Hello, I’m Taka, the owner of this blog.
I have completed the Shikoku Pilgrimage on foot twice, combining both the clockwise route and the counterclockwise route.
The section from Enmyō-ji (Temple No. 53) to Nankōbō (Temple No. 55) is a long-distance stretch that takes pilgrims from Matsuyama to Imabari.
In particular, the distance between Temple No. 53 and Enmei-ji (Temple No. 54) is approximately 35 km (22 miles), so many walking pilgrims choose to stay overnight in areas such as Iyo-Hōjō or Ōnishi along the way.
In this article, I will introduce hotels, traditional inns, and guesthouses that are convenient for pilgrims traveling between Temples No. 53 and 55.
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Accommodation near Temples 53-54
Resort Inn Mermaid
| Nearest Temple | No. 53 (2 km) |
| Nearest Station | Horie (1 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
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Setouchi Resort Hotel
| Nearest Temple | No. 53 (4 km) |
| Nearest Station | Koyodai (0.2 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
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Shiokaze Rider House
| Nearest Temple | No. 53 (8 km) |
| Nearest Station | Yanagihara (0.5 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
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PUBLIC HOUSE Hama
| Nearest Temple | No. 53 (10 km) |
| Nearest Station | Iyo Hojo (0.2 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
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Seapa no Yu
| Nearest Temple | No. 53 (10 km) |
| Nearest Station | Iyo Hojo (0.5 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
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Oyado Mahoroba
| Nearest Temple | No. 53 (10 km) |
| Nearest Station | Iyo Hojo (0.5 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
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Tsuyoshi
| Nearest Temple | No. 54 (4 km) |
| Nearest Station | Onishi (0.5 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
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Masuya Ryokan Auberge
| Nearest Temple | No. 54 (4 km) |
| Nearest Station | Onishi (0.2 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
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Accommodation near Temple 55 and Imabari Station
Kisuke no Yado Imabari Ekimae
| Nearest Temple | No. 55 (0.6 km) |
| Nearest Station | Imabari (0.1 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
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Imabari Station Hotel
| Nearest Temple | No. 55 (0.5 km) |
| Nearest Station | Imabari (0.1 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
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Cyclo no Ie
| Nearest Temple | No. 55 (0.5 km) |
| Nearest Station | Imabari (0.1 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
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JR Clement Inn Imabari
| Nearest Temple | No. 55 (0.3 km) |
| Nearest Station | Imabari (0.1 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
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Blue Door
| Nearest Temple | No. 55 (0.2 km) |
| Nearest Station | Imabari (0.5 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
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Orange no Kaze
| Nearest Temple | No. 55 (0.5 km) |
| Nearest Station | Imabari (1 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
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MACCHI
| Nearest Temple | No. 55 (1 km) |
| Nearest Station | Imabari (1 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
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Komecho Ryokan
| Nearest Temple | No. 55 (1 km) |
| Nearest Station | Imabari (1 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
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Highlights of This Area
This section takes pilgrims from Matsuyama to Imabari.
The distance between Temple No. 53 and Temple No. 54 is approximately 35 km (22 miles), making it a full day’s walk for most pilgrims. Along the route, accommodation options are scattered throughout areas such as Iyo-Hōjō and Ōnishi, making it relatively easy to find a place to stay based on your fitness level and travel schedule.
Temple No. 55 is located close to Imabari Station, where you’ll find a wide range of hotels, restaurants, and other services. With plenty of accommodation choices available, it is a convenient place to stay before continuing on the next stage of your pilgrimage.
Another attraction of this area is its proximity to the gateway of the Shimanami Kaidō. Several budget-friendly guesthouses cater to cyclists, providing affordable lodging options for pilgrims as well. Staying in this area offers a chance to experience the unique atmosphere of the Shimanami Kaidō while continuing your pilgrimage journey.
Recommended Accommodation for Pilgrims Traveling by Car
Hotel Seapa no Yu
Located roughly midway between Temple No. 53, Enmyō-ji, and Temple No. 54, Enmei-ji, this hotel serves as a convenient base for pilgrims traveling by car. Its prime location overlooking the Seto Inland Sea is one of its biggest attractions.
