choose the “return route” after visiting the 38th temple, Kongōfuku-ji, heading back before continuing on to the 39th temple, Enkō-ji. It is also common for pilgrims to stay multiple nights around Tosashimizu and leave their luggage at the accommodation while making a round trip to Cape Ashizuri.
Recommended Accommodation for Pilgrims Traveling by Car
Accommodation in Shimanto
This hot spring hotel near the mouth of the Shimanto River offers a large free parking area, making it a convenient base for pilgrims traveling by car. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, and guests can also enjoy the natural hot spring bath, “Shimanto Iyashi no Yu.”
The hotel also features an on-site restaurant and souvenir shop, providing a relaxing place to recover after a long day on the road. With easy access to downtown Nakamura and the Cape Ashizuri area, it is also a popular choice for extended stays.
Top Recommendation: Hotel Shimizu
A convenient business hotel located in downtown Tosashimizu. All rooms are equipped with Wi-Fi, making it easy for pilgrims to check travel information and stay connected during their journey.
The hotel is conveniently accessible from nearby bus stops and is also a popular base for traveling to the Cape Ashizuri area. There is also a coin laundry on-site, providing useful facilities for pilgrims on long-distance journeys. Its quiet location is another highlight, offering a relaxing place to rest after a day of walking.
Frequently Asked Questions
- QHow far is it from the 37th temple, Iwamoto-ji, to the 38th temple, Kongōfuku-ji?
- A
The distance is approximately 80 km, making it one of the longest sections of the Shikoku Pilgrimage.
Pilgrims traveling on foot often divide the route into two to four days.
- QCan I travel from Shimanto to Cape Ashizuri by train?
- A
No.
There are no railway services beyond Nakamura Station, so buses are the primary means of transportation in this area.
Even walking pilgrims sometimes use buses for certain sections of the route.
- QCan walking pilgrims find accommodations along the route?
- A
Yes.
There are accommodations available in downtown Shimanto, Shimonokae, Ōki Coast, and downtown Tosashimizu.
However, since the number of accommodations is smaller than in major cities, early reservations are recommended during busy seasons.
- QHow do I travel from Cape Ashizuri to the 39th temple, Enkō-ji?
- A
There are mainly two route options.
1. Return Route (Most Common)
After visiting the 38th temple, Kongōfuku-ji, pilgrims return toward Tosashimizu before continuing on to the 39th temple, Enkō-ji.
This is the standard route commonly chosen by walking pilgrims because accommodations, shops, and bus services are easier to access.
2. Coastal Route
This route continues directly along the coastline from Cape Ashizuri toward the Sukumo area.
Although it is about 20 km longer than the return route, many pilgrims enjoy the scenic views of the Pacific Ocean and the beautiful coastal sunsets.
On the other hand, some sections have very few shops or accommodations, so it is recommended to plan meals and lodging in advance.
- QDo many pilgrims stay multiple nights in Tosashimizu?
- A
Yes.
Many walking pilgrims stay several nights in downtown Tosashimizu and leave their luggage at the accommodation while making a round trip to Cape Ashizuri.
Traveling with a lighter load makes the journey physically easier.
- QAre there accommodations with laundry facilities?
- A
Yes.
Many accommodations in this area offer coin laundries or washing machines.
Because this is a long-distance section of the pilgrimage, many pilgrims prioritize laundry facilities when choosing where to stay.
- QIs this area suitable for pilgrims traveling by car?
- A
Yes.
There are many accommodations with parking, making the area around Cape Ashizuri convenient for car-based pilgrimages.
In particular, Shimanto no Yado is popular among car pilgrims because of its spacious parking area and hot spring facilities.
Summary
The route from the 37th temple, Iwamoto-ji, to the 38th temple, Kongōfuku-ji, is one of the longest sections of the Shikoku Pilgrimage.
Since there are no railway services beyond Shimanto, careful planning around accommodation locations and bus transportation becomes especially important.
For walking pilgrims, the journey can be made more manageable by choosing routes such as:
- Staying multiple nights in Tosashimizu
- Spending one night near Cape Ashizuri
- Using the return-route style pilgrimage after visiting Cape Ashizuri
Many accommodations also provide Wi-Fi and laundry facilities, making long-distance travel more comfortable and convenient.
Because rooms can fill up quickly during busy seasons, early reservations are highly recommended.
Related Articles
Where to Stay Near Cape Ashizuri | Temple 38 Shikoku Pilgrimage Accommodation Guide.
Recommended Accommodation: Temple 38 – Cape Ashizuri Part 3
Best Places to Stay Between Temple 37 and 38 (Kuroshio & Shimanto).
Recommended Accommodation: Temples 37–38 Part 1
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