Hello, I’m Taka, the owner of this blog.
I have completed the pilgrimage of the 88 temples of Shikoku on foot, making two full circuits in total—one in the traditional clockwise order and one in reverse order.
Temple No. 66, Unpenji Temple, is the highest-elevation temple among the 88 temples of the Shikoku Pilgrimage. Because of its location, it is important for walking pilgrims to carefully plan their accommodations before and after crossing Unpenji.
In this article, based on my experience of completing the pilgrimage twice on foot, I will introduce accommodations that are convenient for walking pilgrims between Temple No. 66 Unpenji and Temple No. 68, Jinnein Temple.
Recommended Accommodations Around Temples 66–68
I’ve grouped recommended accommodations around Temples 66–68 by travel style: walking pilgrims, driving pilgrims, and budget-friendly options. I also considered travel distances before and after crossing Unpenji Temple, as well as convenience for the following day’s pilgrimage.
Recommended Accommodations for Walking Pilgrims
If you’re walking the pilgrimage route, it’s a good idea to choose accommodations with the Unpenji crossing in mind.
When I walked this section, it took me just under six hours to travel from Temple 65, Sankakuji, to Temple 66, Unpenji Temple. If you continue past Unpenji and head to the next accommodation, it can add roughly another three hours of walking. I felt it was much easier not to push too hard and instead stay somewhere closer to the mountain entrance area before continuing the next day.
Recommended options for walking pilgrims:
- Konishi Ryokan
- Okada
- Tabibito-yado
Recommended Accommodations for Driving Pilgrims
For travelers by car, accommodations with convenient parking and good access for visiting Temples 66–69 efficiently are recommended.
Using the Kanonji area as a base makes traveling between temples easier and also provides convenient access to restaurants and shops.
Recommended options for driving pilgrims:
- Kotohiki-so
- Kamenoi Hotel Kanonji
- Kanonji Grand Hotel
Recommended Budget-Friendly Accommodations
If your priority is keeping accommodation costs low, pilgrim lodgings and traditional inns are good choices.
For walking pilgrims especially, accommodation costs can add up over many nights, so even a difference of a few thousand yen per night can significantly affect the total travel budget.
Recommended budget-friendly options:
- Tabibito-yado
- Okada
- Fujikawa Ryokan
Please note that accommodations around the Shiroji area and Kanonji Station can fill up quickly during the spring and autumn pilgrimage seasons, so booking in advance is recommended.
Highlights of This Area
Temple No. 66, Unpenji Temple, is a mountain temple located at an elevation of approximately 900 meters (2,950 feet). It is known as the highest temple among the 88 sacred sites of the Shikoku Pilgrimage. Since there are very few supermarkets or convenience stores in the surrounding area, it is advisable to purchase food, drinks, and other necessities in advance in the urban area of Shikokuchuo before heading into the mountains.
Accommodation options are scattered mainly around the Shiraji area at the foot of the mountain, including some lodgings with natural hot springs. This makes the area an ideal place for pilgrims to rest and recover before tackling the climb to Unpenji the following day.
After visiting Unpenji, many pilgrims continue on to the area around Temple No. 68 and Kanonji Station. Because the station area offers a relatively wide selection of hotels and traditional Japanese inns, it is a convenient and popular choice for an overnight stay after crossing Unpenji.
Unpenji Trailhead
Kotohiki Park Near Temple No. 68
My Recommended Accommodation Pattern Based on My Walking Pilgrimage Experience
When I walked this section of the pilgrimage, I stayed in the Shiroji area after visiting Temple 65, Sankakuji. Looking back, I felt this worked well because it gave me enough time and flexibility to head toward Unpenji Temple the following morning without rushing.
Unpenji Temple sits at a high elevation, and not only is the climb demanding, but the walking distance before and after the temple can also become quite long. Rather than trying to push through the entire section in one day, I found it easier overall to rest and recover around the Shiroji area before crossing the mountain on the next day.
Find accommodation
Clicking the button will take you to the relevant section in the article.