Guests can relax after a day of pilgrimage in the hotel’s unique saltwater hot spring baths, which use natural seawater, or enjoy the ocean-view open-air baths while taking in the coastal scenery. The property also features a restaurant and sauna, providing a comfortable and well-equipped stay.
With free parking available on-site, it is an excellent choice for motorists undertaking the pilgrimage. Its location also makes it easy to continue toward Imabari the following day, making it a highly recommended stopover between temples.
Top Recommendation: Komecho Ryokan
Conveniently located near Imabari Station, this ryokan is a popular choice for both walking pilgrims and cyclists. Its warm, family-run atmosphere creates a welcoming environment for travelers on a long journey.
Guests can enjoy traditional Japanese-style rooms along with practical amenities such as free Wi-Fi and laundry facilities, making it especially suitable for multi-day pilgrimages. The inn is also close to Imabari Port, providing convenient access to sightseeing around the Shimanami Kaidō.
Dinner often features fresh seafood from the Seto Inland Sea, and the ryokan is well regarded for its excellent value for money. It is an ideal place for pilgrims to relax and recover after a day of temple visits.
Frequently Asked Questions
- QHow far is it from Temple No. 53 to Temple No. 54?
- A
The distance between Temple No. 53, Enmyō-ji, and Temple No. 54, Enmei-ji, is approximately 35 km (22 miles). For walking pilgrims, this is typically a full-day journey, so it is advisable to plan an overnight stay in areas such as Iyo-Hōjō along the route.
- QWhere is the most convenient place to stay in the Temple No. 53–55 area?
- A
For walking pilgrims, the areas around Imabari Station and Iyo-Hōjō are particularly convenient. The Imabari Station area offers a wide range of accommodations and restaurants, making it easy to continue your pilgrimage the following day.
- QIs there a recommended accommodation for pilgrims traveling by car?
- A
Yes. Hotel Seapa no Yu is a popular choice for motorists. Located roughly halfway between Temple No. 53 and Temple No. 54, it offers free parking and hot spring facilities, making it a convenient base for a pilgrimage by car.
- QAre there pilgrim-friendly accommodations near Imabari Station?
- A
Yes. The area around Imabari Station has a variety of hotels, traditional inns, and guesthouses. Its proximity to Nankōbō makes it a popular lodging area for both walking pilgrims and cycling pilgrims.
- QAre there accommodations with laundry facilities?
- A
Yes. Several accommodations around Imabari Station and Iyo-Hōjō provide coin-operated laundry machines or guest laundry facilities. For those undertaking a long pilgrimage, checking laundry availability in advance is highly recommended.
- QCan I combine my pilgrimage with sightseeing along the Shimanami Kaidō?
- A
Absolutely. The Imabari area serves as a gateway to the Shimanami Kaidō and offers many cyclist-friendly guesthouses. It is an excellent location for travelers who wish to combine the pilgrimage with cycling or sightseeing along this famous route.
- QHow many days are needed to visit Temples No. 53–55 on foot?
- A
The required time depends on your walking pace and fitness level, but most pilgrims complete the route from Temple No. 53 to Temple No. 55 in one to two days. Because the section between Temple No. 53 and Temple No. 54 is relatively long, planning an overnight stay along the way can make the journey much more comfortable.
Summary
The area around Temples No. 53–55 offers a variety of accommodation options, ranging from Iyo-Hōjō to the area surrounding Imabari Station.
For walking pilgrims, staying near Imabari Station is often the most convenient option, while travelers undertaking the pilgrimage by car may find the area around Hotel Seapa no Yu to be an efficient base.
Because the distance between Temple No. 53 and Temple No. 54 is particularly long, it is wise to secure accommodation in advance and plan your itinerary carefully. With proper preparation, you can enjoy a more comfortable and rewarding pilgrimage experience through this section of the Shikoku Pilgrimage.
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