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.
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Accommodation Near Temple No. 66, Unpenji Temple
Okada
| Nearest Temple | No. 66 (6 km) |
| Nearest Station | – |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
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Awa no Suna
| Nearest Temple | No. 66 (10 km) |
| Nearest Station | – |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
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Konishi
| Nearest Temple | No. 66 (10 km) |
| Nearest Station | – |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
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Hakuchisou
| Nearest Temple | No. 66 (11 km) |
| Nearest Station | – |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
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Tabibito Yado
| Nearest Temple | No. 66 (11 km) |
| Nearest Station | – |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
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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) |
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Shikokuji
| Nearest Temple | No. 67 (1 km) |
| Nearest Station | Kanonji (6 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
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Kamenoi Hotel Kanonji
| Nearest Temple | No. 67 (2 km) |
| Nearest Station | Kanonji (3 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
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Family Lodge Hatagoya Sanuki Kanonji
| Nearest Temple | No. 68 (2 km) |
| Nearest Station | Kanonji (0.5 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
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HOTEL AZ Kagawa Kanonji
| Nearest Temple | No. 68 (2 km) |
| Nearest Station | Kanonji (0.5 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
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Kanonji Grand Hotel
| Nearest Temple | No. 68 (2 km) |
| Nearest Station | Kanonji (0.5 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
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Sunny Inn
| Nearest Temple | No. 68 (1 km) |
| Nearest Station | Kanonji (0.1 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
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Fujikawa
| Nearest Temple | No. 68 (0.5 km) |
| Nearest Station | Kanonji (1 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
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Wakamatsu Ya
| Nearest Temple | No. 68 (0.5 km) |
| Nearest Station | Kanonji (1 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
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Kotohikisou
| Nearest Temple | No. 68 (0.5 km) |
| Nearest Station | Kanonji (2 km) |
| Google Maps | MAP |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
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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
Recommended Accommodation for Pilgrims Traveling by Car
Kotohikisou
This accommodation is highly recommended for pilgrims traveling by car who are looking for a place to stay near Temple No. 68. Located about a 5-minute drive from Kanonji Station, it offers convenient access to Temple No. 68, Jinnein Temple, and Temple No. 69, Kanonji Temple.
Renovated in 2024, the property features spacious guest rooms designed for a comfortable stay. One of its highlights is the beautiful setting overlooking the Seto Inland Sea and Ariake Beach. Guests can also enjoy an authentic Chinese restaurant located within the hotel.
With complimentary parking available on-site, it serves as a convenient and comfortable base for those exploring the Shikoku Pilgrimage by car.
Check details and availability.
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.
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