Accommodation Near Temple No. 66, Unpenji Temple
Okada
| Nearest Temple | No. 66 (6 km) |
| Nearest Station | – |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Check Booking Sites
Awa no Suna
| Nearest Temple | No. 66 (10 km) |
| Nearest Station | – |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Check Booking Sites
Konishi
| Nearest Temple | No. 66 (10 km) |
| Nearest Station | – |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Check Booking Sites
Hakuchisou
| Nearest Temple | No. 66 (11 km) |
| Nearest Station | – |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
Check Booking Sites
Tabibito Yado
| Nearest Temple | No. 66 (11 km) |
| Nearest Station | – |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Check Booking Sites
Accommodation Near Temples No. 67–68 and Kanonji Station
Aozora Ya
| Nearest Temple | No. 67 (5 km) |
| Nearest Station | Kanonji (10 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Check Booking Sites
Shikokuji
| Nearest Temple | No. 67 (1 km) |
| Nearest Station | Kanonji (6 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Check Booking Sites
Kamenoi Hotel Kanonji
| Nearest Temple | No. 67 (2 km) |
| Nearest Station | Kanonji (3 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Check Booking Sites
Family Lodge Hatagoya Sanuki Kanonji
| Nearest Temple | No. 68 (2 km) |
| Nearest Station | Kanonji (0.5 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Check Booking Sites
HOTEL AZ Kagawa Kanonji
| Nearest Temple | No. 68 (2 km) |
| Nearest Station | Kanonji (0.5 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Check Booking Sites
Kanonji Grand Hotel
| Nearest Temple | No. 68 (2 km) |
| Nearest Station | Kanonji (0.5 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
Check Booking Sites
Sunny Inn
| Nearest Temple | No. 68 (1 km) |
| Nearest Station | Kanonji (0.1 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Check Booking Sites
Fujikawa
| Nearest Temple | No. 68 (0.5 km) |
| Nearest Station | Kanonji (1 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Check Booking Sites
Wakamatsu Ya
| Nearest Temple | No. 68 (0.5 km) |
| Nearest Station | Kanonji (1 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Check Booking Sites
Kotohikisou
| Nearest Temple | No. 68 (0.5 km) |
| Nearest Station | Kanonji (2 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Check Booking Sites
Top Recommendation: Konishi Ryokan
Located in the Shiraji area at the foot of the pilgrimage route leading to Unpenji Temple, Konishi Ryokan is a popular hot-spring inn among pilgrims preparing to cross Unpenji.
Set in a peaceful location overlooking the Yoshino River, the ryokan offers a relaxing atmosphere where guests can recover from the day’s journey. Its scenic bath provides beautiful seasonal views, allowing visitors to unwind while enjoying the surrounding landscape.
With a history spanning more than a century, the inn is also known for its connection to the celebrated Japanese writer Fumiko Hayashi. Combining traditional hospitality with a tranquil setting, it has long been a favorite stop for pilgrims.
The property also offers parking, making it convenient for those traveling by car. Whether you are walking the pilgrimage or driving between temples, Konishi Ryokan is an excellent place to rest and prepare for the climb to Unpenji the following day.
Check details and availability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- QAre there any accommodations near Unpenji Temple?
- A
Accommodation options near Unpenji Temple are limited. Most lodging facilities are located in the Shiraji area at the foot of the mountain or in the direction of Shikokuchuo. Walking pilgrims often stay in the Shiraji area before crossing Unpenji, with inns such as Konishi Ryokan being particularly popular.
- QWhere is the best place to stay when visiting Unpenji on foot?
- A
For walking pilgrims, staying in the Shiraji area near the trailhead to Unpenji is highly recommended. This allows for an early start the next morning and helps reduce physical strain. Konishi Ryokan is especially popular thanks to its hot spring facilities and convenient access to the pilgrimage route.
- QCan I buy food and drinks before crossing Unpenji?
- A
There are very few convenience stores or supermarkets in the immediate vicinity of Unpenji. It is advisable to purchase food, drinks, and other necessities in advance in the urban areas of Shikokuchuo or Kanonji before heading into the mountains.
- QWhich accommodation is recommended for pilgrims traveling by car?
- A
For motorists, Kotohikisou is a great choice. It offers convenient access to Temple No. 68, Jinnein Temple, and Temple No. 69, Kanonji Temple, and provides complimentary parking for guests.
- QAre there hotels near Kanonji Station?
- A
Yes. The area around Kanonji Station offers several business hotels and traditional inns. This makes it a convenient base for visiting Temple No. 68 Jinnein and Temple No. 69 Kanonji Temple.
- QHow long does it take to walk from Unpenji to the area around Temple No. 68?
- A
Depending on the route and pace, most walking pilgrims allow approximately 5–7 hours to travel from Unpenji to the area around Temple No. 68. Travel times can vary based on fitness level, weather conditions, and rest breaks, so it is best to plan with some flexibility.
- QCan Unpenji be visited by ropeway?
- A
Yes. The Unpenji Ropeway provides access close to the mountaintop, making it easier for car pilgrims and those with mobility concerns to visit the temple.
- QIs it possible to visit Temple No. 66 through Temple No. 68 in a single day?
- A
For pilgrims traveling by car, visiting all three temples in one day is generally very manageable. For walking pilgrims, however, crossing Unpenji is physically demanding, so an overnight stay along the route may be the more comfortable and practical option depending on your fitness level and departure time.
Summary
Because accommodation options around Unpenji Temple are limited, it is advisable to make reservations as early as possible, especially during peak pilgrimage and travel seasons.
For walking pilgrims, staying in the Shiraji area before crossing Unpenji can make the following day’s journey significantly more manageable and enjoyable.
For those traveling by car, accommodations around Kanonji Station or Kotohikisou provide a convenient base for efficiently visiting Temples No. 66 through No. 69.
If you’re unsure where to stay, Konishi Ryokan is an excellent choice for an overnight stay before crossing Unpenji, while Kotohikisou is highly recommended for those staying in the Kanonji area.
Whichever option you choose, careful accommodation planning will help make your pilgrimage through this challenging and rewarding section of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage more comfortable and memorable.
Related Articles
Best Accommodation for Pilgrims Near Zentsuji Temple.
Recommended Accommodation: Temples 70–77 in Kagawa
Where to Stay Between Temple 64 and Temple 65 on the Shikoku Pilgrimage.
Recommended Accommodation: Temples 64–65 in Ehime
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
